Chapter 130

[ 1,054 words ]

Arabella:

When I opened my eyes again, it took me a few seconds to remember where I was. I was still in Lucien’s office, curled in his lap with one side of my face pressed against his chest. Lucien was asleep too, his back resting against the wall and his arms still wrapped around me.

I stayed still and studied his face.

He looked different in his sleep. The usual hardness was gone, leaving him looking more relaxed… and a little vulnerable. My gaze moved over his closed eyes, then stopped at the faint dried trail of a tear on his cheek. Something stirred inside me.

I raised my hand and gently wiped my thumb over it. A low groan escaped him, and the corner of his mouth lifted slightly.

“You’re awake?” I asked him with a frown.

He shook his head without opening his eyes. “No. I’m still sleeping.”

Clicking my tongue inside my cheek, I slapped his chest lightly. “Let me go.” His arms only tightened around me.

“Never.” He said lazily, making my heart skip a beat.

Three years ago, he had said the same thing, and at that time, all I had wanted was to run as far away from him as possible.

Today, it felt different. Today, some foolish part of me wanted him to hold on.

You were born to be with him. Remember, you are his mate? A small voice in my head reminded me.

I looked at his face again. His eyes were still closed, but there was a subtle trace of a smile on his lips.

“Let me go, my king.” I tried to get up but then landed back on his lap. Yeah. I was back to the titles, and my legs felt numb.

His smile deepened before he finally opened those golden eyes and looked at me. “You can call me Lucien if you want.”

I rolled my eyes. “No, thanks.”

Placing both hands on his shoulders, I tried to push myself up, but his arms remained firmly around my waist.

Before I could complain again, Lucien leaned forward and pressed a kiss to my cheek… then another near my temple.

“Lucien.” I tried to warn him. We were in his royal office, and Goddess knew what someone would think if they walked in and caught us like that.

He ignored my silent plea and kissed the other cheek. I immediately put my palm over his mouth. “Stop it.”

His lips pressed against my palm instead and kissed it too. I tried not to smile but failed. “I said stop.”

Apparently, the Lycan King had suddenly forgotten how to understand simple words. He caught my wrist and moved my hand aside just long enough to kiss the tip of my nose.

I turned my face away, laughing softly. “You’re annoying.”

“And yet you’re still sitting on my lap. I can’t feel them anymore. Have you gained weight?” I shifted, trying to ease my weight a little bit, but again, he didn’t let me.

This time I felt that uncomfortable tingling running down my leg. “Because you won’t let me get up! And stop calling me fat!”

Instead of releasing me, he leaned his head against the wall and watched me struggle. “I won’t hold you back. Go if you want to,” he said meaningfully.

I gave him an offended look and poked him in the chest. “I’m not going anywhere, Mr. King. Not before solving this case. Now learn some manners and help me stand up.”

A quiet laugh left him, and his arms loosened enough for me to finally move. I pushed myself up, only for pins and needles to shoot through both my legs.

“Ouch!” My ass again landed on his thigh, and this time the idiot didn’t even try to hold me. Using all my might, I rolled off his lap and landed on the floor clumsily. I needed to stretch my legs. I didn’t know what Lucien must be going through. He had been sitting on the hard floor for so long, with my entire weight on top of him. I was pretty sure by now his ass must have turned into a pancake.

“You need to get up, or someone might walk in.” I held the edge of his desk and got up slowly on my shaky legs.

He got up too, stretching his shoulders before looking down at me. “And you need to get out of my office, or I might take you on the floor.”

My eyes widened when I looked at him, but he seemed completely relaxed. I turned away my flushed face, trying to hide the blush. And somehow, I remembered why we slept on the floor.

Zorro.

The little smile on my face disappeared. “Umm… I’ll continue working on Anika’s case,” I said after a moment. “I just… need some time today.”

Lucien must have noticed the change in me because the amusement vanished from his face as well. He gave a small nod. “Take whatever time you need, Princess.”

“Thank you.” I looked down, rubbing my palms over my dress. “I’ll be fine. I just need to get my head straight and then I can…”

I trailed off. For some reason, I expected him to tell me to be strong. Or maybe remind me that sitting around blaming myself wouldn’t bring Zorro back. Something sensible that I probably needed to hear but didn’t want to.

Instead, he started walking toward me and stopped in front of me. He leaned down and took me by surprise when his lips met mine.

For a second, I froze, completely unprepared for it.

The kiss was soft and brief, nothing like the one in the kitchen. There was no urgency behind it this time. He simply kissed me as though he was trying to comfort me.

When he pulled back, I stared at him, swallowing hard. “What was that for?” I asked him in a whisper.

His eyes remained on mine. “I don’t think I need any reason to kiss you, Arabella.”

I narrowed my eyes at him, but he was already stepping away with that annoyingly calm expression on his face. I touched my fingers to my lips.

I should have been annoyed. Instead, I caught myself wishing the kiss had lasted a little longer.

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