THE VALENTINE PROPOSAL

Chapter 17 Protective of her

LIORA

I rested my head against Everett’s shoulders as his arm circled me protectively.

Yes, protectively.

That was exactly what it felt like. The kind of safety I never thought I’d experience with him that day when I said yes to this arrangement.

He was right. I was tired.

My eyes fluttered close as exhaustion overtook me, and sleep followed right after.

The next time my eyes opened again, I was lying on a soft mattress in a room that wasn’t mine, my mind still foggy from just waking up. My gaze landed on Everett at the foot of my bed, helping me take off the last pair of my shoes.

“When did we arrive?” I asked, taking in the rich interior of the room. “Is this your room?”

I asked two questions at once.

“Like ten minutes ago. Yes, this is my room,” he answered both questions at once.

I just fully relaxed on the bed, watching as he got up and began taking off his suit, then unbuckled his belt, the clinking sound filling the room as he did so.

My body tensed up, breath hitching in my throat when I noticed him beginning to unbutton his shirt.

After fully undoing the buttons, he didn’t take off his shirt but instead climbed on the bed to join me.

He circled his hand around my waist, pulling my back into his toned chest. I could feel his muscles pressed against my back.

I swallowed, trying to calm myself.

Just breathe, Loira.

His hand was warm against my waist, his presence solid behind me, and for a moment, I almost let myself sink into it.

Into him. Into this strange, unfamiliar comfort that felt far too easy to get used to.

Then suddenly, his arm slipped away.

“You still have your makeup on.”

His voice was low, casual, like he had not just been holding me seconds ago.

I blinked, the warmth of his body already missing from my back.

“Oh… right,” I murmured, pushing myself up from the bed.

That was it. No teasing. No lingering touch. Just that.

For some reason, my chest felt oddly tight as I swung my legs over the side of the bed.

“I’ll take it off,” I added quickly, even though he had not asked.

He only hummed in response.

I stood, smoothing my dress unconsciously before glancing around the room again.

Now that I was fully awake, I could actually take it in. It was… exactly what I expected from Everett.

Dark tones, expensive furniture, everything arranged in a way that looked effortless but was clearly intentional.

And to think I was in it. I was in his space.

My heartbeat picked up slightly at the realization.

“Bathroom?” I asked, turning back to him.

He nodded toward a door on the right. “In there.”

I gave a small nod and quickly made my way over, almost relieved to have an excuse to step away.

I exhaled slowly, placing my hands on the counter as I stared at my reflection.

God.

I looked… tired.

Not just physically. It was in my eyes, the faint smudge of mascara beneath them, the slight dullness in my expression.

I found a pack of face wipes on the counter, clearly unopened.

Pulling one out, I began wiping my face, watching as the makeup came off. The dark circles under my eyes stared back at me.

“Heaven, Loira, well you look like s**t,” I muttered.

I let out a low breath, rinsing my hands and patting my face dry with a soft towel.

Before leaving, I glanced at myself one more time.

When I stepped back into the room, my gaze instinctively went straight to the bed.

Everett was lying on his side, propped up on one elbow, exactly like he had been waiting.

His shirt was gone. Completely gone.

My heart skipped a beat.

His torso was bare, every line of muscle defined under the soft lighting. His chest, his abs, the faint trail that disappeared beneath the waistband of his trousers. It was… very distracting.

I quickly looked away, my heart suddenly beating a little too fast.

“You’re not planning on sleeping in those clothes, right,” he said, his voice carrying that same calm tone.

“Change into one of my shirts in the closet.” My gaze drifted outside, looking over at the city lights.

“Isn’t it a bit too early to be sleeping?” I said, looking back at him.

“We could do other interesting things if you want.” The way he said it sounded sinful.

I gulped, a faint heat pooling between my legs.

If it had been any other day, maybe I would have welcomed the idea and even tried to initiate something, but I was tired, and still wasn’t quite sure about Everett’s feelings.

Sure, he did say he loves me, but there was still doubt in his voice when he said it. I, on the other hand, had no doubts about my feelings for the man.

“We should just sleep,” I said as I went to the closet, stripping completely before slipping into one of his shirts and stepping out.

He was lying on his back now, with a contemplative look, but the moment I stepped out, his eyes shifted to me, roaming over my exposed thighs.

“You look sexy,” he smiled.

I chuckled at his words.

“I’m wearing just your shirt, Mr Montague.”

“Well, you look hot in my shirt, Miss Jovan,” he replied.

“Oh please,” I rolled my eyes as I walked over and joined him on the bed.

He quickly pulled me into another cuddle, and we both fell silent. After some time, I could feel something poking my bum, and I immediately knew what it was.

I didn’t comment at all, trying to ignore his bulge pressing against me.

Later in the middle of the night, I felt him leave the bed. I felt him checking to see if I was asleep first before he took his phone, dialing a number as he entered the bathroom for privacy.