The Pretend Bride's Unexpected Path To True Love

Something about the way he had asked the question made me pause. I could not find the words to respond, so I only managed a silent nod.

We went back to the room without saying anything. Still, his hand resting on my back set my heart racing. When we stepped inside, he headed straight for the bed.

"Do you mind if I take a shower and get some sleep?"

"Not at all, Thalia. Go ahead."

I went to the next room to grab my things for a shower and a change of clothes. My stomach was in knots. Albert pulled off his shirt and shoes, then sprawled out on the bed. He turned on the TV and started messing with his phone.

After I washed off my makeup, I took a quick shower and rubbed lotion onto my skin. I stared down at the lingerie in my hands, feeling uneasy. It was a barely-there lace nightgown, the kind that left nothing to the imagination. I pulled it on, knowing Liza had picked it out for me. I still could not figure out why she would choose something like this, especially when I had made it clear I was not interested in sex.

I stepped out and grabbed a comforter from the closet next door. When I moved to take the pillow beside him, he looked up from his phone, and his eyes swept slowly over me.

I had gotten used to being naked around men, but ever since he came into my life, I found myself blushing every time he looked at me.

"Where are you going, Thalia?"

"I'm going to sleep on the sofa in the other room."

"But why? I promised I wouldn't touch you. There's plenty of space on the bed. If you sleep on that sofa, you'll wake up sore."

"I'll be alright. Thank you, Albert. I think I'll use the time to get some studying done on my laptop."

"If you're studying, I get it, but you don't have to leave. You could study here and join me later. Still, I don't want you to feel pressured."

"Thank you."

As I started to head out, he called after me.

"Thalia, the bathroom has a connecting door to the room you're going to. It used to be set up with another bed."

"Thank you."

I left with that thought lingering in my mind. He could have just left the other bed there. If we were supposed to keep up this act, I could have slept in the extra bed and made it up again before room service came by. That way, nobody would suspect anything.

Besides, what would it matter? People might assume we had fooled around and then slept in separate beds. The suite was enormous. We were engaged. There was nothing strange about that, at least not in their eyes. But why did he let me take a shower and wander around in just a towel, knowing there was a door that connected our rooms? Did he want to catch a glimpse of me like that?

I tried to shake off the jumble of thoughts swirling in my head. I opened my laptop, crawled under the covers, and started studying. At some point, I drifted off with an assignment still open. When I woke up, my laptop had slipped to the floor. I took off my headphones and got up to use the bathroom.

When I opened the door, I saw Albert under the spray of the shower. Even through the foggy glass, I could see exactly what he was doing. The slow, steady rhythm of his hand, the way his muscles tensed and moved, the sound of his breathing. He moaned, low and deep, and just hearing it sent heat rushing through my whole body.

The sight of him drove me wild. I could not look away as his movements grew faster. He pressed his forehead against the tiles. I squeezed my breasts, unable to stop myself, my mouth watering with want. I knew I should not be doing this, but watching him was a temptation I could not resist.

"Albert..." I whispered, so softly that even I could barely hear it.

His pace grew frantic. Another moan escaped him, rough and desperate. His eyes stayed shut the entire time. I watched, completely transfixed by the steady rhythm of his hand and the way his body moved. Every sound he made seemed to ignite something deep inside me.

Still, I forced myself to shut the door. He had not seen me, but if I kept watching, he might realize I was there.

My nipples pushed against the thin lace of my nightgown, painfully hard. I could feel just how wet I was. My whole body shook with need. That scene had set me on fire, and I knew there was only one way to quiet my thoughts of him.

I could not hold back anymore.

I hurried over to the sofa, stripped off my lingerie, and let my fingers trail through my wetness. I started to touch myself, letting my hand roam between my clit and every sensitive inch of skin. It was not enough. I removed the tiny lace shorts and spread my legs wide. My movements grew frantic. I remembered the way his hands had brushed my skin and the gentle press of his lips on mine. He had never kissed me with his tongue, but it had still felt unbelievably intense. I slid two fingers inside myself, circling my clit at the same time. A rush of desire tore through me. I shut my eyes and pictured him, lost in his own pleasure. My orgasm hit hard, making my whole body tremble and soaking the comforter beneath me. When I came, the only word on my lips was:

"Albert..."

I struggled to catch my breath, my body still pulsing with need. I still craved him, even though I knew he would never sleep with me. He had made that clear.

I heard the door squeak and pulled the duvet up to cover myself without thinking. Albert stepped in, a towel slung low around his hips. The outline of his erection was impossible to miss.

"Did you call me?"

My face burned with embarrassment. He grinned at me, making no effort to hide the obvious bulge beneath his towel.

"I... I did call you. I mean, I just wanted to check if I could use the bathroom."

His gaze drifted over me, settling on my breasts spilling out of the thin lace. He had already seen my naked photos on the website, so I should not have felt shy, but with him, it felt different.

"Sorry, Thalia. I took my time in there. Honestly, I still feel like I needed a little longer."

He watched me for a moment, then spoke again.

"I'll get dressed and let you have the bathroom."

I managed a small smile. He stepped back and closed the door, leaving me with my thoughts. I pulled myself together and went to the bathroom for a shower. A few minutes later, I finished and started doing my makeup. That was when I heard a knock at the door.

"Come in."

"Good morning. I was so out of it earlier that I forgot to greet you."

"Good morning, Albert. So, what do you want from me today?" I asked, drawing out each word as I slowly applied my lipstick. He watched me in silence. It felt like he kept his eyes on me for ages, until finally our gazes met in the mirror.

"Let's have breakfast first, then we can go for a walk. When we get back, it'll be time for lunch. I also have an important meeting later, and I'll need you with me."

"Alright, I'm ready."

When I turned around, I noticed him taking in the details of my dress. I had chosen a chiffon dress with an open back, the hem barely reaching halfway down my thighs. I paired it with delicate flat sandals, thinking ahead for a stroll.

"You might want to change your dress before the meeting."

"As you wish. What should I wear?" I kept my voice steady as I met his gaze.

"Every dress was approved by me. I saw every photo of you from the fitting room. This one is perfect for our walk, but it's not right for the meeting."

I glanced him over—he wore jeans, a V-neck t-shirt, and sneakers. He looked completely relaxed. When he noticed me studying him, he just grinned.

"You look stunning—maybe a little too much. That could end up being a distraction."