Obsession: His Runaway Bride

Chapter 1: Equal Fervor

Noelle's eyes fluttered open when the warm glow of the morning light spilled through the partially drawn curtains. The room felt warm, safe and comforting which she hadn't felt in weeks. As her senses slowly returned, she became aware of the quiet, steady rhythm of breathing beside her. And when she turned her head, her gaze landed on Adrian.

He slept on his side, facing her with his amber eyes hidden under his long lashes. In sleep, his face appeared softer, more masculine, without the sharp, confident charm that tended to enthrall the cameras. Her lips curled into a slight smile as warmth filled his chest. It had been too long since she'd caught him this way-calm, peaceful, and home.

Carefully, Noelle moved under the blankets, not wanting to wake him. The smooth cover fell from her shoulders, and she sat up, pushing her dark hair behind her ears. The slight pain in her limbs reminded her of how intimate Adrian had been when he came home last night. Embarrassment flushed up her cheeks as she looked down at Adrian, remembering the way he'd clung to her so tightly, so desperately, as if afraid she'd disappear if he released her.

He had come back from abroad after a month of working on his much-awaited project. And when he'd opened the door last night finally, fatigue carved out his chiseled features but it had soon given way to something more basic. Adrian missed her too intensely and his need for her was overwhelming. So on that very night, he didn't allow her to sleep.

Noelle chuckled softly at the memory. She gently bit on her lip and rose from the bed. The cold air that kissed her bare skin sent a shiver down her spine. She quickly bent to pick up her discarded black silk lingerie from the floor and slipped it on. The smooth fabric hugged her form as she adjusted the straps over her shoulders. Her reflection in the mirror caught her attention, and she smoothed her hair, attempting to tame the wild strands that stood as evidence of their night together.

She looked back at Adrian, who was blissfully still asleep with his arm flung across the bed she had vacated moments before. Her heart swelled at the sight of him and she couldn't help but smile. He looked so serene, so far removed from the man who was always in the public eye.

Noelle decided to prepare breakfast for him. It was the least she could do after the exhausting schedule he'd endured-and, of course, the way he'd made sure she felt just how much he'd missed her.

She moved quietly out of the bedroom. She proceeded to the kitchen, keeping her hair tied in a loose bun as she walked past the living room. All was quiet and still.

She then went to the fridge and looked in at its contents as she had a sudden idea. She would cook his favorite pancakes with fresh strawberries and crispy bacon on the side. As she pulled out the ingredients, her smile grew. Adrian needed a warm, home-made meal after the stressful month he'd been having. And really, she wanted to see that smile of his when he bit into it for the first time. It had been too long since she'd seen him happy and relaxed.

As she started whisking the batter, she couldn't help but let her mind wander. She remembered all those late-night texts that were never quite enough, all those video calls that finished too soon, all that longing she'd felt every time she saw his face plastered on billboards or magazine covers. And now that he was finally home, lying peacefully in their bed, it all seemed almost unreal.

Her cheeks flushed as she recalled the way he'd greeted her last night, the intensity in his gaze as he crossed the threshold and swept her into his arms. There had been no need for words, his actions had said everything.

Noelle chuckled to herself while pouring the batter into the pan.

When the pancakes started to sizzle and their golden tops slowly bubbling towards perfection, Noelle's eyes were glued on to regulating the heat so that they do not burn. She did not catch the light footsteps drawing near, or the soft breathing of the man standing behind her. It was only when two firm, warm hands encircled her waist that she startled with a jump causing her heart to miss a beat.

The grip was tight but soft, and so familiar. A smile pulled at her mouth even before she could turn her head.

"Whose woman is this?" Adrian's deep voice rumbled in her ear, in playful teasing and unmistakable possessiveness. The heat of his breath tickled her skin as he leaned in, pressing a slow, lingering kiss to the curve of her neck. A pleasant shiver coursed through her and her body reacted to his touch almost immediately.

Noelle smiled gently. "Yours, Mr. Blackwood," she said, leaning back into his arms with her full hand reaching up to lie across his.

The simplicity of those words set something in Adrian on fire and the restraint he had so diligently held in check since waking up, dissolved. His amber eyes darkened with desire as he turned off the stove with one hand. Before Noelle could even think about his next action, he quickly spun her around to face him.

Without hesitation, Adrian swept her up in one effortless movement, her legs encircling his waist as if nothing could be more natural. Noelle breathed in sharply, her arms going around his neck for balance, but the shock gave way to laughter in quick succession.

