Chapter 866

"What did he want to discuss with you?"

"I... I was curious about your scars. Julian claimed he knew the truth. He promised to tell me if I met him."

Lucian froze, his piercing gaze locking onto Rosalind. "So you went to see him just for that?"

"Obviously! What else would it be? That man gives me chills! He suddenly sliced a piece of filet mignon and tried to force-feed me, saying he'd only talk if I ate it. As if!"

The sheer disgust in Rosalind's voice soothed something primal in Lucian. So that was all it had been.

Yet...

He studied her intently. "You truly have no idea what happened to my face?"

Rosalind shook her head violently. "No! Why do you keep acting like I should know? Was I involved somehow?"

Silence stretched between them. It seemed Rosalind had been innocent all along. Which meant Julian Blackwood had orchestrated everything.

"Will you tell me the truth now?"

"Three years ago, during the Phantom drug bust operation, I took severe injuries assisting the police. Even bleeding out, I tried reaching you. Then masked men shoved me into a car, threw acid on my face, and drove us off a cliff."

Rosalind's hands flew to her mouth. "My God!"

Her pupils dilated with horrified realization.

That happened three years ago?

Acid burns. A fatal crash.

She trembled, shaking her head in disbelief. "I... I never knew. Lucian, I'm so sorry."

"It's over now," he said gruffly.

Rosalind threw her arms around him, burying her face in his chest. "You suffered so much alone. And I blamed you..."

Her warmth seemed to dissolve years of anguish.

Gentle fingers traced his scars. "I've already contacted Harrison. She's the best reconstructive surgeon in the country."

They'd arrived at Quantum Innovations' headquarters. Lucian killed the engine and turned to her.

"If you cut all ties with Julian, I'll let the past go. Agreed?"

"I barely speak to him anymore," Rosalind protested.

Lucian's jaw tightened. Three years she'd spent with that monster. The thought ignited possessive fury. She was his. Only his.

"I need you to promise. No calls. No secret meetings. Can you do that?"

"I—"

Strong hands gripped her shoulders. "This isn't about control. I won't meet women privately either. We belong to each other. Do you understand how serious I am?"

Rosalind's eyelashes fluttered. Then a slow, radiant smile curved her lips. She leaned in, pressing her mouth to his.

Lucian stiffened in shock.

When he pulled back, her eyes sparkled with mischief. "Does that answer your question? I'm deadly serious about us."

His heart turned molten. "Good. Then treat me well."

He captured her lips again, pouring three years of longing into the kiss.

The past could burn. All that mattered was this moment.

And her.

Always her.