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.

hyper-aware of how close we were

his fingers grazing my neck. His body pressed against mine, and my pulse quickened as he began

sound of the zipper seemed louder than it should have been in the quiet room, each inch

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

word, he turned and walked

scolding myself for reacting the way I had. This was ridiculous. I shouldn't feel so unsteady about sharing a room-sharing a

this was just the beginning. After tonight, I'd be moving into his apartment. We'd have to learn to share our space

stepped out of the heavy fabric and made my way to my suitcase, retrieving

ignore the sounds of Alexander behind

1/3

Chapter 0237

focused instead on the simple act of getting ready for bed, knowing that the only way

breaking the silence. "It all went so beautifully. I

spreading across my face. "The guests seemed absolutely

but sincere. "I didn't know you could be so convincing, right down to the tears

explain that my emotions in that moment had been sincere? That the tears hadn't

couldn't. Not without risking misunderstanding-or

you," I said

"None of this would have worked without your sincerity. People have been telling me all night how lucky I am,

words were fueled

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

door. Alexander opened it, and I held up my toothbrush in silent explanation.

out into the

silence feeling more heavy now than

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