Isabella

Chapter 8

The sun spilled golden light across the garden as Isabella knelt among the vibrant flowers, her fingers gently tending to the petals that had bloomed in her absence. Just as she was about to lose herself in the beauty of her surroundings, she heard a cheerful voice nearby.

“Hey, Mrs. Adrian!” It was Tyler, the neighbor's son, a bright-eyed high school kid with an easy smile that had always warmed her heart. Ever since her return, he’d been a regular presence, often stopping by to chat and share his teenage tales.

“Good morning, Tyler!” she replied, brushing dirt from her hands. “How's school treating you?”

“Pretty good, actually,” he said, leaning against the fence with an eager grin. “Just finished up exams. Thought I’d come see if you were back from your trip.”

Isabella chuckled, recalling how much he had grown since she first met him. “You mean you came to check on my garden, don’t you?” she teased, giving him a playful nudge.

Tyler flushed a bright red, the tips of his ears turning pink. “Well, that too. But, um, actually—” he hesitated, a hint of nervousness creeping into his voice. “I heard you were back. I didn’t know if you’d want to join us for dinner this weekend. It’s just family, but I thought it’d be nice.”

Before she could respond, a strong arm wrapped around her waist, pulling her close. Adrian’s presence enveloped her, warm and possessive, as he placed a chaste kiss against her neck. The sudden shift made her heart flutter, but she felt a pang of annoyance when she caught the sharp look in Adrian’s eyes.

“Sorry, Tyler, but she’s busy this weekend,” Adrian stated, his tone leaving no room for argument. The protectiveness in his voice was unmistakable.

Tyler looked taken aback, his smile faltering. “Oh, I didn’t know your husband was back! You should come too, Adrian,” he said, extending the invitation with genuine warmth.

Adrian smirked slightly, his gaze shifting to Tyler with an almost casual indifference "Thanks, but I think I’ll pass."

The words hung in the air, and Tyler’s face turned a deep shade of crimson as he stammered, “Uh, okay. No problem! Just thought it would be nice…” His voice trailed off, embarrassment flooding his features as he quickly excused himself. “I should, um, go now. See you later, Mrs. Adrian.” He turned and hurried away, his shoulders slumped in humiliation.

Isabella’s cheeks flamed crimson, mortification washing over her. “Adrian!” she exclaimed,

"You didn't have to be so rude, he was just being nice."

“Rude?” Adrian echoed, raising an eyebrow.

"That kid needs to learn not everyone is interested in entertaining him,” he said, his voice laced with casual indifference. “Besides, he should be hanging out with girls his age—not flirting with the neighbor’s hot wife.”

Her embarrassment morphed into irritation. “You’re such a bully sometimes!” she shot back, unable to keep the blush from her cheeks.

Adrian chuckled, clearly unfazed. But Isabella was still fuming as she stormed inside the house, leaving him to follow with a bemused look on his face. Once she reached their living room, she turned to face him, hands on her hips.

“Why would you say that to him?” she scolded, her voice laced with frustration. “He was just being nice! You didn’t have to make him feel so humiliated!”

Adrian shrugged, a nonchalant smile playing on his lips. “I just don’t want you entertaining a kid who should be out with girls his own age.”

“That’s ridiculous!” she exclaimed. “He was just inviting me for dinner, and you made it sound like he was a creep! You need to learn how to control that possessiveness of yours.”

He stepped closer, the teasing glint in his eyes still present. “What can I say? I don’t share,” he replied, wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her in.

Isabella sighed, feeling the tension ease slightly as his warmth enveloped her. “You can’t just bully people into backing off, Adrian.”

“I just want you to myself,” he murmured, his voice low and sincere. She felt her resolve waver, but she couldn’t let him off the hook that easily.

“Fine,” she relented, though a smile tugged at her lips. “But you owe him an apology for being rude to him.”

“Fine,” Adrian said, the teasing glint in his eyes still present. “But enough discussion about other men; you’re depriving your husband.”

Before she could retort, he playfully tackled her onto the sofa in the living room, his laughter filling the air as he pinned her beneath him. She gasped, her irritation momentarily forgotten as the heat of his body radiated against her.

“Adrian!” she squealed, trying to wriggle free. “You can’t just ignore what you said!”

He leaned in closer, his breath warm against her skin. “I think I can,” he replied, his tone teasing. “Especially if it means I get to have you all to myself.”

She laughed, feeling the tension dissipate as they both relaxed into the moment. “You owe him an apology, you know.”

“My sincerest apologies,” he teased, pressing a quick kiss to her lips.

“Not like that!” she protested, her heart racing as she pushed against his chest, though the warmth of their playful banter only drew her closer to him.

But in a burst of playful defiance, she kicked him lightly in the side. It caught him off guard, and he lost his balance, tumbling off the couch with a surprised yelp.

Isabella erupted into laughter, her amusement echoing through the room as she looked at his bewildered expression. “Oh no, you don’t!” he shouted, quickly regaining his composure.

Before she could catch her breath, he lunged for her, dragging her down into a playful frenzy. His fingers danced along her sides, tickling her mercilessly.

“Adrian! Stop!” she laughed, squirming beneath him, her heart racing as he continued his assault. “You’re so mean!”

“Mean?” he replied with a mock pout. “I’m just trying to teach you a lesson!”

Isabella couldn’t stop laughing, the sound ringing through the air as they rolled around on the floor, lost in their playful banter. The tension from earlier melted away, leaving only warmth and joy in its place.

“Okay, okay! I give up!” she finally gasped, breathless and exhilarated. “I’m sorry for kicking you!”

“Not good enough,” he said with a wicked grin, fingers still poised to pounce. “I think I need a better apology.”

Isabella raised an eyebrow, a teasing smile spreading across her face. “Maybe you should earn it, then,” she challenged, darting off toward their bedroom, her laughter trailing behind her.

“Isabella!” Adrian exclaimed, springing to his feet. He chased after her, the playful glint in his eyes matching the mischievous grin on her face

With her heart racing and laughter still bubbling up, Isabella finally relaxed knowing her husband was going to stay and nothing could take him away from her.

He had always belonged to her