Let Me Go, My Mafia Husband by Paga Slayer

Chapter 435 Friends With Benefits Bella's POV.

I stirred, finding myself enveloped in a pair of strong, muscular arms.

Slowly, I opened my eyes and surveyed my surroundings. Beside me lay the most strikingly handsome man, his arms coiled protectively around my waist.

He held me so tightly against his body as though he never wanted to let me go. His possessive grip made me feel a surge of unfamiliar sensations and tingles throughout my body. While we had shared a bed before, today felt different. We were different. We had crossed all boundaries, and there was no turning back for us now.

Reality crashed into my senses, and my mind replayed the memories of

last night. I had begged him to take me, and now I regretted it immensely. I silently cursed myself, feeling deeply embarrassed. How would I ever be able to meet his gaze? How could I face the man who had passionately made love to me last night, who happened to be my best friend?

I recalled how he had come to my rescue at a college party, saving me from bullies when I was just a freshman. He was my knight in shining armor then, and last night he had saved me once again. But this time, it was different. Now, who would save me from falling in love with him?

I was well aware that he was the most sought-after bachelor. I never stood a chance of winning his heart. Last night meant nothing more to him than a casual encounter. He had never been in a committed relationship before.

Naturally, he had a stunningly beautiful girlfriend, someone who looked like a supermodel. But I knew it was only a matter of time before he grew tired of her.

The weight of regret and disappointment bore down on me as I looked at his peacefully sleeping face. Last night's encounter had left me feeling vulnerable and filled with self-doubt. I couldn't shake the feeling that I had made a grave mistake, giving away something so precious in a drunken haze.

allure of the city's most desirable bachelor. But I knew, deep down, that this meant nothing more than a casual fling to him

to quietly slip away from the

my actions with strength. But as I began to move, Ryder's arm tightened around me, refusing to let go. My heart raced, and I felt a mixture of surprise and uncertainty at his unexpected gesture. "Where do you think you're

the bathroom," I stuttered,

stand. As I winced and cried out softly, Ryder immediately shifted to my side, his concern evident. "What happened,

the right words, I

sorry... I tried to be

vulnerable, I averted my gaze and answered, "Um... No, Ryder.

softened, and he rubbed the back of his neck apologetically. "Do you want me to

respond, he gently lifted me up in a bridal-style hold, carrying me towards the bathroom. Though grateful for his care, I couldn't help but feel a mix of awkwardness and

encounter with Ryder. Once I finished my morning routine and had a quick shower, I emerged from the bathroom, wrapped in a soft white robe

my way down the

eggs and bacon filled the air, making my stomach grumble in response. The fragrance guided me to the kitchen, where Ryder was busy cooking. He turned around and his eyes locked with mine, a mischievous smile playing on

Ryder's point of view:

looked breathtaking sitting there, her damp hair adding to her allure, draped in my white robe. I could sense she was feeling a mix of emotions- perhaps a bit ashamed, as she avoided direct eye contact. The atmosphere was thick with unspoken thoughts and emotions, and I couldn't help but feel a tinge

apprehension as I nervously bit my lip. "N...no, Ryder. Actually, I should thank you for coming and rescuing