The Enticing CEO’s Chosen Bride novel Chapter 2008

Cicely furrowed her brow and glanced at her arm. "Hurt myself just to spite you? What would that get me?"

When Seth's gaze followed to the red marks on her wrist, he reached out to hold her hand, examining the small, prominent spots. "Why the sudden urge to cook? You do know your own limits, right?"

Cicely withdrew her hand, "Is it a crime to want to make you dinner?"

Seth stood up, fetched a first-aid kit, and sat next to her. "It stopped hurting a while ago."

"I don't like scars." Seth gently held her dodging hand and began to carefully apply antiseptic from the kit. "This first-aid kit wasn't this stocked before. Ever wonder why that is? Hmm?"

Apart from the standard emergency supplies, most of it was for Cicely's frequent minor injuries.d2

Watching his tender care, Cicely cracked a smile, "Who knows? Maybe I had it too easy as a kid, and now life's paying me back with interest."

"If you could just stay out of trouble, none of this would happen."

"Stay out of trouble?" Cicely chuckled lightly, "What exactly would that look like to you?"

Even Seth, usually slow on the uptake, sensed something off at her laugh. He looked up into her eyes, brimming with mirth.

"I think I've been way too tame compared to my old self, and you take it for granted, or maybe you don't even notice. I've held back and yielded where I should, and any other woman would probably not be as patient. But what can I do when I'm head over heels for you?"

A flicker crossed Seth's brow as he finished treating the last burn and packed away the medical kit. "So tell me, who's got you upset today?"

Cicely glanced at the treated wounds and spoke indifferently, "No one else is quite capable enough."

"That leaves me."

Not keen on beating around the bush, Cicely cut straight to the chase, "What's the name of the show you've recently invested in?"

Seth's brow furrowed.

"I did some digging online, and there are a few shows with massive promotions, but they're all about to air. The one that's not yet shot but is already the talk of the town—Era of Elegance—is that yours?"

"You've never shown any interest in this stuff before. Why bring it up now?"

"Just got curious. It's normal to be interested in things related to you, right?" Cicely was always upfront with Seth, never hiding her feelings or thoughts from him.

"It's mine." Seth didn't deny it.

"So, as the sole investor, C&P Entertainment is your company?"

"Yes."

Cicely smiled, confirming her suspicions.

"Did your company sign any new talent?"

"Not yet."

"Got a mistress on the side?"

Seth looked at her coldly, "If there's something on your mind, just say it. Don't beat around the bush and make me guess."

Her smile slowly faded, "Just a few words and you're this impatient with me? If I'm not speaking my mind, it’s because I’m trying to save you some dignity, Seth. And I don’t want to make things awkward between us."

"So if you can't figure out why I'm being like this, then please discover the reason soon and give me an explanation, not to mention a satisfactory outcome. I can’t wait too long, a day, two, maybe three."

After her piece, she stood up, eyed the dishes on the table, then dumped them straight into the trash. "If it's that unpalatable, no need to force it. My cooking isn't up to scratch, and I'd hate for you to get sick over it. Make yourself some pasta or something."

As she reached for the second dish, her wrist was grasped. Seth's voice was as cold as ice, "Put it down." His gaze met hers, frosty, "Did I say I wouldn't eat?"

At his words, Cicely released the plate, which clattered back onto the table, "Suit yourself."

He looked at the oil splattered across the table, pursed his lips but released her wrist. Picking up a fork, he resumed eating. "If you're not hungry now, wait until I'm done. I'll make you some pasta."

"I won't be hungry tonight." Cicely rubbed her wrist and walked out of the dining room.

Watching her leave, Seth silently finished his meal and headed to the kitchen to clean up the mess.

The kitchen looked like a battlefield. Trash overflowed with broken plates and ruined food, the floor smeared with footprints, oil, water, and scattered herbs. He placed the dishes in the sink and began to prep for pasta, taking a moment to call Charlie.

"Check where Cicely's been today, what's happened?"

Charlie hesitated, "Mr. Diaz, I have to go back home tonight for some family matters, would it be all right to give you the results tomorrow?"

"Fine."

Cicely lay in bed scrolling through her phone, trying to distract herself from her sour mood.

The bedroom door opened, and the tall figure of Seth entered.

"Come eat."

"I told you, I'm not hungry."

He approached and pulled back her covers as if he hadn't heard her. "Let's go."

Feeling a chill, Cicely set aside her phone, "So my words mean nothing?"

Cicely gave a lazy "Hmm" in response, but when no further words came, she opened her eyes and looked up at him. "What's up?"

"Your breathing is kind of annoying."

Cicely paused, her hazy mind instantly alert. "I'm sorry my breathing bothers you."

Before she could finish, her words were sealed by a firm kiss. Seth, guided by the dim light, found her lips with precision, leaving no room for air.

Cicely's indignation was cut short. As he kissed her, she realized that it was her breath that had enticed him.

This realization barely settled when Seth suddenly rolled on top of her. Each kiss seemed as if he wanted to devour her. And when the fabric of her nightgown started to slide down, the kisses turned scorching, the caresses more deliberate, Cicely understood Seth's intent.

"You..."

"It won't hurt as much this time."

As if anticipating her protest, Seth's husky voice interrupted her, his kissing and teasing relentless.

...

As he had said, it wasn't as agonizingly painful as the last time. This time, the pain was almost negligible compared to before. And soon, even the initial discomfort faded away, replaced by an overwhelming sensation he forced upon her, almost vindictively, each wave stronger than the last.

"Seth..."

Her murmured pleas seemed futile. Eventually, she could sense Seth's tenderness returning, his kisses softening, his voice comforting, but sleep took her before she could fully appreciate the change.

When she woke up, Seth was gone. Blinded by the light peeking through the curtains, she realized it was late; Seth must have gone to the office.

As she attempted to reach for her phone, a soreness reminded her of the previous night's events.

Yes, she and Seth had truly done it.

She vaguely remembered refusing Seth's offer to help her bathe last night; now, the discomfort compelled her to head to the bathroom.

After showering and feeling refreshed, she glanced at the clock — it was just past ten. There was still time.

*

Era of Elegance set.

Connections in the entertainment world ran deep. While the average Joe might not recognize Cicely, key players in the industry certainly did.

Everyone on set knew that C&P Entertainment was the sole investor in their show, yet they were clueless about Seth. So when Cicely appeared on set, the courtesy extended to her had nothing to do with the respect owed to their sole investor.