IN THE WORLD OF LOVE

AFTER

SERENA'S POV

I bid my goodbye to everyone. My father, even stepsisters, my stepbrother, rose and lastly Jenny.

She hugged me tightly and whispered in my ear, " If he ever misbehaves, I know you are capable enough to break his bones, but I am just a call away for a fake witness. You get what I am saying,"

I giggled at that and replied, "so mature," and we parted. It was finally time for me to go. Just when I was about to set my foot in the car, Eva, my grabbed my hand and whispered in my ear.

After saying let go of my hand and with a smile on her face, a genuine one, helped me inside the car. I was not at all shocked hearing what Eva had just said.

I scoffed internally. It's So like him.

Simon was already seated and was on a call, he gave me a side-eyed look, once over and cut the call without saying anything to the speaker from another side of the phone.

He started the car. I was staring at his chiselled jawline. God, he looked swoon-worthy in his tux. His one hand on the staring wheel and the other typing on his phone. Back and forth looking at the road and phone.

All the while, during the ceremony except for the words 'I know you' he did not say anything to me, let alone look at me. I was anxious about his reaction. For what? even I don't understand. But I needed him to react some way besides else exhibiting his quiet, composed, calculative, ignorant behaviour. I hated it.

I was in awe noticing his every feature, now that I am allowed to look and think about it so openly. As if I wasn't before. The way his eyes squint while reading something on his phone. His eyebrows quirked to something he doesn't agree on. The way he taps his fingers on the staring wheel casually. Everything about him I find, is awe, except his behaviour now. The very most thing I find attractive about him today is his beard which complements his jawline and the way his tux hugs his muscles and triceps which makes him look more handsome yet dangerous and big.

"Done, checking me out?" He asked, keeping his phone aside and without looking at me. Too engrossed to even acknowledge what is being said or asked, I did not even bother to reply to him.

To me, meeting him now after such a long duration is a mystery. He is a puzzled person now, quiet and calm and composed.

Nothing like Simon I used to know.

I wandered off again because he was waving his hand in front of me. Bringing my back my attention.

"Huh? sorry I wasn't listening," I said, scratching the nape of my neck.

He scoffed and mumbled something under his breath. Long silence continued between us.

"Sleep," He said softly, looking at me.

"It's gonna be a long drive,"

And I agreed to do what he said.

..................................

I was awake by a slight shake on my shoulder. I looked up to see an enormous house, oh, not a house, a freaking mansion! All coloured up in royal blue and white.

"Get out," Simon beside me said harshly. I flinched. When I made no move to get out. He got out and came to my side, opened the door and grabbed me by my arm rather roughly. I am sure it is going to leave a mark.

He took me in inside the mansion. It was beautiful, the interior of the house. The big portraits on the wall. The small fountain in the middle and the sculptures on either side of it. And it was just at the entrance of the house. leading to its right was a broad hallway which was all painted in white. This hallway led to the living room and adjacent to it was an open kitchen.

His pace was soft yet his hold firm.

The living room had a setting and royal rug and everything else was decorated with elegant vases and portraits. Everything in the house screamed luxury.

My steps halted when Simon suddenly yanked my arm forward, not enough to hurt me. He still did not leave my arm. As soon as we stop, there was a bunch of people, dressed like maids and some like chauffeurs. Servents I suppose, who came rushing and lightly bowed to Simon. The aura around us was suddenly tense and dominating.

"Where were you all?" He shouted at them.

I don't know what had got him so angered, during the ride but his posture was rigid his jaw tensed and fists clenched at his sides.

As the servant was yet to answer, he jerked me forward and said, "Take this woman to my room,"

I did not like the way he was addressing me and the way he was treating me. Tears once gathered in my eyes, but I refused to cry.

I quietly went with a lady.

The room was dark, I could not form anything, just silhouettes of objects. I was walked further and guessed where the bed would be. And sat on it, a sad sign breathe escaped my lips.

Now, I did not know what to do. I didn't even know where my suitcases would be.......

So now I guess I should wait. For him.

I was nervous. So I did the best thing. I slept.

With the door opening, I was awake. Simon entered the room. He slowly walked towards me. And stood tall, I was so small in front of his bid frame.

"You should have changed," He said softly. With the little light illuminating the room I could see his shoulders tensed. I looked outside, it was an early morning which means he was out all night. As he was still dressed in a formal tux as yesterday. He looked tired.

" I did not know where my belonging was kept. Also, it was too dark to see anything," I justified.

"I see, well I'll make sure to update your thumbprints to have your access. There is a remote on a side table..... for the lighting and t.v. This way is the closet and there's the bathroom" He directed me towards, where everything is kept and located.

"And.... uh.. your belongings are kept in the closet," He continued.

" Thanks," I replied.

He nodded once. He was still looking handsome without even making an effort. His sleeves rolled up. First three buttons open which have a better view of his muscled chest. His hair is dishevelled. I shuddered. God, how just how.

We were so close, that I could notice the cure of his lips and feel the roughness of hand, that brushed past mine. Only for fraction of a second.

He looked at me, his eyes portraying so many emotions, all at once. He then looked at my lips. He now fully turned towards me and his fingers caressing my cheek lightly. And sucked in a breath.

Just a brush got me hot.

" You are beautiful," He said. I was shocked. He looked at me deeply.

Yesterday he was angry and treated me roughly. Now he is complimenting me?

It was too much for me to take.

"I should go and change," I whispered with my eyes lowered. I don't know why.

He inhaled sharply and stepped back.

"Yes you should," His voice restrained.

I got up and suddenly his thick scent engulfed me. He was just a step away from me now. It was too strong. It was addicting.

I looked at him and he looked at me. That was all it took for both of us. The air around us shifted and I could smell the desire. Both of ours at the same time.

And next moment, he grabbed me by my hair and pulled me closer. My chest heaved. Our bodies rubbed against each other. Our foreheads touched. Both of us breathing hard. He inhaled deeply.

In a fraction of a second, he pulled my face up by my hair and I could feel his lips land on mine.

I moaned.

The realisation hit me hard, once I closed my eyes.

He freaking kissed me.