Aria’s pov
"No."The word flew out of my mouth before I could even think.
Lucian stood in the middle of the living room, bandages still wrapped around his knuckles, watching with that calm, unreadable stare that made my skin prickle.
"You have feelings for , don’t fight it Aria," he repeated, quieter this ti, almost like he was daring to lie again.
I crossed my arms, nails digging into my skin to keep my hands from shaking. "No, I don’t."
A slow, mocking smile curved his lips. "You’re a terrible liar, Aria."
"I’m not lying." My voice ca out sharper than I intended. "I hate you Lucian. I hate what you’ve done to . I hate that you locked in here like so pet. I hate that you hit and most especially, I hate that you think you can just say things like that and expect to lt."
He tilted his head. "And yet you don’t act like it,you always want my attention and care."
My cheeks burned. "You’re just being delusional now.I feel absolutely nothing for you."
"Keep telling yourself that." He stepped closer. Close enough that I could sll his cologne, that dark sandalwood that always made my stomach twist in ways I refused to na. "You stayed. You could have walked out that door ten minutes ago but didn’t.That tells all I need to know"
"Because I’m not stupid," I snapped. "I know what happens if I leave. Ethan’s still out there. The dia’s still tearing apart. The debt’s still hanging over my head like a guillotine. Staying isn’t a choice but trying to survive."
Lucian studied for a long mont. Then he shrugged, casual, almost bored. "Do what suits you, Aria. Stay or leave,hate or want . It changes nothing. The contract still stands and you still belong to ."
I felt my throat close. "You’re unbelievable."
"And you’re still here," he said softly.
I turned on my heel and stord toward the guest room, slamming the door so hard the fra rattled. My heart was pounding, my face hot, tears of frustration burning behind my eyes.
"We are attending a gala at 7!!" His voice echoed from across the hallway.
I leaned against the door, breathing hard.
He was wrong. At least he had to be wrong.
I couldn’t possibly have feelings for him.
But the lie tasted bitter even in my own head.Because sowhere down where I refused to look was a warmth. A stupid, traitorous part of that rembered the way his hand had trembled when he touched my cheek last night.
The way he’d said "I’m sorry" like the word physically hurt him.
My heart skipped a beat at the imagery of him storming into that hotel room and beating Ethan bloody just because soone else had dared to touch .
I slid down the door until I was sitting on the floor, knees to my chest.
I hated him.I hated him so much it hurt.
But God help , I didn’t want to leave.Not yet.
The afternoon passed in a blur of pacing, staring at walls, and trying not to think about him.
At 5:30 p.m., a knock sounded on my door.
I opened it.
Lucian stood there in a fresh black tuxedo tailored to perfection, bow tie crisp, hair swept back. He looked like sin wrapped in luxury.
"We leave in thirty minutes," he said. "Gala starts at seven. Your gown will be brought in by the butler soon."
I stared at him. "I’m not going anywhere with you."
"You are." His tone left no room for argunt. "It’s a board event. My wife’s presence is required. You want to keep up appearances? Then smile and hold my arm like a good little contract bride."
I wanted to slap him.
Instead I shut the door in his face.
The butler promptly delivered the dress and thirty minutes later I erged in the gown he’d chosen. A deep erald silk, fitted bodice, low back, slit high on one thigh. It was stunning. It was also a cage disguised as couture.
He waited by the elevator, eyes darkening as he looked at .
"Beautiful," he murmured.
I ignored the flutter in my stomach. "Let’s get this over with."
The gala was at the Savoy. The edifice was adorned with crystal chandeliers, champagne towers, politicians and billionaires mingling under soft golden light.
Caras flashed the mont we stepped out of the car. Lucian’s arm slid around my waist.
"Smile," he whispered against my ear.
I smiled. Teeth gritted.
We moved through the crowd like royalty. People congratulated us. Won eyed with envy while n eyed Lucian with respect or fear.
I played the part to my best capabilities. My hand on his arm, soft laughs here and there plus the adoring glances but inside I was screaming.
We danced once. His hand on the small of my back burned through the silk. Our bodies moved together like we’d done this a thousand tis. I hated how natural it felt.
"You’re shaking," he murmured.
"I’m cold," I lied.
He pulled closer. "Liar."
I looked up at him. "You think you know ?"
"I’m starting to."
Before I could snap back, a commotion at the entrance drew every eye in the room.
Police officers stepped inside with uniforms,sirens blaring outside.
Lucian’s arm tightened around .
The lead officer walked straight toward us.
"Lucian Voss?"
Lucian’s face remained calm. "Yes."
"You’re under arrest for assault and battery. You have the right to remain silent..."
The room erupted in whispers. Phones ca out. Flashes exploded.
My heart stopped.
Lucian didn’t resist. He let them cuff him,his eyes never leaving mine.
As they led him away, he turned his head just enough to speak low, only for .
"Don’t do anything stupid, Aria."
As they dragged him out the crowd began to murmur.
"It’s all because of that bitch"
"I don’t know what Lucian saw in her"
"That reaper is nothing but bad luck"
Reviews
All reviews (0)