Taming The Wild CEO novel Chapter 96

C H A P T E R 2 5 : P R E S E R V E R E N C E I S A L W A Y S T H E K E Y

J A V I E R S U M M E R S

Surprisingly enough, Javier roared with laughter. “Trust me, Miss Stanford. My money was definitely not a plus where you were concerned.”

“I am glad you find this amusing.” Ella chewed on her lower lip for a moment as she thought of his words carefully. “To be honest with you, I have been trying to think of reasons why I dated you and even agreed in marrying you despite you being my boss, and I could not find any logical explanation. Then I searched you online and found out about your wealth and success. I knew my childhood has not been easy so the only reason I could come up with was that I was tired of living in modesty and wanted to live comfortably.” She quickly grabbed the glass of wine and nearly emptying its content as she waited anxiously on how he would react.

Instead of lashing out at her, he removed the glass from her fingers, placed it on the table, and then leaned forward, which caused him to be closer to her than before. He caught both of her hands, held them in his own, and stared deeply into her eyes. “Listen to me, Miss Stanford, I can guarantee you that the idea of marrying me for my money has never entered your mind.”

“How do you know?”

“Because you are one of the most down to earth and honest people I know. Money has never been a key motivator for you to do anything whether it is business or your personal life. In fact, about a week after our engagement, when I told you that I do not want a prenuptial agreement before the wedding, you were the one who insisted on it. You said you would not marry me unless I sign it.”

Relief flooded through Ella and she finally released the breath she did not realize she had been holding. “Thank you,” she whispered, not realizing until that moment how very worried she had been about her own depth of character.

“I am the one who should be thanking you for coming into my life, for being with me despite everything else.” His expression was still serious when he turned over her hands and pressed a kiss to first one palm and then the next.

Ella shivered at the intimacy, at the warmth of his lips against her skin. Enthralled, she could scarcely breathe as she stared at his dark head bent over her hands. She had the most ridiculous urge to pull her hands free and run her fingers through that thick dark hair, then tip his beautiful face up to hers only to have her lips reunited with his once again. As though he could read her thoughts, Javier lifted his head. Desire burned in the piercing blue eyes, and she could feel an answering need humming in her veins.

“I love you,” he said, barely above whispering level.

She wanted to give him the words back. He deserved them, she reasoned. He was her fiancé, the person she agreed to marry. He was the person she had been living with. And even though she was attracted to him, she just could not bring herself to lie to either one of them by returning the sentiment. “I am sorry. I-I do not know what to say. You know I do not remember and—”

Javier pressed his fingers against her lips. “I do not expect you to say anything—not unless you feel it. Which you do not at the moment. I mean, how could you? You do not even remember me.” He washed a hand down his face and sighed. “I am sorry. It was a slip of my mouth. I should not have said it and I did not tell you that to try to pressure you. It is just that I have missed you so much. I was so scared of the thought of losing you. Two weeks camping in the hospital, waiting for you to wake up, has been pure torture for me. And right now, seeing you conscious and healthy just makes me so happy and relieved. I am glad you are finally home again, Ella.”

“So am I,” she said and realized it was true. She had hated those nights in the hospital and, although returning home had not sparked her memory as she had hoped it would, she felt more comfortable here, surrounded by familiar things. And call it crazy but contrary to what she had felt earlier that day, right now she felt so comfortable and safe. Perhaps it was simply the fact because she was with Javier. She still did not remember him or any memories they had shared. Yet, it felt as though they were starting over together somehow. Which was actually a crazy notion because they were supposed to be getting married. She could not help it. The distress in his eyes tugged at her heartstrings. “Javier, I—” She reached out, cupped his jaw. The innocent gesture sent awareness shooting through her like a lightning bolt, and she dropped her hand, but not before she saw the answering fire leap into his eyes. “You did not do anything wrong. You do not need to apologize. You have not made me feel pressured.”