Chosen By The Cursed Alpha King Novel

047 Not Who (Expected +25 Bonus Not Who I Expected ADELE'S POV "Goddess, you both should get a room," Emilia said, her voice laced with amusement as she fanned herself dramatically with one of the menu drafts. I turned to her, blinking like I'd been caught with my hand in the cookie jar. "What?" She smirked, leaning back in her chair with that queenly grace that made even teasing look elegant. Her hand rested on her belly bump, which seemed to grow a little every day. "That man has been looking at you like he wants to devour you.

And don't think I haven't noticed you sneaking glances back." I felt my cheeks heat up instantly. "I don't know what you're talking about." "Oh yeah?" Emilia arched a perfect brow, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Sure, Adele. Keep telling yourself that." I tried to focus on the menu in front of me-roast venison with her crust, wild berry tarts, some fancy wine pairings...but my gaze betrayed me. It drifted across the royal hall to where Lucien stood with the king.

The massive room was buzzing with activity: servants hanging twinkling fairy lights, florists arranging massive bouquets of roses and musicians tuning instruments in the corner. Preparations for the ball were in full swing, and the air was filled with the scent of fresh flowers. Lucien was deep in conversation with the king, his broad shoulders filling out that black shirt like it was painted on. His dark hair was slightly tousled, like he'd run his fingers through it one too many times-probably thinking about me, if his heated stares were any indication.

He nodded at something the king said, but then his eyes flicked my way. Again. Our gazes locked. The look in his eyes was dangerous. Dark. Hungry. Like he was imagining stripping me bare right there in the middle of the hall, consequences be damned. Heat pooled low in my belly, instant and insistent. I bit my lip without thinking, memories from last night crashing over me like a wave. Him, naked and glistening from the shower, hand wrapped around himself, stroking slow and deliberate while he moaned my name.

The way his muscles had flexed, the low growl in his throat the way he'd come undone while staring right at me. Goddess, I'd almost jumped him then and there. Almost given in to the ache between my legs and begged him to touch me. But I hadn't. I'd played it cool. And this morning? Straddling him, grinding against his hard length until he cursed my name... yeah, that had been payback. Sweet, torturous payback. But now? Now I was the one squirming in my seat, thighs pressing together under the table as I imagined what he'd do if we were alone. His hands on me...rough, possessive.

His mouth trailing fire down my neck, lower, until I was the one moaning. "Adele?" Emilia's voice snapped me back. I blinked, realizing I'd been staring at Lucien way too long. My face burned. "Sorry, what?" She laughed, a soft, knowing sound. "You have that look on your face. The one that says you're about two seconds from dragging him off to a dark corner." "I do not!" I protested, but my voice came out breathy, unconvincing even to me. "Oh, honey, you so do." Emilia leaned in closer, her eyes twinkling "And honestly? I don't blame you.

Lucien's always been hot, but the way he looks at you now... like you're the only thing in the world that matters? It's intense." I rolled my eyes, trying to play it off, but my heart raced. "Stop teang me, my queen." Emilia burst out laughing, throwing her head back in that carefree way that lit up the whole room. "You called me 'my queen'? Oh, you're definitely caught. No escape now. Spill-what happened last night? And don't leave out the spicy details." Her laugh drew attention, heads turning our way.

The king glanced over, his stern face softening into a smile as he looked at Emilia-like she was his whole world. And Lucien... his eyes met mine again, holding longer this time. The intensity in them 1/2 247 NEW Exc +25 Bonus made my breath hitch. Promise. Heat. A silent vow that tonight, he'd make me pay for this morning's tease in the best way possible. I looked away first, grabbing the nearest thing...a bundle of silver ribbons for the decorations. "I think I should go hang this," 1 mumbled, standing up so fast my chair scraped against the marble floor. Emilia chuckled behind me.

"So cute," I heard her say as I hurried away, my face flaming. Goddess, I was burning. Not just from embarrassment, but from the fire Lucien had lit inside me. Every step across the hall felt charged, like the air itself was thick with tension. I could feel his eyes on me, tracking my movement, and it sent shivers down my spine. The good kind. The kind that made me want to turn around, march over to him, and kiss him senseless in front of everyone. But no. This was the game. He had to seduce me. Win me over. And damn if I wasn't enjoying making him work for it.

I reached one of the tall archways near the ballroom entrance, where ladders were set up for hanging the higher decorations. The ribbons in my hand shimmered in the light-perfect for draping over the chandeliers or along the banisters. I needed a distraction, something to cool the heat racing through my veins. Grabbing the nearest ladder, I climbed up a few rungs, stretching to loop the ribbon over a high hook. The hall was alive with chatter and laughter, but it all faded as I focused on the task. Higher. Just a little more- The ladder wobbled. My heart lurched.

I grabbed for the rung above, but it shook again-unstable, maybe not locked properly. A scream tore from my throat as gravity pulled me backward. Time slowed. The floor rushed up, hard and unforgiving marble that would hurt like hell. I braced for impact. But strong arms caught me instead. I gasped as I landed against a solid chest, the impact knocking the air from my lungs. Familiar scent hit me. My hands clutched at broad shoulders on instinct, fingers digging into muscle. I looked up, heart pounding. Definitely not who I expected.

His face was close...too close...dark eyes gleaming with concern and something else. Amusement? His lips curved into a slow smile, arms still locked around me like he had no intention of letting go. "Careful there, Adele," he murmured, voice low and smooth. "Wouldn't want you getting hurt before the ball." 日 Comments Support Share 2 Editorial Board Editorial Board Our editorial team works behind the scenes to refine each chapter, maintain consistency, and deliver the best reading experience.