Chapter 46

▫️Christian’s POV...

As soon as we landed, I was already dreading whatever mess was waiting for me. I hadn’t replied to Stella’s message, and knowing her, she’d either be pouting adorably or ready to murder me. No in-between.

When we entered the house, I spotted Stella and Ava sitting in the living room, their heads joined together, whispering like they were plotting world domination. And there, in the middle of their gossip session, was Pumpkin—my little traitor—looking equally invested. Oh, my baby, I missed her. Stella. Not the cat.

MJ, being the simp he is, ran straight to Ava and hugged her like they were long-lost lovers. Nick and Liam went off to talk to Titan about work. Meanwhile, I walked up to Stella, but something was off. She wasn’t smiling at me. No warmth, no excitement—just a cold, suspicious glare.

Shit.

I sat next to her and pulled her into a hug, but she barely returned it. Even Ava was side-eyeing me like she was about to throw hands. What the fuck did I do now?

“Baby, I’m sorry,” I said quickly. “I was busy, that’s why I didn’t see your message.”

She tilted her head, mocking me like a little menace. “Oh? And what was that ‘important work’ at the club?”

I blinked. “What?”

Then she shoved her phone in my face. Pictures. Of me. At the club. With some girl.

What the actual fuck?

“WHAT THE FUCK?!” I grabbed the phone, staring at the pictures like they’d change if I looked hard enough. “That’s not me! I swear! I mean, it’s me, but it's not me. I didn’t fucking kiss anyone!”

Stella raised an eyebrow. “Oh? And how do I believe you?”

I ran a frustrated hand through my hair. “Ask Liam! He was there too!”

She scoffed. “Of course, Liam will take your side.”

“But it’s not me! I won’t ever do that to you.” I gritted my teeth. “Yes, I admit a girl came and sat next to me. Yes, she flirted. But I ignored her and left!”

She suddenly smirked.

“I know, baby,” she said sweetly. “You aren’t that kind. Because you love your Little Knight.”

I froze, what is she planning for my little knight if I cheat. “…Then what the fuck was this whole dramatic interrogation?!”

She grinned. “I just wanted to see how you’d react.”

This woman. This goddamn menace.

I let out a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart. She knew I didn’t cheat but still made me sweat for fun. And Ava was cackling like a damn witch.

I groaned and pulled her into a tight hug. “You’re evil.”

She giggled. “I know.”

“Who the fuck would even edit these pictures?” I muttered. “Let me handle these deep fakes.”

She just nodded. Then my eyes landed on the butterfly tattoo near her collarbone. I traced my fingers over it gently “Baby, you got a tattoo.”

Stella smiled. “Yup."

Nick, Liam, and MJ said it looks good.But...

I didn’t smile. Instead, “You’re not getting any more tattoos.”

She wrinkled her nose playfully. “Isn’t it looking good on me?”

I brushed my thumb against her skin. “Everything looks good on you, baby. But it must’ve hurt.”

“I know,” she admitted.

“That’s why,” I said softly. “Please don’t get another one.”

She didn’t argue. Instead, she just hugged him, a foolish smile on her face, warmth spreading in my chest.

We finally had dinner together, and for the first time since the Russia trip, I felt a little normal again. But something was still off. My mind was heavy, my body was tense, and the rage from losing my men hadn’t left me.

Later that night, as we got ready for bed, Stella sat beside me and studied my face. “You look quiet,” she said. “If something happened, tell me. And if you need space to clear your mind, I’ll give you just one day.”

I looked at her, stunned.

“Just one day, then you have to tell me what’s bothering you,” she warned.

I felt something shift inside me.

She sees me. She understands.

Without a word, I wrapped my arms around her and hugged her tightly. For the first time in days, I felt like I could breathe.

Pumpkin, the little demon, watched us from the bed like we were disturbing her peace.

Holding Stella in my arms felt like the only thing keeping me from completely losing it. The anger, the betrayal—it all shifted aside when I had her close. She was my calm.

“There’s a storm in my heart and mind, Stella,” I whispered, my voice heavy with the weight of everything I couldn’t say.

She pulled back slightly, her fingers tracing the back of my neck. She pecked my lips, soft and reassuring, and then I kissed her back with a desperation I couldn’t hide. I needed her.

And then, the words slipped out before I could stop them. “I love you.”

Her lips curved into a smile. “I love you too, baby.”

I gazed into her eyes, my heart pounding. “Do you trust me, sunshine?”

She didn’t hesitate. “More than anyone.”

I could feel the storm inside me calm a little, but not enough. I needed more. I had to have her.

“Then can I have you?” I asked, my voice rough with desire whispering near her ear.

She blinked at me, confused for a moment. “Huh?”

I took a breath, my thoughts racing. If I didn’t have her right now, I swear I’d lose control. “Can we have sex?”

Her cheeks flushed, and she nodded, barely above a whisper. “Okay.”

I smirked, feeling that familiar heat building. “Horny.”

She laughed, smacking my chest. “Chris!”

I grinned, pulling her back to me and kissing her fiercely.

Alright, perverts, I'm in full mood to do the stuff and this is where you close your damn eyes. I see you sneaking a peek for smut. Don't. Go find your own romance. This one’s mine.