Chapter 363
Rain woke up later than usual, the clock already nearing eleven. The other side of the bed was empty, and she could only imagine Alexander downstairs, surrounded by family, likely enduring their teasing about how he’d worn her out so thoroughly she couldn’t wake up on time.
Her cheeks flushed as the memory of the night before surfaced, and she hurried into the shower to wash away her lingering sleepiness. After a quick rinse, she wrapped herself in a bathrobe, towel-dried her hair, and stepped out to fetch something to wear.
As she approached the walk-in closet, the door suddenly opened, and Alexander entered, carrying a tray of food.
“Ah, just in time,” he said with a bright smile, setting the tray down and swiftly arranging the table. “Come here and have brunch with me p>
“I’ll get dressed first,” she replied, turning toward the closet.
Before she could take another step, Alexander gently caught her wrist and guided her to the table. “No need for that right now. You’re in a bathrobe… it’s good enough,” he teased, pulling her onto his lap before she could protest.
The intimacy of the gesture sent a wave of déjà vu through her, making her pause.
“What is it?” Alexander asked softly, noticing the way her brows furrowed as she stared at him.
Rain blinked, a soft smile tugging at her lips as the memory clicked into place. “This feels familiar,” she murmured, her voice thoughtful.
Alexander tilted his head, his curiosity piqued. “Oh? Familiar how p>
She glanced down at the plate he’d set before her, then back at him, a playful glint in her eyes. “You used to do this. Bringing me breakfast when I woke up late… pulling me into your lap like this. It’s so… you p>
His lips curled into a grin, his fingers brushing against her cheek. “Well, I may have lost some memories, but clearly, my instincts are intact.” He chuckled softly, his voice laced with affection. “You’re right, though. I’d do anything to keep you close like this p>
Rain laughed, shaking her head. “You really can’t let me go now, can you p>
“Not a chance,” Alexander replied, his tone serious despite the warmth in his eyes. He leaned closer, his lips grazing her temple. “You’re mine, Rain, in every way that matters p>
Her heart fluttered at his words, and she rested her head against his chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. “Well, I’m not complaining,” she whispered, her voice soft but teasing. “But you better feed me before I start fainting in your arms from hunger p>
Alexander laughed, his chest rumbling beneath her. “Yes, ma’am,” he said, picking up a fork and offering her the first bite.
Rain couldn’t help but feel grateful… grateful for these quiet moments, the love in his gaze, and the chance to rebuild their relationship like this.
Alexander continued feeding Rain with a playful grin, holding up another forkful of food. “Open up,” he coaxed, his voice light.
Rain rolled her eyes but obeyed, leaning forward to take the offered bite. She then watched as Alexander used the same spoon and fork to have his own bite, a small, playful smile tugging at his lips.
Her heart warmed at the sight, and she couldn’t help but smile back. It felt nostalgic, almost like they were on a honeymoon again, discovering each other all over for the first time.
“You’re enjoying this too much,” she teased, chewing thoughtfully, her voice light with affection.
“Of course I am,” Alexander replied smoothly, his hand reaching up to wipe a crumb from the corner of her mouth with his thumb. But instead of pulling away, his thumb lingered, his gaze softening as he studied her face. “You’re beautiful like this… so relaxed, so real p>
Rain felt her cheeks flush at his tender words, the sincerity in his tone making her heart flutter. She looked down briefly, trying to suppress the bashful smile threatening to take over her features.
“You’re back to being a hopeless romantic,” she murmured, brushing off the intensity of the moment with playful sarcasm.
Alexander chuckled, the sound deep and warm, but his gaze never wavered. “I think I’ve always been like this with you, Rain. I just forgot how much I loved letting myself feel everything with you. No holding back. No overthinking. Just us p>
Her breath hitched slightly at his confession, her chest tightening with emotion. She reached out, gently cupping his cheek, her thumb brushing over the faint stubble along his jaw. “I love seeing you like this… letting go, being yourself again,” she admitted, her voice soft.
He leaned into her touch, his eyes gleaming with warmth. “You make it easy,” he whispered before pressing a lingering kiss to her palm.
The simple gesture sent shivers down her spine, and Rain realized that with each passing moment, Alexander wasn’t just rediscovering his feelings for her, he was helping her fall even deeper in love with him.
“And you seem to love it,” Alexander shot back, his tone teasing but with a spark of truth in his eyes.
Indeed, she loved it, but instead of agreeing with him, she leaned back slightly and gave him a skeptical look. “Oh, do I p>
Before she could say more, Alexander slid his arms around her waist, pulling her closer. “Yes, you do,” he said softly, his voice dropping as his lips found the corner of her mouth.
Rain gasped, her body responding instinctively as his kisses trailed along her jawline and down to her neck. “Alexander,” she murmured, half protest, half invitation.
“Hmm?” he hummed against her skin, his hands beginning to explore. “Just a little taste… You have no idea how irresistible you are sitting here on my lap in nothing but a bathrobe p>
She shivered at his words. “We were supposed to eat,” she whispered, though her hands were already tangling in his hair.
“We are,” he replied, his lips finding her collarbone. “But I have something else in mind now p>