Chapter 872

Since Rosalind and Charlotte were both girls, Lucian courteously stepped out after showing them to the suite.

Rosalind smoothed Charlotte's pajamas. "You can come back in now."

Lucian reentered, his broad shoulders filling the doorway.

Charlotte beamed. "Is Uncle Lucian staying with us tonight?"

Rosalind shook her head firmly. "Absolutely not."

"Why?" Charlotte pouted.

Rosalind kissed her forehead. "Because you're a young lady, and ladies only share rooms with their fathers. That's our special rule, remember?"

Charlotte nodded, though her brow remained slightly furrowed. "Auntie Gabrielle says that too."

Rosalind handed Lucian a leather-bound storybook. "I'm going to freshen up. Keep her entertained with this."

Lucian accepted the book with a smirk. "Your wish is my command."

As Rosalind moved toward the ensuite, she cast a glance over her shoulder. Charlotte was already snuggled under the satin sheets while Lucian propped himself against the carved headboard, his baritone voice weaving magic through the fairytale. Who knew the ruthless CEO of Quantum Innovations could do such convincing character voices?

And the way his calloused fingers turned the pages with such care...

Rosalind bit her lip and hurried into the marble bathroom. When she emerged twenty minutes later, Charlotte's rhythmic breathing filled the room.

"Asleep?" Rosalind whispered, finger-combing her damp waves.

Lucian carefully marked their page and tucked the blanket around the slumbering girl. "Out like a light."

Rosalind nodded toward the hallway. "Guest suite's down the hall to the left."

Suddenly, strong arms yanked her onto a lap of solid muscle. "That's cold," Lucian murmured against her neck.

"You'll survive," she retorted, though her pulse betrayed her.

His hands traced her waist. "Let me crash on your sofa."

Rosalind arched a brow. "You'd choose a loveseat over a king-sized bed?"

"Because you'll be here."

When his lips claimed hers, Rosalind barely managed to press a palm against his chest. "Lucian! Charlotte's right there!"

His smoldering gaze dropped to her parted lips. "Then you'll have to be very quiet."

The protest died in her throat as he kissed her senseless, then swept her up bridal-style.

"Put me down!" she hissed.

"Join me for a shower," he growled, carrying her toward the steam-filled bathroom.

Though freshly cleansed, Rosalind found herself pinned against the fogged mirrors, his mouth hot on hers. "We can't—"

"Shh," Lucian silenced her with another searing kiss. "I'll be good."

The devilish glint in his eyes promised otherwise.