Hearing Stefan showering in the bathroom, Amber found it was hard to calm herself down.
She thought it was only a contracted marriage with no intimate interaction when it was not necessary. She already accepted it when he didn't come back home for days.
But what did he mean when he suddenly chose to stay home tonight? There was no extra bedroom in this house and Stefan didn't seem to have any intention of sleeping on the couch either. Was he waiting for her to sleep on the couch first?
Many thoughts flashed through her mind but the moment she heard the door of the bathroom about to open, she covered herself with the sheet, pretending she was already asleep.
Stefan stepped into the room and couldn't help but be entertained by Amber's faking sleep. He deliberately chose to lie down beside Amber and chuckled louder inwardly as he sensed how stiff the one beside him was.
In a gentle motion, he drew her into his protective embrace. Amber couldn't pretend she was asleep anymore. She opened her eyes and his charming face appeared just an inch from her.
A smirk played on Stefan's lips, "Almost thought you were asleep."
Amber felt herself blush from head to toe at once, "S-Stefan..." Her voice was small as she would touch his lips even with the slightest movement.
"Don't you want to sleep with your husband?" Stefan teased her as he adjusted her position in his arms to ease her.
"Isn't it only a contract marriage?" she reminded him, her tone a mix of nervousness and uncertainty.
"Well, it's true," he said as he sniffed her hair, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "But I never promised we wouldn't engage in... some certain activities like SEX."
"But...but..." Amber was too shocked to finish her thoughts.
"Or, do you expect me to sleep with other women?" He asked, teasingly watching Amber's reaction.
"Didn't you tell me no betrayal in this marriage?" Amber couldn't help but remind him. The thought that he would sleep with other women somehow evoked anger in her. She hated being betrayed.
"Exactly," Stefan agreed with a chuckle. "Then the wife has to warm her husband's bed, right?"
"But Stefan, Arh-" Amber wanted to make it clearer but moaned out when Stefan lightly bit her neck.
"Yes, Amber," his voice turned husky at her beautiful moan. "I'm also an ordinary husband of desire. You should have already known it well that night."
Amber gasped hard as his firm hands reached under her nightgown. It was as if her body recognized him, reacting to his touch delightfully. She was shocked at how much control he had over her body. One part inside her kept telling her to have him, while the other part kept reminding her it was only a loveless marriage. If she couldn't guard her body and heart carefully, she might be harmed more terribly in the future.
With her last sane, Amber managed to stop the man already straddling her. She could feel his huge fiery length against her. His lust-soaked eyes looked even more tantalizing in the dim light.
"What's wrong, Amber?" Stefan asked, his voice even sounded more sexy.
Amber avoided his hot gaze and explained, "I'm sorry, Stefan. I-I just think I need more time."
Again, Stefan felt rejected. Various emotions rolled over in his eyes and he finally left her and got off the bed without a word.
"Are you being mad at me?" Amber grabbed his arm and asked. She could sense he was in a bad mood now.
"If you dare to hold my arm one more moment, I can't promise things won't escalate."
Amber immediately let go of his arm and murmured again, "I'm sorry, Stefan." She was still worried that she had upset him.
"I understand." He said but didn't look back at her. "But remember we're married, Amber. I hope I won't have to wait too long."
Amber didn't sleep well the whole night. Stefan went to sleep on the couch in the living room after another shower last night. She felt grateful that he didn't force her, while she was still afraid that he wouldn't talk to her anymore.
"Stefan, I'm going to visit Chase today." Amber couldn't help but tell him when she was at the door. The man reading on the couch just nodded to reply.
"Would you mind accompanying me?" She finally took her courage and extended the invitation, "I told him about you earlier and he said he wants to meet you someday."
"You told him about me?" He was finally willing to look at her. "What did you say to him?"
"That you are my husband," Amber said. "And you're a good one to me."
"I thought you disliked me." Stefan scoffed.
"No! No, I never disliked you." Amber clarified quickly, causing Stefan to smile.
"Okay, I happen to be free today. Let's visit Chase together."
Relieved and appreciative, Amber gave him another smile. The air gradually shifted ease as the awkwardness dissipated.
Soon Amber realized that inviting Stefan was a very great idea. Although the meeting was a bit in a hurry, Stefan got along with Chase very well. She never expected that he would be a patient and fun person with children. It was clear that Chase already loved him.
"When am I getting a cousin?" Chase asked innocently, causing Amber to blush at once. She glanced at Stefan a bit awkwardly. How should she explain this?
"Chase, look!" Stefan interjected, diverting Chase's attention by engaging him in a conversation. "I brought you some toys to play with."
Chase's eyes flicker in excitement, forgetting the questions he had just asked. He quickly hugged the Superman toy, "I like this one. It's my favorite!"
"This is all for you, Chase. Your aunt Amber and I specially bought them for you, so you won't be alone when we are not around."
"Really?" The innocent boy hugged the toys more tightly, "I always wanted someone to accompany me here. It's always too big and too silent."
The little boy's words pricked Amber's heart. On their way to the hospital, Stefan insisted they buy some toys for Chase. Amber rejected it because it would be an additional expense for them. But Stefan said he had small savings and Amber finally gave in. Now seeing what joy the toys brought Chase, Amber felt more guilty. She should have done this earlier.
Stefan patted his hand and crouched to face the boy, "You're never alone, Chase. You have your aunt Amber always. And from now on, you have me as your uncle too."
"Yeah, that's right! Thank you, Uncle Stefan!" Chase hooray and hugged Stefan and Amber.
They left Chase after Stefan lulled him to fall asleep. Watching his back a step before her, Amber felt her heart warm. Thanks to him, Chase could have such a great day.
"Stefan, thank you for making Chase his day today," Amber said with sincerity.
"Never mind. I kinda like the kid too."
"Do you have food cravings? I'll make you a nice meal in return later." Amber proposed.
"In return?" He smirked at her. "You did remind me of something."
"I want something else in return besides the meal."