"You startled me," she managed to say, her words breaking off into a soft moan as Adrian's lips found hers.

With one arm holding her up and the other wrenching the spatula out of her hand, Adrian tossed it on the counter with a careless flourish. His lips took hers in a kiss that was far from tender. It was ravenous, wild, and seething with the raw intensity of a man starved of her for too long.

Noelle dissolved into him. Her hands threaded through his hair as she kissed him in return with the same passion. The aroma of pancakes and strawberries wafted around them, but it was the intoxicating scent of Adrian that overwhelmed her senses.

"Adrian," she whispered against his mouth when they finally parted for air. Her cheeks were flushed, and her dark eyes shone as she looked up at him. "The pancakes."

"They can wait," he whispered, his forehead against hers as a lopsided smile pulled at his lips. "I've missed you too much to worry about breakfast at the moment."

Noelle rolled her eyes but couldn't conceal the smile that crossed her face. "You're insatiable," she teased.

Adrian grinned, his palms gliding up to her waist as he drew her near. "Only with you," he breathed.

Noelle's breath stuck in her throat as Adrian's fingers pushed aside the flimsy fabric of her thong as the chill of the kitchen brushed over her exposed warmth. Her hips arched automatically towards him as his thick, hard length thrust into her with a slow, measured ease. The feeling was electric and a sharp gasp left her lips as she felt him fill her to the hilt, stretching her in the most decadent fashion. Her fingers grabbed a fistful of his hair, nails scraping against his scalp as she held on tight with her legs wrapping around his waist to pull him deeper.

Adrian growled, low in his throat. His hands stayed clamped on her hips with a possessive intensity as he started to thrust. Each one was slow and deep and the friction made waves of pleasure move through Noelle's body. Her head fell back and a soft moan escaped her lips as she felt him strike that spot inside of her that made her toes curl. The smell of pancakes and strawberries was in the air, but it was overwhelmed by the heavy scent of their sweat and desire. The room was filled with the ragged breathing of the two of them and the slick, wet sounds of their bodies coming together.

"Adrian," Noelle whimpered, her voice trembling with need as she rocked her hips against his, meeting each thrust with equal fervor. Her breasts pressed against his chest while the thin fabric of her lingerie did little to hide the hard peaks of her nipples as they rubbed against him. She could feel the heat building inside her, a coil tightening in her lower belly with every movement of his hips. Her fingers dug into his shoulders, leaving faint red marks as she held on with her body trembling to the intensity of the pleasure coursing through her.

Adrian's lips found hers once more, his kiss ravenous and insistent as he consumed her moans. His hands shifted from her hips to her ass, squeezing the tender flesh as he raised her a little, altering the angle of his thrusts. Noelle screamed out, her body curving as he struck that place once more, the pleasure so exquisite it was almost too much to bear. Her nails tore down his back, leaving delicate red streaks in their path as she held on tight, her body shuddering on the brink of release.

"Fuck, Noelle," Adrian snarled against her lips, his voice hoarse with need as he sensed the walls of her vagina contract around him. His strokes grew stronger, more insistent as the sound of flesh slapping against flesh echoed through the room. He sensed the contraction of her vagina around him, her breathing short, desperate gasps as she approached her orgasm. His own was building and the tension in his groin near to agony as he pounded into her unrelentingly.

Noelle's body stiffened, her spine curving as the coil within her snapped. Her orgasm overwhelmed her in waves of unadulterated bliss.

"Adrian!" She called out his name, her voice cracking as she came and her walls thudding around him in rhythmic contractions. Adrian moaned with his own release close on its heels as he buried himself deep within her, his hips jerking as he spilled himself into her with a low, satisfied groan.

They remained for a while like that. Their bodies stuck together, their breathing entwining as they descended from the rush of their mutual pleasure. Noelle's legs shook as she slowly untangled them from his waist, her body still sensitized from the aftershocks of her climax. Adrian's forehead was pressed against hers, his breathing still unsteady as he softly kissed her mouth, his hands drifting to hold her face.

"Breakfast can definitely wait," Noelle whispered with a gentle, pleased smile creeping onto her face as she gazed up at him. Adrian laughed. His hands at her waist tugged her towards him, his lips touching hers in a gentle kiss.

Chapter 2: Superstition

Adrian leaned back in his chair while his amber eyes remained fixed on Noelle as she absentmindedly drizzled syrup over her pancake.

"Stop staring and eat," Noelle said with a laugh as she caught his gaze.

