The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 2060

But just as he turned around, small fingers suddenly caught hold of his hand.

Roger looked back, staring down at Stella in surprise. "What is it?" he asked gently.

Stella kept her head bowed. Her cheeks were burning hotter than before. She nervously chewed on her lip, unsure of how to get the words out.

"Take your time."

Roger crouched down, gazing tenderly at her face, a soft smile returning to his lips. "I'll wait until you fall asleep before I leave."

He owed her that much for acting like a jerk and scaring her.

Stella bit down harder on her lip, her fingers gripping his so tightly her knuckles turned white. Her heart was hammering so violently it felt like it might burst out of her chest.

Finally making up her mind.

She abruptly lifted her head, wrapped her arms around his neck, and pulled herself up, pressing a firm kiss to the corner of his mouth.

"Stella..."

Caught completely off guard, the smile on Roger's face froze as he stared at her, stunned.

What was she trying to say?

Did she have any idea how dangerous this was right now?

"I..." Stella gritted her teeth, her voice coming out in a strained, raspy whisper. "We're married. You don't have to... hold back."

Hearing those words, Roger stood frozen for a long moment before a thrilled, triumphant smile broke across his face.

The next second.

He intertwined his fingers with hers, leaning in to test the waters with a soft kiss against her lips.

When she didn't pull away, the blush painting her cheeks acted like a potent, mind-altering poison, systematically stripping away every last ounce of his reason.

The smile in Roger's eyes deepened. His fingers found the sash of her silk robe as he whispered softly, "Don't be afraid."

...

An indiscriminate amount of time later.

Roger pulled back the covers and leaned in, pressing a tender kiss against her sweat-dampened forehead. "Take a shower before you sleep, okay?"

Stella gave a small nod. The arms wrapped around his neck slowly tightened, and her eyes welled up with unshed tears. "I love you."

"What did you say?"

It was the very first time he had ever heard her say those words. His heart soared.

"I love you," she repeated, blinking away the moisture. She leaned close to his ear and whispered it again. "I love you."

The second the words left her lips, Roger abruptly stood up, his steps a little unsteady as he backed toward the door. "Soak for a bit. I'll carry you out when you're done."

"Roger..."

Stella stared at his retreating back, thoroughly confused.

"If I stay in here any longer, you won't be getting any sleep tonight."

He reached out to pinch her cheek playfully. Grabbing a robe, he hastily threw it on and practically fled the room.

Watching the door close behind him, it took a moment for his words to fully process. As the memories of what had just happened rushed back, she covered her burning face with both hands.

She really was... his wife now.