Chapter 857

Lucian gasped sharply as pain shot through his neck. That delicate spot where Rosalind's teeth had sunk in burned like fire. His entire body tensed, fingers digging into the leather seats as he fought for control.

Rosalind released him with a satisfied smirk. "Did I hurt you?"

In the dim interior light, a perfect crescent of teeth marks decorated his tanned skin.

Lucian's voice came out rough. "Like hell."

"Good." She traced the marks with her fingertip. "Next time you flirt with random women at gala events, I'll—"

Suddenly, Lucian's lips curved into that infuriatingly handsome smile. "You're jealous."

Rosalind's pulse stuttered. "That's ridiculous—"

"Admit it." His thumb brushed her lower lip. "You couldn't stand seeing me talk to that heiress."

Heat flooded her cheeks. Trapped, she could only glare up at him through her lashes, that defiant spark making his blood run hot.

The next moment, Lucian captured her mouth in a searing kiss that stole her breath. The champagne silk of her nightgress whispered against his suit as his hands slid beneath the discarded cashmere wrap around her shoulders.

Rosalind melted into the kiss, fingers tangling in his hair until reality intruded. "Lucian...we're still in the parking garage."

His lips traveled down her throat. "My penthouse is three minutes away."

"I—"

"Or we could stay right here." His teeth grazed her collarbone. "We've never christened the Bentley."

Scandalized heat pooled low in her belly. They hadn't.

Then practicality surfaced. "We don't have...protection."

Lucian stilled. "What?"

She bit her lip. "Condoms. There aren't any in the car."

With a growl, he kissed her again, hands roaming possessively. "We don't need them."

Rosalind stiffened. "What if I get pregnant?"

"Then we'll have the most beautiful baby in the world."

"No!" She shoved against his chest. "We can't—not like this."

Lucian caught her chin, his gaze suddenly intense. "You don't want my child?"

Her heart clenched. A baby wasn't some impulsive purchase—it needed stability, commitment, two parents who weren't caught in this tangled web of passion and uncertainty.

Not now. Maybe not ever.

She shook her head. "I'm not ready."

Something dark flickered in his eyes before he lowered his head to mark her throat.

Rosalind pushed him away firmly. "Go buy condoms. Or tonight isn't happening."

Lucian exhaled sharply but nodded. "Fine. Let's go."

The 24-hour supermarket gleamed under fluorescent lights. Rosalind scanned the aisles nervously. "Where's the...you know?"

Lucian pointed with an amused smirk. "Family planning. Right there. You go—I'll wait here."

He was making her do this alone.

Cheeks burning, Rosalind approached the display like a thief, ready to grab the first box she saw.

Then she froze.

Ribbed. Ultra-thin. Flavored. Glow-in-the-dark? Her mind short-circuited.

A cheerful sales associate appeared. "Need help choosing protection?"

Rosalind nodded mutely.

"We've got latex-free, vegan options, warming lubricant infused—"

The dizzying array made her head spin. Behind her, Lucian's low chuckle sent shivers down her spine. This was going to be a very long night.