Adrian smirked and rested his chin on his hand. "Can't help it. You're prettier than breakfast." Noelle rolled her eyes, but a faint blush dusted her cheeks. "Flattery will not get you another pancake."

Before Adrian could respond, his phone vibrated on the table and the screen lit up with Miles' name. Adrian let out a groan while his smile faded as he picked up the phone.

"Do you have to ruin my morning already, Miles?" Adrian grumbled, holding the phone to his ear.

"Good morning to you too, sunshine," Miles replied, his voice brisk. "I need you at AMN, now."

Adrian's brows furrowed. "I just got home last night. Can't it wait? I'm having breakfast with Noelle."

"It can't wait," Miles said firmly. "We just got an offer from Dela Vega Productions. It's huge, Adrian! The kind of deal people would kill for. You need to hear this in person."

Adrian pinched the bridge of his nose. He glanced at Noelle who was quietly sipping her coffee but watching him with an understanding smile.

"I'm not interested, Miles," Adrian said while leaning back in his chair. "I told you I want to spend time with Noelle. Whatever it is, we can talk about it tomorrow."

"No, we can't," Miles insisted with an unyielding tone in his voice. "This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Dela Vega Productions doesn't just knock on doors! They only call when they know you're the best fit. You'd be crazy to ignore this."

Adrian sighed heavily and ran a hand through his messy hair. He looked at Noelle again, silently apologizing with his eyes. But Noelle only smiled softly while nodding her head in silent encouragement.

"Fine," Adrian finally said but still a little reluctant. "I'll be there in an hour."

"Make it half," Miles quipped before hanging up.

Adrian set his phone down with a groan, rubbing his face with both hands. "That man doesn't understand the concept of personal time."

Noelle chuckled, reaching across the table to squeeze his hand. "It's okay. I know how important your work is. Go on and prepare."

Adrian sighed, standing up and walked around the table to plant a kiss on the top of her head."

At least let me drive you to the bridal shop you mentioned to me last night," Adrian said, his voice soft as he stroked her hair. "You said you wanted to pick out your dress."

Noelle's lips curled into a smile as she looked up at him. "You don't have to. You're already in a rush because of Miles, and I know how much he'll nag you if you're late."

Adrian smirked, crouching down beside her chair so their eyes met. "I can handle Miles. But you? You're my priority."

Her heart softened at his words, but she still shook her head gently. "I'll be fine. Grace is meeting me there, remember? You focus on this big project. We'll have plenty of time later to argue over lace and tulle."

Adrian's amber eyes narrowed in playful protest. "You're really going to pick a dress without me? That's cruel, darling."

She chuckled, brushing her fingers along his cheek. "You're not supposed to see the dress before the wedding anyway, Mr. Blackwood. Isn't that bad luck?"

"Superstition," Adrian countered with a grin, but he sighed in surrender. "Fine. But I'm holding you to a full recap when I get back."

"Deal," she said with a laugh, leaning in to press a soft kiss to his lips. "Now go before Miles calls again and yells at you."

Reluctantly, Adrian stood, grabbing his jacket and keys. He turned back to her as he reached the door. "Text me as soon as you're done, okay? And don't let Grace pressure you into picking something you don't like."

Noelle shook her head, amused by his concern. "I promise. Go on now."

