Obsession His Runaway Bride (Noelle and Adrian) novel Chapter 96

Chapter 96: Red

Chapter 96: Red

The night was cloaked in darkness. Grace’s room was dim and quiet and was barely illuminated by the soft, pale light of the moon that streamed through her open window. The chill of the night air drifted in, carrying with it the crisp scent of distant rain. The wind whispered through the curtains and fluttering them gently creating soft sounds in the room.

Grace slept soundly, oblivious to the world around her. Her breathing was deep and even. The soft rise and fall of her chest seemed to mirror the tranquility of the night.

But then, a figure moved from the shadows outside the window.

A man, cloaked in dark clothing, swiftly scaled the side of the mansion. His coat billowed behind him in the wind as he ascended, blending seamlessly with the night. He reached the window with ease and his movements were fluid, making not a single sound as he landed silently on the floor. The man paused as his dark eyes instantly locked on Grace’s peaceful form.

He took a moment to watch her, his presence looming in the corner of the room as he studied her, taking in every detail. His eyes traveled slowly from her resting face down to the curve of her body beneath the sheets, as if committing every inch to memory.

His fiery eyes glinted under the moonlight as he slowly moved toward her. He remained silent and steady as he began removing the glove from his left hand exposing his smooth, pale skin. His hand was large, strong, with veins running along the back. His fingers were long and well–formed. Clearly, it was a hand built for power, yet it carried a tenderness that would be unexpected for someone like him.

As he approached, his gaze fell on her, and his heart skipped a beat. It was unexpected to see her in pink pajamas especially given her typically boyish nature. The contrast was almost jarring, but it made him flash a smile behind his mask.

But just as he reached her bedside, Grace stirred in her sleep. Her body shifted under the covers, and her face which was once turned away, now faced him directly. In that moment, the shadows in her face cleared, revealing the bruising that marred her beautiful features. The sight of it caused a visceral reaction in him.

His knees hit the floor with a soft thud and his breath caught in his throat. His wide eyes scanned her bruised face as disbelief flooded him. He reached out instinctively while his fingers trembled as they touched the warmth of her skin, almost as if he needed reassurance that she was real.

His thumb gently brushed over her lower lip and the slight pressure of it sent a jolt of electricity through him.

“Kто тебя сделал?” (Who hurt you?) he murmured under his breath, his voice dark with fury.

But just as the storm within him threatened to rise, a soft sigh escaped her lips.

His breath hitched.

It was such a small, delicate sound which was so unguarded, so unintentional–that it disarmed him completely. His fury, the tightly coiled tension in his body, and the raw edge of violence simmering beneath his skin, all of it dulled in an instant. He clenched his fist, forcing himself to stay calm.

“You have no idea what you do to me, do you?” he whispered, his bare hand hovering above her cheek before he withdrew, resisting the urge to trace the shape of her face.

Another breathy sigh.

A faint furrow formed between her brows, and she nuzzled slightly into the warmth of the pillow, as if

instinctively seeking comfort.

He exhaled sharply through his nose.

“You’re making this difficult.” His voice was lower now, almost to himself.

+25 BONUS

Grace shifted again and the covers rustled as she turned her head slightly. Her lashes fluttered, but she remained lost in sleep.

“You sleep so carelessly.” He shook his head. “Leaving your window open like this… What would you have done if I were someone else?”

She let out a tiny, barely audible mumble, something incoherent, her lips parting slightly.

His eyes darkened. He had no idea what she had just said, but it didn’t matter.

“You’re lucky I’m not a bad man,” he muttered, his fingers twitching with the urge to brush back the strands of hair that had fallen over her face.

Then, as if responding to him, she let out a tiny whimper and turned onto her side, facing him fully and it made him swallow hard.

“God help me,” he murmured under his breath, pressing his gloved hand against his mouth as if to keep himself from making a mistake.

Grace’s brow furrowed once more, and this time, a faint pout formed on her lips. A perfect, sleepy, unaware pout.

He gritted his teeth.

“Don’t do that,” he ordered quietly, as if she could hear him. “You shouldn’t look so damn defenseless in front of me.”

Another sigh, this one softer than the last.

He groaned, closing his eyes briefly before opening them again, his expression unreadable.

“I’m leaving,” he finally decided, shaking his head at himself. “Before I do something I’ll regret.”

As he turned to leave, the wind carried his final whisper, a vow only the moon bore witness to.

“Моя душа привязана к тебе.” (My soul is bound to you.)

Sell

And with that, he vanished into the night leaving behind a silver band crowned with a deep red jewel that gleamed. under the moonlight, which now adorned her finger.