Chapter 123
Anastasia was sobbing so hard she could barely breathe.
Back then, she’d thought her rescuer was just a stranger-she’d even planned to thank her savior once her injuries healed. But three days later, when she died in the street, it was from her enemy’s lips that she learned the truth-learned that he was dead.
“Darling
Her voice, thick with hurt and grief, twisted Harrison’s heart.
“I’m here, sweetheart. Shh, don’t cry.” He pulled her petite frame into his arms, his large hand soothing gentle circles over her trembling back. He pressed soft, lingering kisses into her hair.
Anyone who saw this would be stunned-Mr. Harrison Lancaster, the man known for his cold composure, could be this gentle and patient?
Hearing his voice, Anastasia’s tears began to fall all over again.
Not wanting to see her cry anymore, Harrison glanced at the bouquet on the side table and changed the subject. “What does a single rose mean?” ʀᴇᴀᴅ ʟᴀᴛᴇsá´› ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀᴛ ~net
She’d given him twelve roses before, each with a special meaning. Surely this one had a reason too—his little wife would never give him a thoughtless gift.
Anastasia sniffled, fresh tears glistening on her lashes. “It means… you’re the only one.”
He leaned closer, voice soft. “What?”
She swallowed, then whispered, “A single rose means-you’re my one and only.” Clinging to him, she looked up, eyes shining with tears like fractured starlight. “I was born for you.”
Harrison’s heart gave a sharp, painful jolt. His arm tightened around her waist.
A storm flickered in his eyes. He held her gaze, searching. “Ana are you really not afraid of me?”
He was still haunted by what had happened at the club. He couldn’t quite believe her answer.
Tears spilled down Anastasia’s cheeks as guilt pricked her. She hated that her reaction had hurt him.
“I’m not afraid She shook her head again and again. “I might be scared of a lot of things, but I’m never afraid of you.”
As soon as the words left her lips, his restraint snapped. Before she could react, the world spun. Suddenly she was pinned to the bed, with Harrison above her- predatory, intense, like a beast ready to devour her.
“I don’t like being lied to. That always ends badly.” His voice was rough, dangerous a warning, a threat.
But Anastasia knew the truth: he simply couldn’t believe anyone would truly want him-would offer him honest love.
He’d seen too many women come and go. No matter how sweet their words, once they glimpsed his other side, all they felt was fear. Their declarations of love were nothing but hollow lies to appease him.
Her heart ached for him.
“I’ll never lie to you,” she whispered, blinking back tears as she reached up to wrap her arms around his neck.
When Anastasia woke, her whole body ached. She was alone in the bed.
Suddenly, the door opened and Harrison walked in.
“Darling!” She threw herself into his arms, pouting. “Where did you go?” Why wasn’t he here with her?
“I had to take care of something.” He kissed her temple, brushing off the question.
He didn’t mention a word about Thomas’ miserable fate-Harrison had made sure the man wouldn’t be showing his face around Rosewood Manor any time soon. Anastasia didn’t care about any of that. She burrowed into his chest, whining softly, “You weren’t with me… I woke up and you were gone
Her clinginess, her utter dependence on him, delighted Harrison more than he’d ever admit.
“My fault.” Harrison Lancaster, usually so uncompromising, apologized without hesitation, gently kneading her waist. “Are you sore?”
Anastasia’s cheeks flamed. She mumbled a yes, hiding her face in his chest. “Next time, don’t just barge in.” His tone shifted, suddenly stern.
Anastasia lifted her head, sulky and aggrieved. “I’m your wife. Why shouldn’t I know what’s going on with you?”