Chapter 16 Stella Really Got Through to Him
The bruise on Stella’s shoulder had come from the broom Martha used to hit her. It wasn’t swollen, but it was definitely turning purple. Even under the dim light of the master bedroom, it could still be noticed.
Stella wasn’t about to take that risk, so she forced a smile, pressing a hand to Jeremy’s chest. “You hurt me just now.”
He had been rough when they fell on the bed.
But Jeremy wasn’t one to be brushed off. He grabbed her wrist and pulled it down. “Let me see.”
Stella laughed softly and leaned in close, her lips brushing his ear as she whispered breathily, “You really want to talk about that right now?”
Jeremy tensed. He was usually all about control, but with Stella, every boundary seemed to dissolve.
“You showed up at my door so don’t think you’re getting away now,” he said.
The straps on her body w
were quickly yanked aside, and she was pulled tightly into his arms, her skin flushing under his touch.
Jeremy was clearly restraining himself, coaxing her gently. “Don’t move.”
Stella didn’t listen. She tilted her head up, fingers tugging at the buttons on his shirt, undoing them one by one.
“Jeremy.” Her voice was soft, sultry. “You clearly enjoy being with me, but during the day, you act so cold, like I mean nothing to you.” Even in the middle of everything, she didn’t forget Martha’s instruction. She had to steer Jeremy away from suspicion
Jeremy didn’t respond, his hands moving without pause.
She caught a glimpse of the faint smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.
Stella shifted against him, her fingers slipping lower, her tone laced with just the right amount of hurt. “Or… did you marry me just to use me as a baby machine?”
Their bodies were tangled together. At her movement, Jeremy inhaled sharply and grabbed her arm. “Are you doing that on purpose?” Stella was breathless, her voice trembling. “No… I’m just so in love with you…”
Before she could finish, Jeremy leaned down and kissed her hard.
Her scent lingered–roses with a hint of something medicinal. The cooling balm she’d applied earlier left a trace of menthol on her. skin.
It was a long while before he let her go, his next movements were more intense.
He asked, “Did you use the ointment I gave you?”
Stella bit her lip and nodded.
Jeremy’s low voice held a thread of laughter. “Good. It prevents scarring. Use it every day.”
That single line chilled her to the bone. There’d only been one tube of ointment, and Martha didn’t have any injuries. Had he already noticed?
But there was no time to think. Jeremy’s energy overwhelmed her again, and she could only gasp in response.
By the time everything ended, over an hour had passed.
Stella was
was drenched in sweat, a few strands of hair stuck to her flushed forehead as Jeremy helped her slip into his rumpled shirt “Don’t move. I’ll grab something clean for you.” He tucked the blanket around her before heading out.
As soon as the door clicked shut, Stella exhaled and scrambled back to her own room, switching places with Marth
“You little skank Next time, rein it in. I’m not wearing stuff like that again!” Martha snapped, tugging on the shirt soaked with lingering heat and irritation before hurrying into the master bedroom.
She flipped on the bedside lamp, composing herself.
Five minutes later, Jeremy returned with a conservative set of pajamas in hand. “Go shower. And change out of that.”
Martha breathed a sigh of relief. She’d been dreading having to sleep in the shirt Stella had just worn.
At the bathroom door, she turned back and beamed at the man lounging on the couch. “You’re… sleeping here with me tonight?”
Jeremy gave a neutral grunt, revealing nothing
Still, Martha lit up. She never got this kind of closeness. If Stella had softened him up, she’d use it to be full advan
After washing up, she emerged in her fresh pajamas. A maid was at the bedside finishing the sheets.
Martha’s eyes flicked to the bed. An extra comforter had been added.
The maid left, and Jeremy stood. “You were hurt earlier. Just to be safe, we’ll sleep separately.”
Martha sat at the edge of the bed, smiling sweetly while cursing in her heart. She had no choice,
Each of them had their own blanket. Jeremy even tucked hers in carefully, so “she wouldn’t catch a chill“. Wrapped up like a cocoon, Martha couldn’t do anything even if she wanted to.
The night passed quietly.
By the time she woke up, Jeremy was gone.
She got dressed and headed downstairs, only to be surprised to see Jeremy still in the dining room. Stella was bent over cleaning up in the kitchen
Martha walked oyer and sat across from him. Before she could speak, Jeremy pushed a bowl of soup in front of her. “You’re too t
thin. Eat more.”
She was three months pregnant, her belly just starting to show. She was far from skinny. Was he talking to Stell?
That thought annoyed her, but she still beamed. “Thanks, honey!”
The same word came out so differently from her than from Stella,
Jeremy didn’t react. Instead, he pulled a credit card from his wallet and placed it in front of her.
“I’ve been busy lately and haven’t had time to keep you company. This card has no spending limit so go get yourself something you like.”
People in Cindervale always said Jeremy had deep pockets and wasn’t afraid to use them.
Martha stared at the card, her eyes lighting up. She quickly snatched it up.
Still, a sour jealousy bubbled in her chest, Jeremy had always been lukewarm toward her. But after Stella spent one night whining in bed, he suddenly flipped the script? What the hell had that little tramp said to him?
help me
She glanced toward the kitchen, lifted her chin, and called out, “Stella, stop dawdling. Come h
She wanted Stella to seethat these privileges were hers alone.
Steila dried her hands quickly and came out, still hunched slightly, her voice hoarse, “Yes, Ms. Nord. What do you need?”
Martha rolled her eyes. “Can’t you see my cup’s empty?”
Stella understood. She grabbed the milk bottle and began to pour a glass,
Then, she turned, facing Jeremy.
His gaze drifted upward, landing on her hand. “Did you hurt your hand, too?”
Trying not to give anything away, Stella had removed the bandage.
She nodded silently, head lowered even further.
Milk streamed slowly into the glass. Stella was focused on not spilling a drop.
Jeremy said, “The ointment I gave you was good stuff. Stella’s injured, so since she’s been helping you, let her use some.”
What? Stella’s hand jerked, and the stream of milk arced out. Her brain short–circuited
Pariicking, she tore off a few napkins and dropped to a crouch, dabbing furlously at the mess. But her hands wouldn’t stay still, fumbling around far too much.
Something stirred Inside Jeremy. He grabbed her wrist to stop her frantic movements. Then, he said with his husky voice, “Don’t move.
