Heaven And Hell novel Chapter 60

Just like Natalie and me over Michael.

"What are you reading?"

I looked up to see Michael hovering over me, his eyes on the diary. I quickly shut it, careful not to click the lock. "Just an old book I found."

He didn't seem interested whatsoever, so I took that as a good sign. I had to find the key to the diary. If I'd found the thing under the bed in the room, so the key must be somewhere in here also. If not, then I had to keep it as unlocked as much as possible.

"I finally made the fire happen," Michael explained, scooping my body in his strong arms like a bride.

"What are you doing?" I squeaked, hugging the diary tighter.

"Taking you to the tiny living room, of course. You'll get chilled if you remain in this room."

I was thoroughly touched, really, so I said a word of thanks in a shaky voice. When we reached the living room, white sheets had been covered over the wooden floor in front of the fireplace.

Outside, the rain started to pour hard and loud and the trees out the window swayed violently from side to side. I was worried for Tessie, but I thought she was smart enough to just flee and leave safely back to the stables. Gently, Michael laid me down on the white sheets, plopping beside me, removing his gloves and jacket.

He stared at the window for a moment. "Looks like we're lucky enough that we're safe here from the thunderstorm," he remarked.

I snorted. "What about being unlucky?"

Michael turned his gaze on me. "I don't feel unlucky now because you're here with me."

I was speechless. He said it so calmly and sincerely that I wanted to cry. And it was true, tears started to prick the corners of my eyes. I tried to hold them back but I couldn't. Then I began sobbing. He was just so sweet and patient with me...

"Hey..." Strong hands cupped my face, tenderly kissing each tear away with soft lips. "Don't cry. I know that you're uncomfortable being here with just the two of us, and I'm sorry if I said I like you being with me here. We'll be out in a while, I'm sure. Just...the windows are tightly shut and the door's jammed from Emerson's loud bang; plus it's raining."

I stared at him in shock. "You think I don't want you with me here?"

He blinked. "Well...not exactly. I don't know, Keller." He raked a hand through his raven hair. "You said you have feelings for me but you don't show much affection." He brought a knee up from the floor and casually rested a wrist on top of it. "I understand you're marrying me to help your family. I have nothing against that, and I accept that with respect."

Michael's beautiful eyes never left my face as he softly murmured, "But, you see, I've fallen madly in love with you."

He loved me.

Oh God, this only made me cry even harder. I felt so bad about how I'd been to Michael. Sure, he was a jerk at times, but he was something more than just that womanizer trademark of his. He was really sweet, protective, caring, kind and affectionate...

Why did I have to be so stupid? I'd wished Michael would treat me like Frederick had been to Viv, and now that I was falling for the guy, he thought I didn't like him and that I felt sick just thinking about being with him alone in a cottage!

I blushed.

"Ah," he sighed happily, pulling me into his arms, slowly lowering our backs onto the floor. "Isn't this great? My own fiancée finally confessed that she's falling in love with me."

I wanted to let go and let things fall into place. "I think it's wonderful," I whispered, nuzzling my nose in the hollow of his neck.

Then I fell asleep in his arms.

^^^^^

"Hello?"

I opened my eyes, blinking rapidly. I felt groggy as I rubbed my eyes with the back of my hand. The fire was still on and I remained on the floor, laying down, while Michael was beside me and my head was in the crook of his outstretched arm.

"Who's calling?" I questioned groggily.

"Emerson. Though I can't understand what she's saying."

I could see that the rain outside was gone, dropping a dull grey painted in the sky.