Cursed and Fated: Offered To The Wicked Alpha Prince
Chapter 35: In her personal space

Chapter 35: In her personal space

"Are you actually buying flowers?" Micah arched an eyebrow as Gideon signaled him to pull the car over in front of a boutique florist’s shop.

"Why not?" Gideon replied simply, exiting the car. Micah followed him closely, looking skeptical but intrigued.

Gideon moved through the display gallery, his eyes scanning the arrangements until they landed on the last remaining bouquet of roses. He picked it up, though the arrangement was incredibly large, spilling over his arms.

"Don’t you think that’s a bit much? You should consider buying a tinier one," Micah suggested, leaning against a display shelf. "Also... do you already love Adeline?"

"No," Gideon refused instantly, his voice flat as he handed his card to the florist.

The woman took the card with both hands, processed the payment with a respectful bow, and returned it. Gideon took the massive bouquet without another word, and the two men stepped back out into the cool evening air.

As they settled back into the car, Micah started the engine and sighed. "You only give roses like those to someone when you have feelings for them, Gideon."

"I picked this bouquet simply because it is large. I think Adeline will like it," Gideon replied, a small smile tugging at his lips as he looked at the velvet petals.

"This isn’t the Gideon I grew up with," Micah remarked, glancing at him briefly. "Just a few days ago, you were ready to kill the bride they brought for you."

"I changed the plan the moment she touched my hand. How many times do I have to tell you that, Micah?" Gideon tilted his head, his eyes flashing a sudden, predatory gold that silenced the air in the car.

"I know," Micah murmured, gripping the steering wheel tighter. "It just seems like you’re falling in love with her."

Micah kept his eyes on the road, a heavy knot forming in his chest. He feared for Gideon. If the curse were to take hold, how would Gideon survive the loss of someone he had actually let in? Micah knew his friend had faced every battle with a heart of stone, but if Adeline became his weakness, her loss could destroy him completely.

"And what if I fall for her? My biggest fear could become my greatest strength. Don’t you think?" Gideon asked, arching an eyebrow as he challenged Micah’s caution.

"I don’t know," Micah murmured, his voice thick with concern. "It’s just... I don’t wish to lose you, Gideon."

"And if I spend my life cowering because of a curse, I will die mateless and alone," Gideon muttered, staring out at the darkening landscape of the Western Borders.

"We wolves believe in one supreme divinity—the Moon Goddess. It was she who suddenly brought Adeline into my life. I want to see how this ends. Either it will be the making of me, or it will destroy me."

Micah remained silent, realizing there was no use in arguing with a man who had already accepted his fate.

Shortly after, the car pulled up in front of the villa. Both men stepped out, and as they crossed the threshold into the living room, the aroma of dinner wafted through the air. Gideon held the massive bouquet with both hands, his eyes already searching the space for Adeline.

"Why don’t you head to your room?" he suggested to Micah, his tone making it clear he wanted the next few moments to be private. Without waiting for a reply, he stepped toward the kitchen.

Inside, he found Adeline carefully decorating cupcakes. She was so focused that she hadn’t noticed his entrance, though a small smudge of chocolate on her cheek gave her a disarmingly domestic look.

Her movements froze when she finally looked up and met a pair of glowing golden orbs staring at her.

"Gideon!" she gasped, offering a slight, instinctive bow. Her eyes widened as they landed on the enormous bouquet of roses. "Who... who gave you those?"

He closed the gap between them in a few long strides. "I bought them for you," Gideon said. "A reward for sending me that picture." He pushed the heavy bouquet toward her.

Adeline felt a fresh wave of embarrassment wash over her as she recalled the selfie. She reached out to take the flowers, but she almost stumbled; the arrangement was so large and heavy that it nearly obscured her vision.

She had to strain just to keep her balance while holding the massive gift to her impulsiveness.

"Thank you. Can you hold them for me? I’ve yet to finish this," Adeline urged, gesturing to the half-decorated cupcakes.

"Sure," Gideon replied, taking the weight of the flowers back into his arms. He leaned against the counter, his eyes scanning the busy kitchen. "But why are you the one cooking? Where is the kitchen staff?"

"I gave them the evening off," Adeline replied, her focus returning to the frosting. "I thought I should make tonight’s dinner. I’m sorry I didn’t ask first; I assumed you would be too busy to care."

"If you thought I was so busy, why did you send me that picture?" He took a deliberate step toward her, closing the distance until he was well within her personal space. He let his pheromones flare slightly, hoping to catch a reaction or a flicker of recognition from her.

But Adeline remained entirely neutral, her expression calm as she smoothed the chocolate on a cupcake, showing no sign that she felt the primal pull of his presence.

Gideon’s eyes darkened with a mix of intrigue and frustration. "I’ll go keep the bouquet in your room," he stated, turning toward the door. "By the way, Micah is also staying here with us. I suppose your plan to have a special dinner alone with me is ruined."

He smirked, tilting his head over his shoulder to catch her reaction.

"I—I didn’t plan a special dinner!" Adeline defended herself quickly, her face flushing pink. "In fact, I’m happy Micah is here. The more the merrier."