Bound by Magic, Married by Fate Novel

Chapter 54 Lucius ' breath carried the heavy tang of liquor , and even his gaze looked faintly blurred . Valerie had no intention of tangling with a drunk man . She tried to reason with him , keeping her tone calm . " You're bearing down on me like some executioner . What do you expect me to do - just stand here and let you devour me ? " When the word " devour " slipped out, Lucius ' imagination leapt at once . Especially with Valerie perched where she was, right against a place that stirred thoughts best left unspoken . Fresh from her bath , she emanated a sweet scent .

Her skin was soft , like some delicate dessert just pulled from the oven - irresistible and tempting enough to make any man's mouth water . Catching the heat flaring in his eyes , Valerie tried to twist free , but his arms only tightened , locking her in place . She glared up at him , gaze sharp . " What do you want from me ? " Her demand seemed to snap him out of the fog of alcohol . He pulled back just enough to search her face before asking , " What's your relationship with Kieran ? " " We're friends . " He clearly didn't buy it . " What kind of friend would throw away their life for you ?

" " He was talking nonsense . Did you really believe him ? " Lucius pressed on , unwilling to let it go , " Then , how did you meet him ? " " Online . " " How long have you known each other ? " " Six years . " That number hit Lucius like a punch . Six years - no wonder she and Kieran moved with such perfect understanding . Lucius ' eyes hardened . " When you left The Golden Chalice , where did you go next ? " Valerie frowned , her irritation clear . " Are you interrogating me ? " His smile turned cocky , " As your legal husband , I have every right to know where you go and with whom .

" She laughed at that , sharp with anger . " Have you forgotten ? We're married in name only- nothing more . " Chapter 54 2/2 His gaze darkened as he leaned close , murmuring against her ear , " That can change . We can be husband and wife in every sense of the word . " His warm breath fanned her cheek , laced with the scent of alcohol . He was like a predator , toying with a cornered wildcat . Annoyingly , Lucifer was right there , too . The serpent sensed Lucius ' intent and flicked its tongue at him , a warning in every hiss . Lucius shoved it aside without a thought .

Valerie never allowed herself to stay on the weaker side . Tilting her chin , she mocked him lightly , " Falling for me already , are you ? " Lucius froze for a moment . She gave him no chance to argue as she continued , " We agreed - no meddling in each other's private lives . And yet , here you are , prying into my circle and questioning me about Kieran with a jealous edge in your voice . " Tell me , Lucius . Other than falling hopelessly in love with me , what else could explain the way you're acting right now ? " He narrowed his cold gaze .

" Falling in love with you is the most absurd thing that could ever happen to me . It had to be the alcohol , making him so unsteady and reckless . Love was the most extravagant , wasteful thing in the world . How could she , of all people , be so certain of something so ridiculous ? Anyone else might have been stung by the cruelty of his words . Valerie , however , couldn't have cared less . She shoved him aside , rose to her feet , and looked down on him from above . " If falling in love with me is such an absurdity , then learn to control yourself .

And stop interfering in my life as if you have the right . " Chapter 55 1/2 Chapter 55