Fake Date, Real Fate

Chapter 224: The Symphony of Us [IV]

"I want us to dance," I whispered.He didn’t even hesitate. A slow, achingly beautiful smile spread across his lips, transforming his face in the golden light. "We don’t have any music."

"We do," I said and took my phone from my gown’s pocket, and scrolled through a playlist until my finger found it. I queued a song— a slow, aching melody filled the space — tender, yearning, the kind of song that felt like a heartbeat set to music.

I placed one hand on his shoulder, the other in his, and began to sway, leading with small, playful steps. "See? Easy," I teased, my voice still thick with leftover tears. Adrien let me, lips curved faintly, eyes locked on my face as I led.

He followed my clumsy lead for a few beats, a low, contented hum vibrating in his chest. His gaze was so intense, that I felt it in my bones. The world outside our small circle ceased to exist. There was only the soft light, the tender music from my phone, and the man holding my heart in his hands.

But Adrien’s hand slid confidently to my waist, his other enclosing mine with practiced certainty. He shifted, guiding me back with smooth precision, and I blinked up at him in surprise. "Wait. You can actually dance?"

He leaned down just enough for his low voice to graze my ear. "I can do many things you don’t know about, princess."

My laugh was breathless, caught between awe and want. I let him take the lead, let muself be steered in slow circles, lost in the rhythmic sway of his body against mine. He moved with a grace, a silent strength that belied his usual reserved demeanor. His hand on my waist was firm, dictating every turn, every dip, and every gentle step around the scattered petals. It was a waltz, or something close to it, ancient and timeless, under the twinkling branches of the weeping willow.

My head rested against his chest, the scent of his cologne filling my senses—a mix of cedar, spice, and something uniquely him

. I could feel the steady beat of his heart beneath my palm, a counterpoint to the music that now felt less like a song and more like the pulse of the world around us. He leaned his cheek against the top of my head, and I felt the gentle brush of his stubble, a fleeting, tender caress.

"You look absolutely beautiful," he murmured, his voice a warm vibration against my temple. "More beautiful than anything I have laid my eyes on."

Then his mouth brushed my temple, then my jawline, and then lingered just behind my ear, sending shivers down my spine. I tilted my head back instinctively, my eyelids fluttering closed as his warm breath ghosted over my skin. His lips traced a gentle path down my neck, each touch igniting a trail of warmth that spread through me like wildfire. I could feel my heartbeat quicken, pulsating in my ears, as the world around us seemed to fade into a blur of sensation. His hands, warm and strong, rested on my hips, pulling me closer, bridging the space between us.

He found my lips then, a feather-light touch at first, a hesitant question, before deepening into a kiss that stole my breath and scattered my thoughts. It was slow, tender, filled with all the unspoken promises of the night, a silent confirmation of everything we had just committed to.

My fingers threaded through his hair. His hands drew me closer, until there was no space left to bridge.

We danced until the music faded, holding each other as if we could make this moment last forever. When we finally pulled apart, it was with hesitation, as if every inch between us was a precious thing to be savored. Adrien’s gaze was intense, his eyes reflecting the starlight and the fireworks of emotion inside him.

"I love you, Bella," he said, his voice steady and unyielding, as solid as the ground beneath us. "More than words can say."

Tears stung my eyes again, but this time they were tears of pure joy. "I love you too," I replied, my voice a barely-there whisper. "So much it scares me."

He reached up, gently wiping away a tear with his thumb, and smiled. "No need to be scared, my love. We’re in this together, always."

"Come on," he said softly, his voice a low rumble that vibrated through me. "Let’s go home."

I nodded, too full of emotion to speak. But as I took a step to follow him, he simply scooped me up into his arms. I let out a surprised gasp, my arms instinctively wrapping around his neck.

"Adrien!" I laughed, burying my face in the crook of his neck.hat undid me most of all.

When he finally closed the distance, my skin met his in a rush of heat. His chest pressed to mine, his hands sliding down my back, over the curve of my waist, anchoring me. His mouth claimed mine in a kiss that was no longer careful, no longer questioning—it was deep, demanding, tasting of possession and devotion in equal measure.

I gasped against him, my hands tangling in his hair, pulling him closer. His tongue swept against mine, coaxing, consuming, until I was drowning in him. Is it okay for me to do this? Would it hurt the baby?