Page 118 of Lucas

“What? Of course not! Why would you think that? I’m not interested in him.”

Only you. Always you.

“I’m going to gouge that fucker’s eyes out.” He picks up the pace, slamming into me over and over until the heavy table creaks across the floor with the force of it.

“He’s into Michelle. Not me. And I think it’s mutual,” I mumble, but my mind is fuzzy, my thoughts scattering like leaves in the wind.

The knot low in my belly winds tighter, the telltale tingles of an impending climax sparking along my nerve endings. “Is that why you wanted to come with me tomorrow? You’re worried I’ll do something with Noah?”

“No,” he grits out, then leans over me, changing the angle so he’s rubbing against that spot inside me that makes me see stars.

I gasp, writhing beneath him as the external pressuresomehow translates to an internal caress. It’s like he’s stroking himself over that perfect place, that hidden treasury of sensation that?—

Oh God.

I’m going to shatter.

“Yes, Wifey,” he growls, grinding against me in tight circles that match the pistoning of his hips.

And I do, my body seizing and convulsing around him as wave after wave of ecstasy crashes over me. My eyes are screwed shut, and I see stars, galaxies exploding behind my lids.

“Yes, God, yes!” I scream, over and over, as he keeps thrusting, keeps rubbing, wringing every drop of pleasure from my shaking form.

Lucas hooks my legs over his shoulders and wraps his arms around my thighs to hold me in place. The new position allows him to go deeper, and he sets a relentless, inhuman pace that has me keening, my second climax building on the heels of the first.

I think I black out for a second because the next thing I know, he’s letting out a deep, guttural groan, and his cock is pulsing inside me, painting my walls with his release. He jerks against me a few more times, erratic, uncontrolled, and then collapses on top of me, his sweaty forehead pressed to my shoulder as he gulps for air.

“I don’t want you going to parties like that alone. I told you last time. If you want to go, you go with me,” he says between heaving breaths, his voice raw, almost angry.

My chest constricts at his words, something sharp and hot lodging beneath my breastbone.

I’m not even upset at the high-handed comment. Howfucked up is that? I want him with me. I want his protective presence by my side always.

I want him.

Not just his body. Not just the mind-blowing sex and toe-curling orgasms.

I want all of him. His heart, his soul, his love.

I want a real marriage, not this sham, this business arrangement masquerading as a relationship.

I want forever with him.

Oh God. I’m in love with him. Bone-deep, soul-consuming, utterly terrifying love.

When did that happen? How did that happen?

I squeeze my eyes shut, despair a leaden weight in my gut. I’m an idiot. I’m drowning in a fantasy of my making, one that has no bearing on reality.

When this contract ends, he’ll toss me aside without a backward glance. I’ll be left with nothing but memories and a broken heart.

Such a fool. Such a naïve, hopeful fool.

Chapter Thirty

AVA

“You look amazing,” Lucas whispers in my ear as we stand by the drinks table at Michelle’s party. His warm breath fans over my skin, making me shiver.