Total pages in book: 81
Estimated words: 78873 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 394(@200wpm)___ 315(@250wpm)___ 263(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 78873 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 394(@200wpm)___ 315(@250wpm)___ 263(@300wpm)
Kissing Lucian is like drowning, only you don’t want to come up for air. I fill my lungs with his aftershave. I move my arms up, wrapping them around the back of his neck, and my fingers get lost in his hair.
His tongue finds mine, and together they taste, they explore, they memorize the feel of each other.
My stomach flutters, a kaleidoscope of butterflies taking flight as I fall hard and fast for this man who’s now my husband.
I fall in love for the first time in my life because it’s safe. It’s finally safe to open my heart – to the man who many have tried, but failed, to kill.
It’s as if Lucian is guarded by death itself, and he probably is with Alexei having his back.
Lucian ends the kiss, tenderly nipping at my lips, and when I open my eyes, all I see is affection reflecting from his gaze.
The nervousness returns, but this time it’s different. There’s no fear, only anticipation. It’s inexperienced and shy, making my cheeks warm.
My heart skips a beat at how handsome he is. He’s all man, cloaked in fierce strength, determination, and dominance.
Lucian brushes his fingers over my bruised cheek. “If you keep looking at me like that, we’re not going to make it out of this room,” he warns me.
A smile splits over my face, heat spreading up my neck. “We’ve left our guests alone long enough.”
Wanting to savor falling in love with him for a bit longer before we have to consummate the marriage, I walk to the door.
Lucian captures my hips with his hands before I step out of the room, and pressing his chest to my back, he says, “I’ll be patient until you’re ready. I don’t want you to worry about tonight, amore mio.”
My love.
My lips curve higher at hearing the term of endearment that’s much better than little bird.
“Thank you,” I whisper. “I just need a little time to get used to us as a couple.”
“I understand.” He gives my hips a squeeze and then nudges me forward.
When we step out onto the veranda, Aunt Ursula rushes to me. “There’s the lovely bride. Come, let’s get you a glass of champagne.”
She takes hold of my hand, and as I’m pulled away from Lucian, I glance over my shoulder at him. He smiles at us, and then he rolls up his sleeves as he walks to a group of men.
Aunt Ursula takes two flutes from a server's platter and hands me one. “Drink, cara. You need it.”
I take a sip, and not wanting her to worry about me, I say, “I’m okay.”
She reaches a hand to my hair and brushes it away so she can see the left side of my face. “Tsk…”
I smile as she arranges the curls to cover the bruise again. “It will fade,” I try to reassure her.
We’re joined by three other women, and as the conversation turns to the latest fashion, I glance at Lucian.
The moment my eyes land on him, warmth spreads through me. I admire his broad shoulders and his strong arms.
I take a sip of the champagne to cool my insides, but then our eyes meet, and the corner of his mouth lifts.
My heart beats a little faster, and my lips curve up into a shy smile.
That’s your husband, Elena.
My smile widens, and happiness courses through me.
Chapter 21
ELENA
It’s almost three in the morning when the last of the guests leave, and while Lucian locks up and turns off the lights, I head up to my room.
Opening the door, I step inside and glance at the bathroom. The floor’s been cleaned, and there’s no sign of the struggle that took place earlier.
I walk to my closet, and when I open it and see it’s empty, I pause.
“Everything’s been moved to our room,” Lucian says behind me. When I turn to him, he holds his hand out to me. “Come, let’s get some sleep.”
I walk to him and place my hand in his. He leads me back to the room we were in earlier, and once we’re inside, he shuts the door.
“Your clothes are on the left side of the closet,” he informs me, and then he begins to unbutton his shirt as he walks to the bathroom. “You want to shower?” he calls out as he turns on the faucets.
Nerves spin in my stomach. “Ahh… no, you can go first.”
Lucian comes out of the bathroom… shirtless. My eyes instantly drop to his chest and the eight pack that looks like it’s been carved from stone.
Damn.
I tilt my head as my eyes drink in the sight of the muscles disappearing into his suit pants.
“You’re making it really hard right now,” Lucian says, his voice low.
My gaze darts to his face, then to the closet. “Sorry. It’s just… you look really good.”
He lets out a chuckle then goes to take a pair of sweatpants from the closet. “I feel good too,” he teases me.