Maya's POV

"Is anything wrong, darling?" Eden saw the hidden evil smirk on my face and shivered, while I increased the pressure on his skin.

His face changed into a grimace as the pain intensified, let's see how he would snicker again.

"You look as if in pain, do you need help? " The gossipy seller asked in concern and that's when I put my acting skill in action.

Eden sucked in the pain and shook his head sideways in reply.

"Honey " I released him and clasped his face with my palms, "Is it the heat? Do we need to leave? "

"Heat? "

I put on a pitiful expression," My husband can't stand staying in the sun for too long, so I think we have to leave "I explained and tried to drag him away, wanting nothing more than to leave this stall.

"Oh no," Eden resisted openly, " I'll just take off my jacket " he peeled off his jacket as he spoke while I clenched my fist by my side.

Fine, let's see who would win this battle! May the best actor win!

I took the jacket from him the way a loving, dedicated wife would and hung it on my arm neatly while I placed my other hand tenderly on his shoulder.

"But we can't stay here any longer, your health is more important. Let's leave, alright? " I persuaded him.

Eden squeezed my hand on his shoulder with affection, "Don't worry about me, my love. We've postponed this shopping for too long and now we have got the chance to do it, I'll sacrifice my health for you, alright? " He took my hand and placed a kiss on the top of my palm.

"You don't need to worry about me, I'm stronger than I look, okay? "

The shopkeeper cooed, "Oh my God, the two of you are a perfect match made in heaven! "

Both of us put on a fake smile but I was boiling with frustration inside, he defeated me in this game.

"You know what?" She continued," I have something the both of you are going to love, " The woman told us animatedly with a chortle that made the hairs on my arm stand on edge.

I had a feeling I wasn't going to like the outcome of whatever this prying woman had in mind. But I was curious too, what did she have that was so different from what her neighboring stalls were selling?

There was an odd twinkle in her eyes that made me tremble, "Give me a few minutes, I'll be back " She said and walked further into her stall, shoving away the clothes hung on hangers for a display to customers out of her way.

Once she was out of earshot, I faced Eden with a posture that spelled trouble.

"My love, huh? "

"Darling, huh? " He responded with the same tune.

"I didn't even know you were such a good actor?"

"I manage a big entertainment company, how do you expect me to survive in such an industry if I can't mask my looks and intentions? "

I took a step closer with a firm look on my face, "So what's your intention in bringing me to this store? "

He rolled his eyes, " What's the fun if I tell you now "

I jabbed my hand on his chest "Eden, I swear to God if you're planning something evil on - "

"Why do you think I would do evil to you? " He asked with his gaze fixed on me which made me uncomfortable.

I looked away, "Niklaus said I shouldn't trust - "

"Toss what Niklaus told you aside, do you trust me, Maya? " I was taken aback by the directness of the question. The sudden turn of events left me speechless; this wasn't how it was supposed to go.

"I-I…"

"Think from your heart " He gripped my face and fixed my gaze on him as I stared into his heated orbs that showed his vulnerability at the moment.

I was shocked when I came to a startling realization, did Eden fall for me?

No, that couldn't be, I shook my head internally. Though Eden was not a crowned casanova like Niklaus, he sure has had his share of women over the years.

Why would he be interested in me? He probably just wanted to use me to accomplish his revenge on his cousin. There was no way on earth he would be sincerely captivated by me!

"Eden, you're a good person and I'm not just saying it to flatter you or bootlick but these past few days, I've been able to see beyond your exterior ..." I wet my lips when I trailed off.

"And? " He urged me to continue.

"And you're a good father too. I grew up with my parents but didn't feel any bond with them. But you and Annabelle? Even a blind man can sense the love and dedication you have for her and I respect you for that but - "

His eyebrows rose "But? "

"Something is unsettling about you "

He drew nearer, "What is it? "

I took a deep breath and said to him "You're like a viper, going through the hardship of stalking your prey, waiting patiently for the best time to strike your target. And when you do, each move is deadly "

"Honey, she's here " Eden started the act again and looked away before I could read his expression.

" You guys are so made for each other " This shallow woman started again.

"Where is it? " I asked straightaway ignoring Eden who was basking in her flatteries.

"Here, it is, " She said and brought out the long-anticipated item.

When he saw it, Eden looked away and began to cough with flushed cheeks.

My jaw dropped while my eyes almost bulged out of my socket, I swear to God…

"I promise you that with this sexy lingerie set that you won't be able to resist your beautiful wife's body at night. It would enhance her curve…"

She boldly demonstrated with her own body while holding out the blackish-red underwire lace bra which came in a set with the three-piece throng that had a garter belt and stockings.

A vivid blush crept up my neck as my imagination ran wild. What in the world…

"With her fair skin" The storekeeper went on and this time placed the bra on my chest, using me as a model.

"And this not too bright yet dangerous color, the desire won't be suppressed for long with the both of you alone in your chamber "

I gulped and didn't even dare look Eden in the eyes; my eyes were attached to another store outside cause I was dying of embarrassment.

"I can assure you that if you come to my store by this time next year, you would have a twin baby in your arms" She winked at us suggestively.

I tried to gulp, but the saliva went down the wrong pipe causing me to enter a coughing fit.

"I'm sorry but my wife is awfully shy so we won't be needing that " Eden tugged me towards him and began to rub my back.

"We would be leaving "

The woman was flabbergasted, "If you don't like this one, I can get …"

Eden abruptly reached out and took whatever clothes he could grab from the ranks before dumping a pile of bills in her palm.

"This should cover it all, right? "

She was dumbfounded at the amount of money given to her and began to stutter, "T-this is… "

"Keep the change, " He told her and signaled the kids and we hurried out of the place after the clothes were packed - thankfully, I had recovered from the coughing fit.

People gave us the looks cause each of us carried numerous large paper and polyester bags; we would have looked like escapees from a mental institute if not for the fact we were dressed properly.

But what Eden never expected was for me to kick him at the back of the knee.

"What was that for ?" He groaned in pain while hopping on one foot.

"What was that for? " I sneered, " Sexy lingerie? a night together in our chamber? Baby twins? Ring a bell? " came my reminder.

The kids laughed at our episode.

"How's that my business? " Eden questioned me with irritation while rubbing that painful spot.

"You knew what that woman was up-to! "

"How would I know? "

"You said and I quote, 'What's the fun if I tell you now? " I reminded him firmly.

Eden gave me a stupid look, "I was just teasing you! You've been with me for days, yet you still can't differentiate between my playful and serious words?! Moreover, how would I have known she was talking about that goddamned sexy thong " he said in an outburst that vexed me.

"Now I can't get the image of you in that lingerie on my bed out of my head " He mumbled under his breath but I heard him.

My face began to heat up and I fanned myself with my hands. Why was it suddenly hot? Gosh, I hope I never see that woman ever again!