Filed to story: When His Wife Can’t Forgive
Corey smirked, his voice laced with drunken arrogance. “Don’t pretend to resist if you’re interested. Tell me, are you a virgin?”
The waitress, clearly exasperated, abruptly let go of him and delivered a sharp punch to his nose. “I could be old enough to be your mother,” she snapped, her tone dripping with disdain. Corey was left speechless.
Corey had spent the last two days confined to his bed, the dark bruise on his nose stubbornly refusing to lighten. Driven by his commitments to Gemma, he reluctantly put on sunglasses to conceal the bruise and ventured outside.
Gemma’s health required constant care, and because of the regular maintenance her artificial heart needed, she couldn’t leave Warrington. That was why Corey was on the hunt to purchase a quaint villa for her in the area.
Corey scoured listings and toured countless properties, but nothing seemed good enough. Each house fell short of the image he had in mind. Frustrated but unwilling to give up, his thoughts wandered to Caden’s property holdings. One particular house caught his eye-a charming, secluded place with a timeless elegance that seemed perfect for Gemma.
Impressed, Corey immediately reached out to Alicia. “Alicia, is the estate up for sale?” he inquired with a hopeful tone.
Alicia’s voice came through, laced with surprise. “What kind of nonsense are you talking about? That castle was a gift from Caden when he proposed to me.”
“But you’re not using it now,” Corey retorted, trying to persuade her.
“That doesn’t mean I want to sell it,” Alicia responded firmly.
Corey, undeterred, pushed further. “I’ll offer twice what it’s worth.”
“Not interested,” Alicia dismissed curtly.
Exasperated but not ready to give up, Corey appealed to her emotions. “Gemma really loves that place. It would mean so much to her.”
Caden snatched the phone from Alicia, his voice icy, “You and your sister can both get lost.”
With no other options, Corey reluctantly chose a modest villa nestled halfway up a hill.
The villa was encircled by verdant greenery and was near a serene lake and majestic mountains-ideal for recuperation.
Its security was top-notch, especially since the area was under Caden’s control, providing an added layer of protection against any potential threats.
Corey and Pierre worked together to set up the new residence.
Pierre, who knew Gemma almost as well as Corey did, took charge of arranging the master bedroom.
Pierre spread out a pink bed set and placed Gemma’s cherished stuffed animals at the head of the bed. He meticulously organized the wardrobe, separating the underwear and socks into their own drawers, demonstrating his exceptional organizational skills. Corey stood leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed, silently watching Pierre at work.
Once everything was in place, Pierre turned and gave a respectful nod. “Mr. Hampton, everything is prepared.”
Corey’s gaze was intense, his presence commanding. Without moving from his spot, he asked in a low, deliberate voice, “Have you slept with Gemma?”
Pierre’s body stiffened noticeably. He averted his eyes, his voice barely a whisper. “No.”
Corey pressed, “How far have you gone?”
Pierre swallowed hard, his reluctance palpable. Yet, he said honestly, “Just kissing.”
“Did she resist?” Corey probed further.
Pierre shook his head. “No.”
Corey nodded in understanding. “She’s inexperienced in this regard. Once she’s healthier, use the methods I’ve shared with you to make her feel comfortable.” Corey’s eyes flicked over Pierre’s muscular frame, a silent reminder of Pierre’s past as an underground boxer. He doubted Pierre would be gentle during intimacy. His tone became more formal. “Ensure that you cater to her desires and always respect her wishes. Got it?”
Pierre tensed for a moment, his fists tightening by his sides. “Yes, sir.”
Corey continued, “And remember, apart from meeting her physical needs, keep your distance in her personal matters to prevent her from becoming too reliant on you. Cross that line, and you know the consequences.”
Pierre’s expression softened a bit, seemingly relieved. He actually preferred clear boundaries and nodded. “Understood, Mr. Hampton.”
Checking his watch, Corey realized it was time to fetch Gemma. But as he turned toward the door, he stopped and glanced back at Pierre, his expression suddenly sharp. “One last question. Have you been intimate with your ex-girlfriend?”
Pierre’s Adam’s apple moved noticeably as he replied, “Yes.”
Corey’s face twisted with disgust. “Gross.”
When Gemma saw Corey approaching, her eyes widened in concern. “Corey, what happened to your nose?”
Corey frowned, puzzled. “How did you notice?”
Gemma tilted her head, amused. “I can see it.”
“But I’m wearing sunglasses,” Corey countered.
Gemma stifled a laugh. “Your sunglasses don’t cover your nose, genius.”
Realizing his oversight, Corey let out a grunt, feeling like he hadn’t sobered up yet. He removed his sunglasses, realizing there was no point in hiding now. “I walked into a lamppost,” he muttered, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly. “Got drunk and didn’t see it coming.”
Gemma reached out to touch the bruise gently. Her fingers were icy-chilled from her frail condition-but with a few tender touches, Corey felt the sting lessen. He smiled faintly as he held her hands to warm them. After ensuring everything was in order, Corey had to depart for some business matters.
Having just been released from the hospital, Gemma was eager to rid herself of the clinical scent of disinfectant and made her way to take a bath.
