Chapter 23

▫️Christian’s POV...

I was having a perfect good night sleep when I heard Stella screaming my name. “Good job, Titan,” I muttered sarcastically. Then I got up and dragged myself to her room. I knocked on the door, giving her a few more precious seconds to entertain her guest—the intruder. Then, like the dramatic hero I totally am, I kicked the door open.

The sight inside made me laugh but I controlled. Stella was chained to her bed, glaring daggers at some idiot on the floor, groaning and clutching his… well, sensitive area called balls. I raised a brow. Huh, looks like someone had a bad day. Man I was never wrong when I said she is a bitch, she have mercy.

That’s when I noticed the bruises on her wrists. My jaw tightened. What the actual fuck? This wasn’t part of the plan! She did right with this asshole.

Without a second thought, I grabbed the masked idiot and ripped his disguise off doubting if it might be a real intruder. And surprise, surprise—it was my own men. My blood boiled. How dare he.

I told him one rule : don’t hurt her—not even a scratch. And here he was, defying my orders like he had a death wish.

Liam arrived just in time to drag the moron out.  Nick called the doctor, MJ ran to wake up Ava, and I? I was left standing there, staring at Stella like an idiot.

Her expression wasn’t what I expected. No fear. No tears. Just a raised eyebrow, like she was admiring? Me? Fuck I'm shirtless and she is horny.

I sighed, scooping her up in bridal style and carried her to my room and placed her on the bed. That’s when I saw the tears silently streaming down her face. And damn, something twisted in my chest. She was fine a minute ago.

“Did I go too far with the whole intruder thing to scare her? It was supposed to be for her safety.” I thought.

I wiped her tears gently, trying not to let the guilt consume me. “Stop crying,” I said, a bit gruffly. “It doesn’t suit you.”

To my surprise, she sniffled but didn’t argue. I even gave her a brief hug—shirtless hug - probably the first and last hug she’ll get from me.

Soon, the doctor arrived with Ava and the others. They swarmed her like she was made of glass, fussing and making sure she was okay. Meanwhile, I stood back, pretending I didn’t care.

After they all left, “What happened?” I asked.

And then she told me everything like she was narrating an action movie—complete with dramatic pauses and exaggerated expressions. At one point, she even pointed at my shirtless chest and muttered something about me trying too hard to look heroic and me being broken.

Good to know she wasn’t traumatized bcoz she is taunting.

Once she was done, I decided it was time for bed. My bed was massive—big enough for four people. So naturally, I wasn’t planning to sleep on sofa. But her being an stubborn ass even in this situation told me to be a fucking gentleman and sleep on sofa.

Never! I did this all mess to sleep on that fucking sofa. No way darling.

But then she stormed to the sofa.

Why is she being stubborn, can't she sleep here, it's not like she is allergic to me.

Should I call her back?

But then she will think I can't resist being away from her. Such a delusional bitch.

Should I taunt her? Yes this might work.

I mocked her, smirking. “Admit it, Stella. You can’t handle the temptation of being in bed with me.”

Oh my God, what did I just say? I froze for a second, questioning my life choices, but it was already too late.

Her eyes widened, and then she snapped, dragging my little knight into the conversation. How dare she? Suddenly, what was just a taunt turned into a full-blown fight.

“Yes, this bitch really just said that I’m single because of a lack of stamina and size!” I thought, staring at her in disbelief.

I clenched my jaw, trying not to lose it. She doesn’t know I’m the king in size. Should I demonstrate her? Then she will call me lunatic, pervet, asshole, etc.

For a second, I considered clapping back with the obvious: She’s flat. But then I stopped myself. If I pointed that out, she’d cry herself to sleep, and I’d have to deal with it.

No, Christian, control yourself, I thought.

If I said anything about her chest, this brat would immediately twist it, claiming I was peeking at her. And for the record, I wasn’t! If something’s flat, it’s noticeable in a second. But whatever. Let her have the last word so she’ll stop running her foul mouth and finally sleep.

She had a sharp tongue, no doubt about it. But me being her husband decided to let it go. I rolled over and shut my eyes, ending this ridiculous conversation.

I swear, if anyone other than Stella-- for fuck’s sake—said the things she did, I would’ve shot them at the first word. But her? I can’t shoot her.

Hours later...

I don’t know how long I’d been asleep when I heard a sound. My instincts kicked in, and I woke up immediately.

I turned the lights on, only to find Stella on the floor.

I pinched the bridge of my nose, groaning internally. This girl. That’s why I told her to sleep on the bed, but no, her arrogant ass never listens to anyone. Even when she herself is a dumbass.

I got up and walked toward her. I was about to pick her up when her earlier comments replayed in my head. No. I’m not being kind after all the shit she said about my little knight.

Instead, I crouched down and patted her shoulder. “Wake up,” I said, loud enough to be annoying.

She groaned, her eyes half-open. “What is it this time, asshole?”

I narrowed my eyes. “How dare you call me an asshole when I’m here to help you? Sleep on the sofa, not on the floor. And mind your language.”

She blinked, looked around as if trying to figure out where she was, then lazily climbed back onto the sofa like a drunk. Her sleeping habits are insane.

I returned to my bed, rolling my eyes. After 20 minutes of waiting and confirming she didn’t fall again, I walked over to her and gave her a little push. I am a bastard of helping nature, such a pure soul I'm.

Yeah, she called me an asshole. I should at least do this. She even badmouthed my little knight—the future home of our babies.

As  she stirred, mumbling in her sleep, I smirked. Disturb her sleep a bit. Maybe then she’ll finally get her stubborn ass back on the bed. If she sleeps beside me, I can take care of her.

If not, I’ll have to force her, which she’ll hate. Then she’ll cry about it and act like I’m the villain. But the next day? Oh, she’ll come back like an idiot, grinning like nothing ever happened. Grinding my nerves one minute and laughing the next. This brat really knows how to make me lose my mind.