Chapter 861

Lucian asked Rosalind to be his girlfriend.

She was unattached, and he wasn't in a relationship either. Truthfully, it was the most logical next step for them now.

Yet those three lost years still stood between them like an invisible wall.

Rosalind's cheeks flushed pink as she murmured, "I need some time to consider."

Lucian arched one perfect eyebrow. Then without warning, he captured her lips in a searing kiss.

"I'm not giving you that option," he declared when they broke apart. "The decision's made—you're mine now."

A delicious warmth spread through Rosalind's chest. His dominance should have irritated her, but instead it sent thrilling shivers down her spine.

Sweeping her into his arms, Lucian carried her through the executive suite's private entrance. He drew her a steaming bath, washing away every trace of tension with tender care. When he finally laid her on the silk sheets, she was already half-asleep.

Lucian showered quickly before joining her. The moment his arms encircled her waist, three years of longing dissolved into this single perfect moment. He pressed a lingering kiss to her temple. "Sleep, darling."

Morning light filtered through the blinds when Rosalind stirred. Lucian's muscular arm still draped possessively over her.

She shifted slightly—

"Awake?" His sleep-roughened voice vibrated against her back as he pulled her closer.

Rosalind winced. Every muscle protested with delicious soreness. She swatted at his chest. "You've ruined me."

Lucian's smirk was downright sinful. "We'll work on your endurance."

Her eye roll could have powered a small city.

A crisp knock interrupted them. Nathaniel's voice carried through the door. "Mr. Graves?"

Rosalind's eyes flew open. They were in his corporate penthouse's bedroom suite. She had zero recollection of how they'd gotten here from the car last night.

"Someone's—" she whispered urgently.

Lucian merely tightened his hold. "What is it?"

"The board meeting, sir. It's 8:50."

Rosalind's stomach dropped. They'd slept through dawn in his office suite while executives waited outside!

Lucian didn't miss a beat. "Reschedule for 9:30."

"Understood."

Footsteps retreated.

Rosalind bolted upright. "You need to—"

Lucian pulled her back against his bare chest. "Worried I can't support you?" His lips brushed her ear. "Quantum Innovations could afford a hundred of you."

That arrogant CEO confidence shouldn't have been attractive.

She twisted to face him. "Who said I want your money?"

His grin turned wolfish. "Didn't we establish this last night? You're mine." He caught her hand, pressing a hot kiss to her palm.

Rosalind snatched it back. "If you're serious about this, act like it."

Lucian's laughter rumbled through her. "Your wish is my command. East or west, I go where my queen directs."

"Better."

He rose in one fluid motion. "Meeting calls. Stay—breakfast is coming. Dinner tonight."

Already orchestrating her day. Was this how relationships worked?

Rosalind nodded.

His parting kiss left her breathless.

Outside, Nathaniel stood at attention.

Lucian adjusted his cuffs. "Let's not keep them waiting."