Obsession His Runaway Bride

Chapter 1: Equal Fervor

Noelle's eyes fluttered open when the warm glow of the morning light spilled through the partially drawn curtains. The room felt warm, safe and comforting which she hadn't felt in weeks. As her senses slowly returned, she became aware of the quiet, steady rhythm of breathing beside her. And when she turned her head, her gaze landed on Adrian.

He slept on his side, facing her with his amber eyes hidden under his long lashes. In sleep, his face appeared softer, more masculine, without the sharp, confident charm that tended to enthrall the cameras. Her lips curled into a slight smile as warmth filled his chest. It had been too long since she'd caught him this way-calm, peaceful, and home.

Carefully, Noelle moved under the blankets, not wanting to wake him. The smooth cover fell from her shoulders, and she sat up, pushing her dark hair behind her ears. The slight pain in her limbs reminded her of how intimate Adrian had been when he came home last night. Embarrassment flushed up her cheeks as she looked down at Adrian, remembering the way he'd clung to her so tightly, so desperately, as if afraid she'd disappear if he released her.

He had come back from abroad after a month of working on his much-awaited project. And when he'd opened the door last night finally, fatigue carved out his chiseled features but it had soon given way to something more basic. Adrian missed her too intensely and his need for her was overwhelming. So on that very night, he didn't allow her to sleep.

Noelle chuckled softly at the memory. She gently bit on her lip and rose from the bed. The cold air that kissed her bare skin sent a shiver down her spine. She quickly bent to pick up her discarded black silk lingerie from the floor and slipped it on. The smooth fabric hugged her form as she adjusted the straps over her shoulders. Her reflection in the mirror caught her attention, and she smoothed her hair, attempting to tame the wild strands that stood as evidence of their night together.

She looked back at Adrian, who was blissfully still asleep with his arm flung across the bed she had vacated moments before. Her heart swelled at the sight of him and she couldn't help but smile. He looked so serene, so far removed from the man who was always in the public eye.

Noelle decided to prepare breakfast for him. It was the least she could do after the exhausting schedule he'd endured-and, of course, the way he'd made sure she felt just how much he'd missed her.

She moved quietly out of the bedroom. She proceeded to the kitchen, keeping her hair tied in a loose bun as she walked past the living room. All was quiet and still.

She then went to the fridge and looked in at its contents as she had a sudden idea. She would cook his favorite pancakes with fresh strawberries and crispy bacon on the side. As she pulled out the ingredients, her smile grew. Adrian needed a warm, home-made meal after the stressful month he'd been having. And really, she wanted to see that smile of his when he bit into it for the first time. It had been too long since she'd seen him happy and relaxed.

As she started whisking the batter, she couldn't help but let her mind wander. She remembered all those late-night texts that were never quite enough, all those video calls that finished too soon, all that longing she'd felt every time she saw his face plastered on billboards or magazine covers. And now that he was finally home, lying peacefully in their bed, it all seemed almost unreal.

Her cheeks flushed as she recalled the way he'd greeted her last night, the intensity in his gaze as he crossed the threshold and swept her into his arms. There had been no need for words, his actions had said everything.

Noelle chuckled to herself while pouring the batter into the pan. 

When the pancakes started to sizzle and their golden tops slowly bubbling towards perfection, Noelle's eyes were glued on to regulating the heat so that they do not burn. She did not catch the light footsteps drawing near, or the soft breathing of the man standing behind her. It was only when two firm, warm hands encircled her waist that she startled with a jump causing her heart to miss a beat.

The grip was tight but soft, and so familiar. A smile pulled at her mouth even before she could turn her head.

"Whose woman is this?" Adrian's deep voice rumbled in her ear, in playful teasing and unmistakable possessiveness. The heat of his breath tickled her skin as he leaned in, pressing a slow, lingering kiss to the curve of her neck. A pleasant shiver coursed through her and her body reacted to his touch almost immediately.

Noelle smiled gently. "Yours, Mr. Blackwood," she said, leaning back into his arms with her full hand reaching up to lie across his.

The simplicity of those words set something in Adrian on fire and the restraint he had so diligently held in check since waking up, dissolved. His amber eyes darkened with desire as he turned off the stove with one hand. Before Noelle could even think about his next action, he quickly spun her around to face him.