Bella's POV
I giggled as Eden, my boyfriend, suddenly squeezed my butt while we were kissing. "You naughty boy," I teased, my eyes sparkling with amusement. Eden's face lit up with a mischievous grin, showcasing his perfectly white teeth. "Guilty as charged," he chuckled, and we both laughed, our lips still tantalizingly close.
But then, Eden's expression turned serious, his ocean blue eyes locking onto mine with an intense stare that made my knees weaken. "I love you, Bella," he professed, his words dripping with sincerity, sending a flutter through my chest.
My heart skipped a beat as I replied, "I love you, Brian," my voice barely above a whisper. Our eyes remained entwined, the air thick with tension, as if the world around us had melted away.
Eden's grip on my waist tightened, and he leaned his tall, muscular frame into me, his mouth claiming mine in a kiss that was both hungry and passionate. I moaned into his mouth, savoring the sweet taste of his lips, as my hands roamed over the hardness of his broad chest and shoulders.
Time stood still, and all that existed was the two of us, lost in the perfection of our love. I wished that this moment would never end... until a male voice cut through the air, shattering the spell. "Alpha Brian," the voice said, and our kiss was reluctantly broken.
A flush of embarrassment warmed my cheeks as I caught the guard's gaze which had a sparkle of lust but Brian seemed utterly unbothered. He held me close, his possessive grip a subtle yet unmistakable signal to the guard that I was his, and he should keep his distance.
The guard's eyes darted away, and he cleared his throat before speaking. "What is it?" Brian asked, his brow furrowed in annoyance.
The guard's tone was submissive, his posture deferential. "I'm sorry to intrude, but your father, the Alpha, seeks your presence."
Brian's response was dismissive, a curt "Okay" that sent the guard bowing his head before beating a hasty retreat.
As soon as we were alone, Brian's demeanor changed. His eyes burned with a deep desire, and his voice was low and husky. "I can't wait for you to be mine," he whispered, causing my heart to beat faster.
I teased him, my voice playful. "Ain't I yours already?"
Brian growled, a low, rumbling sound that sent a thrill through me. His lips grazed my neck, his kiss light yet sensual, and my breathing hitched in response.
Despite our deep love for each other, Brian and I had yet to take our relationship to the next level. I had requested that we wait until my nineteenth birthday, when I would finally be able to identify my fated mate. I hoped, with all my heart, that it would be Brian. I wanted to be his forever, to bond with him and spend the rest of my life by his side.
I was well aware of the restraint Brian had been exercising, holding back from touching me in all the ways he desired. It was a testament to his love and respect for me that he had agreed to wait until we were mated. But it wasn't just Brian who was struggling; I too felt the weight of our unfulfilled desires. There were times when it felt like torture to deny ourselves the physical expression of our love.
As Brian's kisses lingered on my lips, I couldn't help but feel a surge of arousal. I moaned his name, my voice barely above a whisper, and I could sense his smile. "Brian," I whispered again, my need for him palpable.