𝑀𝒮. 𝒞𝒜𝑅𝐸 𝒯𝒜𝒦𝐸𝑅

11 | Freya

Isabelle's POV :

As I sat there with Julian watching his dad move back and forth across the ballroom, I couldn't help but feel the exhaustion seeping into my bones. My mind was already preoccupied with the test I had to take the next day, but with the added boredom, sleep seemed like a far-off dream.

Julian seemed to be feeling the same way, yawning and dozing off every few minutes. I patted his head and let him lean on me, feeling a sense of warmth and comfort emanating from the child's small frame.

Soon enough, Julian's breathing became heavier, and he started to snore softly. I couldn't help but smile at the sight of him, so innocent and carefree in his slumber. I closed my eyes for a moment, trying to block out the noise of the ballroom and focus on the soft sounds of Julian's breathing.

Suddenly, Christian appeared before us, his face showing no hint of emotion. "Falling asleep already?" he remarked, looking at my drooping eyelids.

"We got tired," I replied with a shrug, feeling the urge to sleep overtaking me once again.

Christian picked Julian up and held him close, his other hand extended to help me up. As I wrapped my arm around his forearm, I didn't care how it looked. All I cared about was getting out of the ballroom and getting some rest.

Once we were in the car, Christian secured Julian in the backseat and helped me into the passenger seat. As he buckled my seatbelt, I rested my head on his arm, feeling the warmth and comfort emanating from his body. He gently placed my head on the seat and shut the door behind him.

The world outside was slowly receding into the distance, but my mind was still racing with thoughts of the test and Christian's presence beside me. I couldn't help but inhale his scent, a mix of musk and cologne that was intoxicating.

As the car came to a stop, I couldn't help but feel a sense of relief wash over me. I was too tired to think or speak, so Christian led me inside, dropping Julian off in his room before taking me to a different room.

I didn't question the change in rooms, too exhausted to even form a coherent sentence. Christian gently placed me on the bed and fell asleep beside me, his breathing deep and steady. As I drifted off into slumber, the test seemed to fade away into the background, replaced by the warmth and comfort of Christian's presence beside me.

~~~

Christian's POV :

I found myself in a bit of a dilemma when Stefano, came to stay over. The room Isabelle usually sleeps in was taken by him, so I decided to take her to my bedroom. It wasn't ideal, but I was too tired to fetch the keys to a different guest room.

It would be easier for me to just let her sleep here. With a bit of struggle I undid her heels and put them to the side. I didn't want her to be uncomfortable when she woke up in completely different clothes so I left her clothes as they were.

I took her bracelet and earrings off, placing them on the side table closet to her. I also took off her necklace because what if she choked at night. I was about to leave when she grabbed my wrist and made me turn around.

"Can you take it off please." I didn't know what she meant by 'take it off'. What did she want off?

"What?"

"My bra. It's uncomfortable. Please take it off." I was trying not to make her uncomfortable, but she wanted it off. I didn't know if it was uncomfortable because I don't wear one, but if she wants it off. I guess I'll take it off.

I unzipped her dress just enough to see the strap of her bra. I unclasp it and manage to take it off without having to take her dress off completely. Placing it on the side table along with the rest of her stuff, I pull the covers up and cover her body with the blanket.