Destined For A Duke (Completed)

Chapter 26

Ella was confused. What difference could two small pieces of silk make? She still looked the same, felt the same and was still the only one in room. Max was still brooding in his study as far as she knew.

Bella had been persistent that she needed such a revealing attire as if it could attract her absent husband. On top of it, she was forbidden from wearing a robe over it. How was a woman supposed to stay warm? By setting herself on fire? If only she hadn't promised her sister that she would not wear a robe.

Ella decided to sit as close to the fire as possible. Which was on the ground near the fire place. She would later hide under the covers. Hopefully the fire and thick covers would be enough to keep her warm.

She was debating whether to complete the story or go to sleep when the door to her room opened. She turned around and was surprised to see her absentee husband. He looked pale and haggard.

"Well good! How dare he desert her after kissing so passionately?" Ella thought to herself as she watched a confused looking Max search for her around the room. After searching the whole room, Max finally sat down on the sofa near Ella. He was looking at the ceiling when Ella decided to make her presence known.

"What are you doing here? I thought that you were ignoring me." Max turned so fast at the sound of her voice that he lost his balance. He landed at the foot of the sofa, near Ella. Seeing his face, Ella had a hard time holding in her laugh.

"What are you laughing at? And what are you doing down here?" As Ella was still in the shadows, Max did not see her state of undress. He picked himself up from the floor and decided to change. Ella kept on laughing at his expense.

"I wish I could freeze time. Your face was priceless. I think I saw fear." Ella started laughing all over again.

"Hilarious! Your sense of humor is great." Max moved out from behind the screen while buttoning his shirt.

"Why, thank you kind sir." Ella finally decided to move from her place of hiding. She was still not confident enough to show her body. Deciding to wear the robe, she started making her way towards it as quickly as possible. She wanted to accomplish the task while Max still had his back towards her. Ella was putting it on when Max looked at her.

She saw him stand straighter with his eyes narrowed. They roamed over her while body twice before they settled on her face. Ella heard him gulp then clear his throat twice before speaking.

"What are you wearing?" his harsh tone made Ella feel rebellious and brave. It was obvious that Max was not happy but Ella did not expect him to return to their chambers. She didn't care about what he thought, especially after how he left her in the carriage.

"Perfectly sensible clothes to wear in bedroom. Don't you dare tell me what to wear after forgetting that I even exist." Ella threw her robe away and started to move towards the bed. Max held her back by taking her wrist in his hand.

"I am sorry. It was just a simple question that came out wrong. I didn't mean to offend you, I was just surprised. You look perfect in that gown, if you can call it that." Max gave Ella a small smile that made her insides melt. She smiled despite her best attempt to stop herself. She could feel her anger dissolve in a second. All that remained was pain.

"Why did you leave me? Was I that repulsive? Why are you back? I don't think my heart can take anymore. Make up your mind Max. Do you want to be with me or do you just want to coexist?" Small tears escaped the corners of her eyes. She was about to wipe them away when Max stopped her and kissed them.

"I'm so sorry for being such a spineless fool. I was afraid. I stayed away, hoping that you would stay safe and happy that way. I wanted to save you from me. I want to be with you but my urge to protect you is greater. I want to be with you but I want to protect you from myself more." Max took her hands and placed them over his heart. He held her in his arms as if she was the most precious gift of God.

"Let me decide if I want to live a safe live or not. I choose you, I would always choose you above all. I love you Max, I am in love with you. Don't ever leave me." Ella pulled the infuriating man closer before kissing him hard. She decided to show all her frustration, pain and love through the kiss. She wanted him to feel her.

She realized that Max's hands were on her bare back. She pushed herself farther into his arms to feel his body against her through the thin fabric. She could touch and feel every dip of his flat stomach as she ran her hands over it. Ella was about to touch the slowly growing bulge near her lower belly when Max stopped her exploration with a growl.

"Enough minx. Your dress is enough to bring any man to his knees, you don't need more ammunition." Max's rough and out of breath voice made the knots in Ella's belly tighter. She would have laughed at how strained it sounded but she was in a similar situation herself.

"Well thank God! I thought it had the opposite effect. It was meant to bring you to your knees." With that, Ella left Max standing on his own to slip under the covers. Max looked at her in awe. After sometime she heard his deep sigh before he, too, slipped under the covers.

Ella hid a smile of victory and decided that She was done for the day. She was almost asleep when she realised that Max never said I love you.