Husband With Benefits-Chapter 894: Are you Okay?

The return from the council meeting was quiet. Rafe didn’t say a word to Arabelle, and she kept her eyes on the scenery outside, unsure of what to say. Her thoughts felt heavy, and she didn’t know how to start a conversation.

She had misunderstood him earlier about how he’d said he was ashamed of her, and now that she realized it, she felt awful. She cast a glance at his reflection and sighed.

On top of that, she was grateful to him for standing by her side. He’d defended her in front of everyone and he’d defended her in front of the council of ministers. In fact, he’d even found a way to punish them, even though they’d only spoken the truth.

But guilt weighed her down. She felt bad for doubting him and now, due to all his support, even worse for hiding things from him. And then to add to her guilt, a part of her couldn’t help but wonder if he had stood by her only to protect his own reputation.

How could she doubt him when he had defended her so strongly? He hadn’t hesitated to support her, even when it might have been easier not to. Every word he had spoken, every action he had taken, had been for her. Yet here she was, letting doubts creep in. It felt safer to stay quiet than risk saying something wrong.

When they arrived at the mansion where she had stayed with Rafe the night before, her feelings became more tangled. Last noght had been their wedding night and yet, they had slept separately, though he’d warned her that he would not be sleeping separately from her, since they were married. But what about now? She had no idea.

She wondered if she should confess her feeling to him. About how she had fellen for him. But what if he disregarded them or saw them as a ploy?

She paused at the door, gripping her shawl tightly as they stepped inside, her feet rooted to the spot. She felt completely at a loss, unsure of what to do or say. Damn it! She’d never thought she could be so much of a coward when it came to expressing her feelings. The realization flustered her, but the words still refused to form.

While she stood there dithering, tangled up in her doubts, Rafe moved with purpose, showing none of her hesitation. Without a word, he turned back, grabbed her wrist, and tugged her along with him. He led her straight into his study and before she could ask him what he planned, he turned and shut the door. The moment the door shut behind them, he didn’t wait or ask for permission. Instead, he pulled her into his arms and kissed her like the world was ending.

Her eyes widened in shock as his lips claimed hers, stealing her breath and scattering her thoughts. Her first instinct was to freeze, but it lasted only a heartbeat. Her hands moved of their own accord, sliding up over his shoulders and clasping behind his neck, drawing him closer. It felt as though her entire body woke up under his touch, every sense ignited and alive. The doubts and guilt that had weighed her down melted away as she kissed him back with equal fervor.

When he finally broke the kiss, her lips tingled, and she found herself yearning for more. But instead of pulling away from her, he surprised her by wrapping her in a warm, protective hug as he asked her, "Are you okay?"

She would have answered but her face was pressed against his chest and all she could do was inhale his scent as he continued,"When I turned my head and saw you standing there all pale, my world almost stopped. I wanted to jump off that podium and kill those reporters for talking nonsense. Gosh! I was so worried."

Arabelle blinked. So he had not been angry at her but at the reporters? "You’ve been through so much, Arabelle. I am sorry that I pushed you into this marriage and you had to re-live all those things because of some people’s insensitivity."

She tried to move her head but since he was holding her so tightly, she had to poke his side so that he would let her go. He loosened his hold, surprised at that and looked down at her. She smiled up at him then.

"Rafe. Thank you for everything."

Rafael frowned," What do you mean?"

Arabelle’s smile widened. That confused expression of his was an answer to all her doubts. Rafael Ignis had defended her simply for herself. Not because he needed to protect his rule or his thronw. "I mean, thank you for your concern, Rafe. For caring for me so unconditionally, even when I’ve given you every reason to walk away. You defended me, supported me... stood by me. I didn’t even know I needed that and you’ve already provided everything."

"You don’t need to thank me," he said quietly as he leaned in close to her and slowly kissed her. "Arabelle, when I asked you to marry me, I told you that I did not care about your past. And I meant every word. I... I fell in love with you at first sight. Your kindness, bravery, everything it enraptured me too much. So, whatever I did, it was out of selfishness for the woman I loved. You don’t have to thank me for it."

She chucked then,"You, Rafael Ignis are too direct. No games. No ploys to make me fall for you. Hmm? You simply push me into a corner, marry me, protect me and then declare your love for me, asking for nothing in return."

Rafe scowled," It is love not a trade agreement. Why would I want something in return."

Arabelle leaned up on her tiptoes then," Well, too bad then, you need to still accept something even though this is not an agreement, because I love you too."novelbuddy.cσ๓