Divorced CEO's Forgotten Wife Strikes Back (Riley and Bryce) novel Chapter 223

Chapter 223 You Were Perfect

“What?” Riley sat up quickly. “You called in for me?”

“Yes. Lara called this morning, asking why you didn’t come to work. I told her you were exhausted last night, so you needed the day off. Sorry for deciding on my own,” he said.

Riley rubbed her temple.

Great, with Lara’s crazy mind, she’s totally gonna think we hooked up last night.

Not that she had anything to hide if she’d done it, she’d own it, no shame in that.

But just thinking about the mischievous look Lara would give her, and her knack for gossip, made her wince.

Riley sat up, feeling a dull ache all over her body.

Looking down, her skin was littered with hickeys and marks everywhere.

Gods, how many times did we go at it last night?

Riley broke out in a sweat, pulling the blanket over herself as she glanced at Sebastian, already dressed and looking refreshed.

Why is it that men wake up like nothing happened, while women feel like they’ve been hit by a damn truck?

1/5

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“Are you sore?” Sebastian asked, his voice laced with concern.

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“Not sore, just a little achy,” she answered.

Shifting slightly, she noticed how clean she felt. He must have helped her wash up after.

Riley looked at him, suddenly a little dazed.

“What’s wrong?” he asked, a flicker of unease in his eyes. “Was I too rough? Did you… not enjoy ? I know I’m new at this. I promise I’ll do better next time.”

“No, you were perfect,” Riley said, blushing.

Last night, though his moves were awkward, he’d been so gentle –but damn if that gentleness didn’t hide an endless appetite.

Every time she thought they were done, he’d start up again.

And each time she tried to say no, one look at those desperate. hungry eyes and she’d cave instantly. No wonder she was u

worn out.

“I just realized something,” Riley said softly. “I trust you way more than I thought.”

Given how alert she usually was, even if she’d been exhausted last night, she should’ve woken up when Sebastian cleaned her

But instead, she slept like a baby until morning–like having him there made her feel safe enough to truly relax.

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Sébastian’s lips curved into a faint smile. “Let me help you get

< Chapter 223 You Were Perfect

dressed.”

Her checks turned crimson. “It’s okay. I can manage.”

“You’re still sore,” he said gently. Let me help. Please.”

Her face flushed even deeper. This kind of “help” was totally

unnecessary.

“I said I can do it,” she insisted, a little flustered. “But could you grab my clothes for me?”

Sebastian walked to the wardrobe and pulled out her outfit- including her underwear, of course.

Riley studied his perfectly composed face. Not even a hint of awkwardness.

Weird. Sometimes he’s all shy and uncertain, but times like now? Total Mr. Cool.

“Turn around,” she ordered.

Sebastian turned his back to her.

Only then did Riley lift the covers and start changing.

Sure, he’d seen every inch of her last night, but if he actually helped her dress, she might just die of embarrassment.

Her body felt like it was falling apart, waves of soreness hitting

her. 3/5

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Riley paused, startled.

Wait, sustainable?

Am I already thinking about doing this with Sebastian again?

But maybe that wouldn’t be so bad. Everything between them had happened so naturally, like it was meant to be.

“All done?” Sebastian called over his shoulder.

“Yeah.” Riley pulled her clothes into place and swung her legs over the edge of the bed, reaching for her slippers.

But Sebastian was already there, kneeling to slip them on her feet with gentle precision.

Riley blinked. “I can do that myself-

“I know,” he cut in softly. “I get it. You’re not someone v needs taking care of. You’re independent. But Riley, I wan this for you. Let me help, okay?”

do

Sometimes, he caught himself wondering if she were more fragile and more dependent on him, would she finally need him for everything? Would he become her everything? Would that finally bind her to him?

But then, she wouldn’t be Riley anymore. She wouldn’t be the fierce, self–reliant woman he’d fallen for.

Once she was ready, she followed Sebastian to the dining room. 165

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gestured for her to sit,

“Just relax. I’ll bring out breakfas,” he said.

“Breakfast?”

“Yeah. I made some soup. Try it. If you don’t like it, just tell me what you prefer, and I’ll learn to make that next time.”

She blinked in surprise. She hadn’t expected him to be in the kitchen that early.

“Did you wear an apron?” she asked suddenly, amused by the image. After all, it was still hard for her to picture him actually cooking.

“No. Why?”

“Nothing,” she replied with a hint of disappointment. “Jus! curious what you’d look like in one.”

He chuckled, “Want to see? I can go put one on right now.