Aveline paused, looking at the cup of tea in her hand.

Wasn't he the one who bought it?

The icy indifference etched on Lucas' face was unmistakable, too genuine to be feigned.

As realization dawned, Aveline's lips twisted into a bitter smile. She had misread the situation entirely. In her naivety, she had imagined he remembered that he had bought the cup of tea out of concern, a gesture of comfort after her ordeal.

It turned out she had read too much into it.

Taking a deep breath, she threw the tea into the trash and followed him into the Tudor mansion.

They went straight upstairs and into the bedroom.

Lucas tugged at his collar, unbuttoning it, and said coldly, "Go take a shower."

Aveline silently complied, showing an attitude of resigned acceptance.

Lucas watched her, feeling even more irritated.

The sound of running water filled the room. Through the frosted glass, he could see her shadowy, graceful figure. Sitting on the sofa with his elbows resting on his knees, he stared at the glass with dark, complicated eyes for a long time.

His throat tightened, feeling parched. He tugged at his collar as if it would help ease his growing

agitation.

He stood up and left the bedroom, heading to the guest room to shower.

When Aveline emerged from the shower wrapped in a towel, Lucas was no longer in the bedroom. She sighed with relief and turned to dry her hair.

Just as she had dried it halfway, someone yanked off her towel suddenly.

A chill swept over her, and she gasped, instinctively trying to cover herself.Published by Nôv'elD/rama.Org.

But she was wearing nothing under the towel. Her attempt to cover herself was futile.

A mocking laugh echoed from behind her. In the next instant, a strong arm wrapped around her waist, pulling her close. She looked like a frightened rabbit, which only seemed to amuse him, sparking a glint of interest in his eyes.

With the prize in hand, he leaned close to her ear. "Why are you trying to cover yourself? There's nothing here I haven't seen."

Aveline's body stiffened at his rough touch. "Can you be gentler?"

His grip was causing her pain.

Lucas noticed the redness at the corners of her eyes. Her figure was flawless, curvaceous, with fair skin tinged with a delicate blush. The softness in his hands was irresistible, and her unique fragrance kept stimulating his senses.

He grasped her chin with his other hand and kissed her deeply. As their lips tangled, his low, husky voice murmured, "You're here to please me, so I'll do what feels good for me." Aveline's eyes instantly reddened with anger.

This bastard!

She raised her hand to slap him, but he applied a little more pressure, making her gasp in pain. Taking advantage of her vulnerability, he deepened the kiss, not giving her any chance to retreat. Her long hair swayed behind her as he suddenly lifted her, pressing her against the wall. In this position, she had no leverage and instinctively wrapped her legs around his waist. Satisfied, Lucas smirked and kissed her again, forcefully and dominantly invading her mouth. Aveline's spine stiffened as Lucas left kiss marks from her neck to her chest, like crimson roses blooming on her fair skin-sensual and captivating.

Throughout the night, Aveline felt as if she died and came back to life over and over again. Eventually, she rolled her eyes and passed out, convulsing in his arms.

Seeing her state, Lucas pinched her waist. She didn't respond, her body limp and unresponsive.

A strong

ng emotion flickered in his eyes, but he didn't stop.

When Aveline woke up, she felt like her body no longer belonged to her.

Every part of her ached, especially her waist.