With one last lingering glance, Adrian left as the sound of the door clicking shut echoed through the house. Noelle exhaled deeply while her fingers brushed against her lips where his kiss lingered, before finishing her coffee.

~~~~~~~~

Grace stood outside of the bridal shop while keeping her eyes on her watch. The soft clinking of her bracelets echoed faintly as she crossed her arms and tapped her heel against the pavement.

And when she spotted Noelle approaching in her usual shirt and fitted pants, Grace couldn't help but let out a light laughter. "You know, you're probably the only bride-to-be in the city who shows up to pick a wedding dress looking like she's here to run errands."

Noelle shrugged with a shy smile as she reached Grace. "What's wrong with being comfortable? I didn't know I needed to dress up to try on dresses."

Grace shook her head, still smiling as she linked her arm with Noelle's. "There's nothing wrong with it, Elle. I just... admire how grounded you are. Most women would be showing off if they were in your shoes." She gestured down to Noelle's modest sneakers. "I heard Adrian spoilt you with everything."

Noelle rolled her eyes as her smile softened. "Don't remind me. I've told him a hundred times to stop buying me things I don't need. Half the time, I feel like I have to scold him like a child."

Grace let out a laugh. "Oh, I can picture that. But you know him, he's not just an actor. He's practically a one-man empire. I swear, Adrian thinks spoiling you is his personal mission."

Noelle's steps faltered slightly and glanced at Grace. "Empire? What are you talking about?"

Grace froze for a split second as she realized her slip. But she quickly plastered on a nonchalant expression. "I just mean... you know, he's a big deal. His projects, his influence... it's a lot to handle."

Noelle frowned, clearly unconvinced but unwilling to press further. "Well, I still wish he'd tone it down. I don't need all of that to be happy. Just him."

Grace's smile softened at her friend's words. Noelle's humility and sincerity were exactly why she and Adrian adored her so much. Looping their arms together again, Grace tugged her toward the bridal shop. "Come on, let's find you the dress of your dreams before you talk yourself out of it."

But the moment they entered, Noelle ended up gasping in utter surprise. She then laughed nervously as her eyes darted around the bridal shop. The gleaming chandeliers, racks of delicate lace, and mannequins adorned in the finest silk gowns exuded luxury at every corner. Her gaze landed on a dress with intricate beading, and her jaw dropped when she spotted the price tag.

"Wow... these are beautiful... and expensive!" she exclaimed, her tone rising in mild panic. "Why would you bring me here?!"

Grace burst out laughing, shaking her head as she grabbed Noelle's arm to steady her. "Shush, woman! You're acting like you've never stepped into a fancy shop before."

"That's because I haven't!" Noelle whispered sharply, still scanning the extravagant displays as if they might swallow her whole. "I can't afford anything here! Grace, I'm just a flower shop owner. What were you thinking?"

Grace rolled her eyes dramatically, pulling Noelle toward a nearby rack of gowns. "Oh, please. Did you really think Adrian was going to let you spend a single cent of your own money on your wedding?"

Noelle froze, blinking at her. "But... it's my wedding. I'm supposed to-"

"-Supposed to what?" Grace cut her off with a pointed look. "Listen, Elle, Adrian loves you more than anything. If he had his way, he'd probably buy you the entire shop just to see you smile. You're his world, so let him spoil you a little."

Noelle sighed, running a hand through her hair as her gaze shifted back to the dresses. "I just... I don't want to feel like I'm taking advantage of him, you know? He already does so much. It feels... overwhelming."

Grace softened, resting a hand on Noelle's shoulder. "That's what makes you so special, Elle. You don't care about my cousin's fame or money, and he knows that. But don't forget. He does all of this because it makes him happy, not because he thinks you need it. You're not taking advantage of him, you're giving him the chance to show how much he loves you."

Noelle's lips quirked into a small, hesitant smile. "You make it sound so easy."

"That's because it is," Grace teased, nudging her gently. "Now, come on. Let's find something that'll knock Adrian's socks off on your wedding day."

Chapter 3: Out You Go

Noelle stepped out of the dressing room wearing the first dress Grace had picked for her. It was a sleek, fitted gown with a mermaid silhouette. The fabric clung to her curves before flaring out dramatically at the knees. She smoothed her hands nervously over the fabric and stepped in front of the mirror.

"Well?" she asked, glancing over at Grace, who was perched on a plush chair with her arms crossed.

Grace tilted her head, her eyes narrowing as she examined Noelle. After a moment of silence, she gave a firm shake of her head. "No. It's too... restrictive. It's not you."

Noelle let out a relieved laugh, turning back toward the dressing room. "I was thinking the same thing. I could barely breathe in this thing!"

"Next one!" Grace called out as Noelle disappeared behind the curtain.

The next dress was a strapless ball gown, the skirt billowing out like a cloud of tulle. Noelle stepped out and the dress swished softly as she moved.

"Oh, no," Grace said immediately, waving her hand dismissively. "You look like you're drowning in frosting."

Noelle burst out laughing. "Frosting? That's a new one."

Grace grinned. "What can I say? I have a gift for metaphors. Go try the next one."

