Bruno didn't answer immediately.
His gaze swept over her face, down to the pearls glowing softly against her damp skin, and then to her lips.
"You're... breathtaking," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.
Beauty raised a brow, though her heart fluttered.
"Don't get all dramatic now. It's just the jewelry."
"It's not the jewelry," he countered, his expression so sincere it made her stomach flip. His eyes roamed over her in open admiration.
"Every curve, every inch... you're stunning. Damn. I think I'm in love all over again," he whispered.
She rolled her eyes, laughing lightly.
"You've seen me like this a thousand times, Bruno. Pull yourself together."
"Not my fault. You are beautiful..."
Bruno replied, finally snapping out of his trance to pick up the second earring, gently fixing it.
Once done, he took her shoulders and turned her toward the mirror.
"See?" he said, grinning. "Perfection."
"They look beautiful and..."
She paused, tilted her head to examine her reflection, touching the pearls on her neck.
"They also look expensive," she said, raising a brow at him.
Bruno waved her off, shaking his head.
"Nah, not really. They're nice, but they don't cost too much. Don't worry about it."
Her face softened.
"Oh... okay."
She believed him, though a small voice in her head wondered if he was downplaying the price to stop her from worrying.
Before she knew it, Bruno kissed her, his hands slowly wrapping around her waist.
The kiss deepened as Beauty's hands found their way into his damp hair.
Caught up in the moment, they stumbled backward.
Beauty gasped as they toppled onto the bed, Bruno landing flat on his back with a dramatic groan.
"Oh my goodness, baby! Are you okay?" Beauty asked, wide-eyed, leaning over him.
He winced, clutching his side.
"Ow... I think you broke something."
"Oh my God, I'm so sorry!"
Beauty blurted, panic flashing across her face.
Bruno's face twisted in exaggerated pain.
"I think... I might not make it."
But then she noticed something. His lips were twitching, and his "pained" groans sounded a little too exaggerated.
She narrowed her eyes.
"Wait a second..."
Bruno couldn't hold it in any longer. He burst out laughing, his arms shooting up to wrap around her waist.
He rolled them both to the side, holding her securely as they tumbled into a heap of giggles.
"You're not going anywhere," he declared, wrapping his arms around her tightly.
"Let me go!" she said, laughing despite herself as she squirmed in his hold.
"Not a chance. You owe me for making me fall."
"You fell on your own!"
"Details," he said dismissively, tightening his hold.
Their laughter filled the room as they wrestled playfully, Beauty trying to break free while Bruno kept pulling her closer.
Finally, she gave up, her forehead resting against his chest as she caught her breath.
"You faker!" she scolded.
"Hey, you believed me! Look how worried you are for my sake!"
Bruno shot back, his grin wide.
"I wasn't worried! I knew you were faking."
"Liar," he pointed out, his chuckles dying down as he looked at her.
His eyes softened.
"You look even more beautiful when you laugh," he said softly now, pressing a quick kiss to her nose.
Beauty's heart melted at his words, but she wasn't about to let him get away with it.
"I should've hit you for real," she teased, trying to keep a straight face.
"Go ahead," he challenged with a smirk. "But just know, I'll get my revenge. Tonight... and in nine months' time..."
"You devil," Beauty snapped.
They both laughed.
Eventually, Bruno pulled her closer, their bodies still tangled.
"You're the best thing that's ever happened to me," he murmured against her hair, his tone shifting to a more serious note.
Beauty's eyes were soaked.
She had no words to how lucky she felt to be valued and loved, could it be all a dream? Could she be trapped in a dream fantasyland where Mr Bruno finally becomes her Boyfriend and had a secret crush on her?
"Baby...?"
"Hmmm?"
Bruno replied, not looking up from where he was absently tracing patterns on Beauty's arm as they lay together.
"When did you fall in love with me? And... why?"