Chapter eleven

My eyes scanned the dresses hung up in front of me, they were simply gorgeous and I had the opportunity to choose any which one I wanted.

"You didn't have to buy all of these for me!" I squeaked, my hand brushing against a beautiful satin, rose gold dress that caught the light as I moved it.

"Seeing as you got forced to marry me.. I thought I should make an effort to make you feel at home"

Turning around I faced Henry, he was wearing the most incredible, smartest tux I had ever seen. It suited him and it made me think back to our wedding day, I for sure missed this look on him. It was simple and black, yet carved out his muscles perfectly which made my throat dry. His black jeans fitted perfectly on his hips and the belt he wore was of course very expensive, I wondered on to inappropriate thoughts about what he could do to me with that belt. The very thought of it made my cheeks quickly tint a shade of pink.

Switching my gaze to his face my heart dipped, his stubble was just enough to be sexy without looking like he didn't care about his appearance and his hair wasn't combed back how it usually is, he was rocking his messy, curly, dark waves which I adored. This man certainly was a heart throb and at times I indulged in just staring at him, he was breathtakingly perfect.

Raising his familiar brow that I was so accompanied to I shook my head from these rather elusive thoughts and stared at him innocently, already knowing he knew I was checking him out.

"A-ah of course but you really didn't have to buy me so many dresses Hen, I wouldn't ever be able to pay you back.." I stammered, trying to regain my composure from all those dirty thoughts swirling about in my head.

Henry softly placed a hand on my face, rubbing his thumb against my cheek. The smallest actions from Henry as I will always say could make my knees weak, which they did.

"I just wanted to treat you Melanie"

Blushing profusely I swatted his hand away, looking away from him with embarrassment, I felt so vulnerable in his presence. Was it because he was such a gorgeous man that I was unworthy of? I wasn't sure.

"T-thank you, that's very kind of you" gulping back saliva I took a deep breath of air in, trying to release my mind from this 'torture'

"Anyway. What is with the nickname Hen?"

Pursing my lips together I realised that I had accidentally nicknamed him, maybe he would hate it, maybe he would love it but it definitely caused me to become more embarrassed if that was humanly possible.

"Stop worrying Melanie, I like it" as if reading my thoughts Henry decided to rescue me and reassure me with just a simple comment, though it calmed me down immensely. I was too concerned by what Henry would think of me that I was starting to become a different version of Melanie Ainsley- I wasn't too keen on this side of me. I am normally very stubborn, tough and I don't cower away like a lost poppy.

"Now let's find you a dress, shall we?"

Nodding I decided to scour through the dresses again, which happily took my mind off him. Though I still felt his eyes piercing me from behind. "Henry, I can choose my dress alone.."

Henry smirked deviously "ohh of course. I was hoping you would forget I was here"

Curling my toes I decided not to respond and instead let him leave the room, thankfully. The only thing with Henry that was rather irritating me was the fact I had told him I was struggling to keep loyal to Tom, yet he was pushing my buttons purposely.

Sighing I landed upon a princess like dress that truly hit my heart in ways a piece of clothing never has, it was elegant but sexy, though not too sexy. It was a royal blue colour, with a tapered in waist line that puffed out at the sides and off the shoulder sleeves that flowed at the end giving me an angelic impression.

The dress had a plunge to show a fair amount of cleavage which made me blush, I don't think I had worn something so revealing like that but we all decide to take risks in life and I for one wasn't worried about those risks.

It was long, but not too long that I would stupidly trip over my feet and break my neck. It stopped just at my ankles giving me some room to dance if I wanted. To put it simply this dress had my name written all over it and it perked my curiosity that Henry had such good taste.

I then decided on pairing this dress with some beautiful black heels that I knew would add some much needed height considering how short I was. Excitement overtook me as I wondered on to how I would look once I put my attire on for tonight, this was going to be so  fun.

Walking to the bathroom I slipped out of my attire which was simple grey joggers and a cropped white t shirt.  Leaving me just in my underwear, I looked at myself in the body lengthened mirror, My body that I have for so long decided on hating made tears prick at my eyes. I may have confidence but not enough to be in love with myself and that hurts, how on earth am I meant to be with Henry when I felt so minuscule compared to him.

I was now going to go to this special place Henry is referring to and it scared me to think I would be around so many gorgeous women, so many women that would for sure flaunt themselves at Henry. I wasn't jealous, though it still stung my heart slightly to think about it.

Scrambling from my mind I hopped into the shower, trying to let the water calm me down. Which thankfully it did.

*
Peering at myself I was shocked at who looked back at me, this woman was a vixen who had sex appeal, sultry and modesty all in one. The heat was becoming my cheeks as I felt myself blush at the thought of Henry seeing me like this. It was different to when I wore my wedding dress, I looked like an Angel whereas right now I looked like I could lap up any man who I wanted, the very thought of that made me nervous.

Though I didn't wear much makeup I decided on a winged liner that smoked at the edges with a nude matte lip, My hair was hung in elegant beach waves and a plait went across the middle of my head joining together. I was truly surprised I even did myself up so well, I was normally awful but today it seemed like was my day.

Nervously I opened the door, worried what Henry would think of me, after all this look was new to me let alone Hen, so I purposely tried not to make too much noise as I crept down the stairs. Also making sure to pick up the dress from the front incase I did somehow trip over myself, now that wouldn't be ideal.

In relief I made it to the bottom of the stairs, wondering where Henry could possibly be. Tilting my head around I then spotted him, he was in the kitchen pouring himself a drink of what looked like Gin.

Smiling cautiously I walked towards him, taking him in even more from when I did earlier. This man was just so handsome, I didn't think I could of met someone like him let alone marry. Maybe one day we can be a typical married couple, instead of putting our guards up hoping for a different reality.

Peering from his glass I saw Henry make eye contact with me, though his eyes quickly darted to my chest area which made my heart thump, nerves showering me all over. "W-wow Melanie you look"

"Sexy? Oh don't I know it" I beamed, putting on my more accustomed teasing behaviour than what I was showing as before.

"I mean, yes" Henry stammered his eyes not leaving me, it was like he was slowly undressing me even though he was a distance away. The very thought of what he may be thinking of me was enough to get me a hot mess.

"Not too bad yourself Hen" I winked teasingly, joining him in the kitchen and grabbing myself a drink which I desperately needed.

"So where are we going..." I continued, my glass steadily in one hand

Henry smirked at me, those fangs showing which put me in a trance. I absolutely loved his fangs, what was wrong with me.

"We are going to a ball"

I quickly spat out my drink, vanishing that sexy demeanour I had put on. "A ball!?"

I didn't know they even happened anymore let alone actually going to one, now I understand why we are both so dressed up.

"Yes and don't you look good enough to eat..." Henry hummed, his eyes now staring back at my chest.

Blushing incredibly I pushed him away lightly, finishing my drink and brushing imaginary dust off my dress.

"This is going to be eventful"