The Tale Of Hearts

Chapter 123

Hazel's POV

I took a long shower, letting the cold water wash away the knots twisting in my stomach. I stayed there for almost an hour, trying to figure out how I was supposed to face him now, especially when he seemed to know me better than I knew myself. Finally, steeling myself, I stepped out and dressed in a fitted turtleneck top, high enough to hide every single mark he had left on my neck, with a pair of jeans. When i came out, He wasn't in room to be seen at first, but then I heard his voice drifting from his office space. I tiptoed closer, peeking down. There he was pacing the length of the small or office space in nothing but his grey sweatpants, phone pressed to his ear, taking with Olivia how she should manage office works in his absence. 

My eyes betrayed me, running shamelessly over the hard ridges of his abs, the sharp lines of his chest, the way his broad back muscles flexed every time he raked a hand through his messy hair. Sexy Devil... my mind whispered, and I instantly shook my head. Oh, God, what am I doing?  Heat rushed to my cheeks, and I scrambled back before he could notice. I let my semi damp hair down and my hands fumbling, they too were flustered by him. I started hurriedly put on some lip balm, pretending I hadn't just been ogling him like a starved idiot. Oh, get a grip, Haze, otherwise you're going to make a fool of yourself! I mentally lectured myself, tugging at the collar of my turtleneck in a hopeless attempt to cover the faint mark still peeking above it. When I was finally done, I noticed our luggage was already gone, probably maids had carried them down earlier. Good. One less thing to worry about while my heart was still pounding like a drum. Taking a steadying breath, I gathered myself and slipped out of the room before he could see me or worse, catch me. 

Following the sound of laughter echoing from below, I stepped into the garden, a fancy breakfast table was set there. Steaming dishes, pitchers of juice glistening in the early sun. Everyone was there except Tash and Kevin, which immediately felt kinda suspicious. I walked to them in silent and as soon as Eva saw a sight of me, she smirked, her bloodshot eyes betraying the hangover she was trying to hide. I narrowed my gaze and shot her a glare, but the twitch at the corner of her lips only deepened. From across the table, Nora stifled a giggle, which quickly bubbled into laughter she couldn't quite contain. Wait until I get my hands on you, I mouthed, eyes narrowing into sharp slits.

"Good morning, all," I mumbled, offering a small smile as I slid into an empty chair. Uncle greeted me first, warm as always. Then Aunt and Mom bustled over, bringing trays of pastries and crispy bacon with the help of Martha.

"Oh, my sweet girl, how was your first day as a wife?" Aunt teased, smirking. Heat instantly flared in my cheeks. I forced a shy little smile. That was all it took for everyone to burst into laughter.

"This soup is for hangovers," Mom said, setting down a steaming pot and fixing her gaze pointedly at Eva.

" Thanks Aunty, ohh My head hurts," Eva groaned, dropping her forehead onto her palm. "Please remind me never to drink again." Even little Sofie laughed at that.

"Where's Hyden, honey?" Aunt asked, peering around. "He's getting ready, he'll join soon," I answered quickly. The conversation shifted after that, Aunt and Mom happily reminiscing about yesterday's wedding, their voices overlapping in bursts of laughter. In the middle of it all, Hyden finally appeared. He moved next to me, dropping into the empty chair beside me making sure to filled every corner of my awareness with his presence. I caught my lips between my teeth when his warm hand slid beneath the table, settling firmly on my thigh. Tiny sparks shot through me, the fine hairs on the back of my neck rising.  A moment later, Tash shuffled in and dropped into her seat across from us. Her eyes were bloodshot, her skin pale, honestly, she looked like a ghost who had partied too hard in the afterlife. She really couldn't handle her drinks. I almost smirked at the thought, thinking that god himself has given her a good punishment for what she done to me but when her gaze flicked to me she tried to smile at me, but it was so forced it looked more like a grimace. I knew something was wrong.