The third dress was a sleek A-line gown with delicate lace sleeves and a high neckline. Noelle stepped out cautiously, unsure of how she felt about it.

Grace tapped her chin thoughtfully, her lips pursed. "Hmm... It's better, but it's too modest. You're marrying Adrian Blackwood, for heaven's sake. We need something that says, 'I'm the luckiest bride alive,' not 'I'm here to teach Sunday school.'"

Noelle rolled her eyes, though she couldn't help but chuckle. "You're impossible, Grace."

"And you love me for it," Grace shot back with a wink. "Now go try the next one!"

The process continued as each dress earned a shake of Grace's head and a witty remark. Some were too plain, others too over-the-top. One dress had a train so long that Noelle joked she'd need a separate car just to transport it.

Finally, the attendant brought out a gown that made Grace sit up a little straighter in her seat. "Try this one," she said, her tone more serious than before.

Noelle took the dress into the fitting room, running her fingers over the delicate lace and soft satin. It was simple yet elegant, with a sweetheart neckline and a flowing skirt that seemed to shimmer under the light.

When she stepped out of the dressing room, Grace's eyes widened. Noelle walked to the mirror with her heart skipping a beat as she saw herself in the gown. It was perfect. The fabric hugged her figure just enough to accentuate her shape without feeling overwhelming. The lace details along the neckline and sleeves added a touch of romance, and the way the skirt flowed made her feel like she was walking on air.

Grace stood up with her hands clasped together. "That's the one."

"Really?" Noelle asked, turning to face her.

"Really," Grace said, her voice soft. "It's you, Noelle. It's perfect."

Noelle turned back to the mirror and a smile spread across her face as she twirled slightly, watching the skirt flare out around her. "I think... I think you're right."

And while the two were busy admiring the dress Noelle was wearing, as if on cue, the door opened catching their attention. Noelle looked up in the mirror and her eyes immediately widened when she saw Adrian standing behind them.

The way his amber eyes locked onto her made her feel like the most beautiful woman in the world. And Adrian who truly was seeing her as the most beautiful woman, froze in place. His gaze began drinking her in as if he couldn't quite believe what he was seeing.

"Noelle..." he breathed, his voice barely above a whisper.

She turned to face him fully with her cheeks flushed red. "Adrian! What are you doing here?"

"I couldn't stay away," he admitted, stepping closer. His eyes never left hers as his expression showed his awe and adoration to her. "I had to see you."

Grace smirked, taking a step back to give them some space. "Well, I'd say your timing is impeccable, cousin."

Adrian ignored Grace entirely, his eyes kept locked on Noelle as if she were the only person in the world. He stepped closer, gently taking her hands in his, his touch warm and steady. His gaze traveled over her as admiration and awe etched into every line of his face.

"Can we get married right now?" Adrian asked, his voice soft but filled with an undeniable intensity. His lips curved into a playful smile, one that betrayed how completely overwhelmed he felt in the moment. Nothing else mattered to him but the woman standing before him, looking like a vision of perfection.

Noelle blinked at him, her cheeks flushing a deeper shade as she processed his words. Nervous laughter bubbled up as she gave him a playful push on the chest. "What are you saying, Adrian? Our wedding is in two weeks. There's no need to rush."

He caught her hands again, holding them tightly as if he couldn't bear to let her go. "Two weeks feels like an eternity, Elle," he murmured, his voice low and earnest. "Seeing you like this... I can't explain it. I just... I can't wait to call you my wife."

Her heart skipped a beat at the sincerity in his voice, but she shook her head, her lips curving into a soft smile. "You're being dramatic."

"Maybe," Adrian admitted with a small chuckle. "But I mean it. You're all I've ever wanted, Noelle."

Suddenly, Grace cleared her throat pointedly, breaking the spell between the two. "Alright, lovebirds," she lightly teased but laced with mock exasperation. "As much as I'm enjoying this little fairytale moment, some of us have schedules to keep."

She crossed her arms, arching a brow at Adrian while trying, and failing, to hide the playful smirk tugging at her lips. "Noelle still has to finalize the alterations on her dress. And you, mister, should know better. It's bad luck to see your bride in her wedding dress before the big day."

Adrian turned to her with a mischievous glint in his amber eyes. "Bad luck? Grace, do I look like the kind of guy who's scared of a little superstition?"

Grace scoffed, waving a hand dismissively. "Maybe not, but Noelle might be. And honestly, I'm not about to let you jinx anything. She's worked too hard to let you mess this up."

Noelle chuckled, her gaze darting between the two. "Grace has a point. Besides, Adrian, don't you have somewhere important to be?"

Adrian sighed dramatically, placing a hand over his heart as though he'd been wounded. "Fine, fine. I'll go. But don't think for a second that superstition is what's keeping me away," he quipped, shooting Grace a playful smirk before turning his attention back to Noelle.

"Two weeks," he murmured softly, his voice warm with promise. "I'll be the luckiest man alive."

Grace rolled her eyes but couldn't help grinning. "Alright, Romeo. Time's up. Out you go."