Chapter 463: Adrian Stone Grabbed Elena Ward's Wrist and Pulled Her into His

Adrian Stone grabbed Elena Ward's wrist and pulled her into his bedroom. His orderly had already neatly arranged their luggage in the corner.

Sunlight filtered through the sheer curtains, casting a warm glow on the slightly narrow single bed. Adrian narrowed his eyes, a meaningful smile playing at the corners of his lips.

"You take the bed. I'll sleep on the couch," he said deliberately, his fingers subtly tracing circles on her palm.

Elena glanced around. The room was more spacious than she had imagined. Military books stood in orderly rows on the shelves, and a framed photo of a younger Adrian sat on the desk.

"Captain Stone, your room is surprisingly tidy," she teased, running her fingertips along the edge of the desk.

Suddenly, Adrian wrapped his arms around her from behind, resting his chin on her shoulder. "Elena, we've been married this long and still haven't shared a bed in our own home."

Her ears burned as she wriggled free. "Who said anything about sharing a bed with you?"

"I'll go buy a double bed." He snatched up his car keys and headed for the door.

Elena burst out laughing. "Adrian Stone, what exactly goes through your mind all day?"

He turned, his gaze intense. "My wife."

Those two simple words made her heart skip a beat. The man known for his stern demeanor now looked at her with tenderness that could melt ice.

"Go get some rest." Without warning, Adrian bent down and scooped her up in his arms.

Elena gasped, instinctively wrapping her arms around his neck. "What are you doing?"

"Fulfilling my husbandly duties." He gently deposited her on the bed and carefully removed her shoes.

She curled her toes. "I can do that myself—"

"Stay still." His fingers brushed against her ankle, sending a shiver up her spine. "We're meeting the superiors this afternoon. You need your rest."

His tone was serious, but his eyes told a different story.

Elena pulled the covers up to her nose. "You should go."

Adrian chuckled and pressed a kiss to her forehead. "Wait for me."

The moment the door clicked shut, Elena exhaled deeply. Rolling onto her back, she stared at the ceiling, her pulse still racing.

This was the room where Adrian had grown up. Faint pencil marks on the wall charted his childhood height, and medals from his youth adorned the desk.

A strange sense of wonder washed over her. The man everyone saw as unyielding and disciplined was now rushing out to buy a bed just so they could sleep side by side.

The thought made her laugh out loud.

Outside, an engine roared to life. She watched the car disappear down the road, her mind drifting back to that small county town.

Her eldest sister must be busy with the children by now. Had her brother found someone special? And what about Samuel—was he keeping up with his studies?

Elena closed her eyes. When they returned, she would make sure to visit them all properly.