Another Chance for the Luna Queen by Aurora Starling

Chapter 0237

Ella POV

Alexander carried me up the stairs and into our room, only threshold. By then, I was breathless with laughter, my hear effects of the champagne.

tting me back on my feet after crossing the pounding in my chest from both exhilaration and the

He closed the door behind us, turning back with a smile that still carried traces of amusement. Yet now, in the softened glow of the room, I could see the exhaustion etched on his features.

"It's been a very long day," I said, a smile tugging at my lips as I looked up at him.

"A long week," he agreed, letting out a low chuckle. "And think we've certainly earned some rest. Do you need help getting out of that dress?"

I laughed, the sound bubbling up before I could stop it. "That's very forward of you."

He shrugged, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Well, you are my wife now."

I felt a blush rise to my cheeks as I shifted, trying and failing to reach the zipper at the back of my dress." Actually, I think I do need some help," Ladmitted. "This thing is cumbersome."

"That much is obvious," he teased. "I don't know how you've managed to keep it on all night. I wouldn't last a minute wearing something like that."

I giggled again, an image of Alexander in a princess-style wedding gown flickering through my mind, almost too absurd for my tipsy brain to process. He rolled his eyes at my laughter but stepped forward, closing the space between

us.

"So, a zipper, then?" His voice was softer now, and the warmth of his presence made my breath catch.

whisper, suddenly hyper-aware of how close

gently brushed my hair aside, his fingers grazing my neck. His body pressed against mine, and my

been in the quiet

Alexander stepped back, giving me space. For a moment, we just stood there, staring at each other in a charged silence. His eyes held something I couldn't quite place—an intensity that sent a

turned and walked to the dresser where

myself for reacting the way I had. This was ridiculous. I shouldn't feel so unsteady

the thought, reminding myself that this was just the beginning. After tonight, I'd be moving into his apartment. We'd have to learn to share

down until it pooled around my ankles. I stepped out of the heavy fabric and made my way to my suitcase, retrieving the soft pajamas

my best to ignore the sounds of Alexander behind

1/3

Chapter 0237

ready for bed, knowing that the only way through

ceremony," Alexander said suddenly, breaking the silence. "It all went so beautifully. I couldn't have planned it

agreed, a warm smile spreading

replied, his tone light but sincere. "I didn't know you could

How could I possibly explain that my emotions in that moment had been sincere? That the

without risking

I said

without your sincerity. People

slightly. His words were fueled by alcohol, they couldn't

moved toward the adjoining bathroom, the sound of the sink running and the rhythmic brushing of his teeth filling the quiet

the noises from the bathroom stopped, I knocked lightly on the door. Alexander opened it, and I held up my toothbrush in silent explanation. He stepped

he stepped out into the

teeth quickly, the silence

into the bedroom, moving carefully so as not to wake Alexander if he'd