Pierre ran the bathwater for her, ensuring the temperature was just right before turning to leave. Gemma looked at him with confusion. “Wait-aren’t you going to help me bathe?”
She had already begun to undress, her annoyance evident as her brows furrowed in frustration.
Pierre’s eyes unintentionally drifted to her bare shoulders. Quickly averting his gaze, he explained, “Previously, I assisted because you were ill. Now that you’re recovering, it’s appropriate for me to step back. We must maintain a boundary.”
Gemma’s eyes widened in disbelief. “But we’ve already…” They had shared a kiss, and now he was drawing lines?
Dissatisfied, Gemma pressed. “I don’t like bathing alone. You help me with bathing.”
Pierre remained resolute. “Miss Hampton, I have other responsibilities.”
“What responsibilities?” Gemma challenged.
“There’s still a lot to unpack and organize,” Pierre replied.
“No, I want to bathe now!” Gemma insisted firmly. She turned and walked into the bathroom, leaving no room for further discussion.
Pierre hesitated, frowning. However, Gemma’s voice soon floated out, softer now, inviting. “Aren’t you coming in?” Even when frustrated, her voice had a gentleness to it.
With a resigned sigh, Pierre followed her in.
The bathroom was warm, filled with the scent of lavender. Gemma lay reclined in the tub, her pale skin contrasting against the water. Flower petals floated on the surface, veiling what lay beneath. The scene was undeniably picturesque.
Pierre, confronted with the intimacy of the task, felt a tightness in his chest. He rolled up his sleeves and crouched beside the tub.
Gemma’s gaze was fixed on him. “Pierre, have you decided not to do this anymore?” she asked, her voice carrying a hint of sadness.
Day Is Very Romantic
Pierre let the warm water run over his hands. He squeezed some body wash into his palm, worked it into a frothy lather, and started washing Gemma’s arms.
“What exactly are you suggesting, Miss Hampton?” he asked.
Gemma responded, “I mean the role of my bodyguard.”
Pierre clarified, “I have no plans to resign.”
Gemma was taken aback, feeling a wave of relief wash over her. Her voice grew softer as she said, “Why not? Didn’t you dislike being assigned to me by my brother?”
Pierre lowered his gaze. If he resigned over such a minor issue, what would become of all his efforts to ingratiate himself with Corey? Looking up sincerely, he replied, “But you’ve been good to me. You haven’t made my job difficult, so there’s nothing for me to resent.”
Gemma remained doubtful. Really? Pierre had been avoiding her just earlier. She asked further, “Then what sort of request would you consider too much for you?”
Pierre hadn’t intended to touch Gemma. He knew bathing her might stir unwanted feelings, and Corey’s caution had him on edge from the moment he knelt down. He had assumed he could keep his composure, but he hadn’t anticipated Gemma initiating conversation, nor her audacious move as she emerged from the water and drew him into a kiss.
Pierre’s clothes were now soaked, his emotions as saturated as his attire.
Gemma’s eyes, luminous and expressive, displayed a mixture of daring and timidity, radiating a captivating allure. She asked, “Is this too much for you?”
Pierre was momentarily speechless, looking at her as one might admire a precious artifact, his eyes taking in every detail of her soft, delicate skin.
Encouraged by his reaction, Gemma deepened the kiss. Since her heart transplant, she hadn’t experienced shortness of breath, but her current nervous excitement made her breathe heavily.
She drew back slightly, their breaths intermingling, hers sweet and inviting. “Is it?”
As any man might, Pierre found it hard to resist her playful challenge. He quickly lifted her onto his lap.
When a man took the lead, his actions were usually more assertive, which caused a woman to flush with pleasure and thrill.
Gemma was fond of Pierre, trusting him deeply. Although their closeness was relatively new, she was eager for his advances and hoped for more.
What followed unfolded naturally, though they stopped short of going further. Pierre rested his head against her neck, holding back, his breathing deep and uneven. “What happened just now doesn’t count as too much, but if we go further, it will.” Continuing would mean crossing a line where she would wholly belong to him.
Gemma’s heart throbbed, her resolve not to retreat evident. “But I can tell you’re really enjoying this,” she murmured. “Aren’t you?”
Pierre was caught between his feelings and the situation, unable to deny it but also unable to respond.
Gemma laughed, comfortably nestled in his embrace. “Pierre, let’s set a date.”
Pierre lifted his head, gently sweeping a stray hair from her forehead. At that moment, any sense of distance between them dissolved, replaced by a deepening closeness.
“For what?” he asked.
Gemma gave him an innocent smile. “For something I enjoy.”
Catching the implication in her eyes, Pierre smirked and playfully asked, “For what?”
Gemma’s cheeks flushed, keen to avoid his playful bait. She pulled out her phone, opened the calendar app, and carefully chose a date. “How about Valentine’s Day?” she suggested with a laugh. “It’s perfectly romantic.”
Pierre found her idea so charming that he wished it were already Valentine’s Day. The thought briefly amused him, but he quickly composed himself and said, his voice rough, “Alright, whatever you wish.”