Chapter 834

Rosalind's skin glowed with an ethereal radiance that was utterly irresistible. Lucian's hands moved with predatory intent—one sliding beneath her dress while the other worked at his belt buckle. His voice dropped to a husky growl.

"You wanted to show your gratitude, didn't you? This is how I want it. What do you say?"

Rosalind twisted away, her breath coming in sharp gasps. "Stop! I don't want this!"

His lips curled into a mocking smirk. "One time. That's all I'm asking. Then we're even."

Her mind reeled. Lucian had a girlfriend—why was he doing this to her? The thought of being with him like this made her stomach churn.

"No! I said no!" Her voice cracked as she shoved against his chest. "You're hurting me... It's too much... Please, stop!"

The raw pain in her voice sent an unexpected pang through Lucian's chest.

He crushed his mouth to hers, silencing her protests with a bruising kiss. "Quiet," he murmured against her lips.

Rosalind's nails bit into his forearm, tearing through the fine fabric of his suit until she drew blood.

Lucian buried his face in the curve of her neck, inhaling the intoxicating sweetness of her skin. His lips traced the delicate shell of her ear.

"Tell me you haven't been with anyone since we last did this. You're acting like a virgin all over again..."

She was unraveling him, just like the first time.

Rosalind lay frozen beneath him, every slight movement sending waves of pain through her body. She balled her fists and struck his shoulders. "Get off me! Why are you doing this?"

Lucian's voice was rough with barely restrained desire. Ever since their encounter at the private club, she had haunted his thoughts. Countless sleepless nights had been spent craving her.

When his assistant tracked her to this restaurant, he'd come immediately—only to find her laughing with Julian Ashford, clearly on a date.

The sight had ignited something primal in him.

While he suffered in solitude, she moved on without a second thought. It was unbearable.

Why could she give herself to others but deny him?

He needed her.

Needed her desperately.

Lucian pressed her deeper into the mattress, his throat working. "Were you planning to see Julian again? What did you text him? You looked so happy with him."

Rosalind shook her head violently. "I didn't text him anything!"

"Liar," he growled, attempting to pull away.

Her arms locked around his neck, holding him in place. "Don't—it hurts too much..."

A sudden chime cut through the tension. Rosalind's phone, discarded on the bed, lit up with a new message.

Lucian's gaze sharpened. "Julian messaged you."

"It's not him!" she insisted. "I was texting Lillian!"

His eyes flicked to the screen. The message was indeed from Lillian Sinclair. Two simple words glowed on the display:

[Love you!]

Lucian went still.

Rosalind met his gaze steadily. "My mother and I had lunch here today. We ran into Julian at the entrance—you know how small these social circles are. We just exchanged pleasantries. Then you showed up. That's all there is to it. If you want to know more, ask me."

So he'd been wrong.

Misjudged her completely.

"Rosalind, I..." His voice was barely a whisper.

She shoved at his chest. "Just leave me alone!"

Instead of pulling away, Lucian captured her lips again. Her explanation hadn't doused the fire in his veins—it had only stoked it higher.

His mouth brushed her ear as he murmured, "Please... I need you."