Lucas leaned in close, his hot breath ghosting over Aveline's ear. Despite the warmth of his proximity, his words carried an icy edge. You know I'm injured, yet your concern lies elsewhere. Tell me, Aveline, why does another man occupy your thoughts while I-your husband-am right here beside you?

His teeth-clenched tone sounded like he wanted to devour her alive.

Aveline's body stiffened, and her heart pounded.

What was he saying? Was he jealous?

Impossible.

He didn't love her!

How could he be jealous?

Aveline thought Lucas might be irritated because she kept mentioning another man after he had done so much to save her.

Aveline's eyelashes fluttered, and she said, " I... I'll stop mentioning him. Please don't be upset. It's not good for your recovery." Her tone softened noticeably.

Lucas wasn't planning to let her off so easily, but hearing her gentle voice, his anger dissipated instantly.

He stared at her profile, her fluttering lashes.

Suddenly, he kissed her ear, feeling her body shudder violently before stepping back and letting her go. Lucas said coldly, "During this period, you'll stay and take care of me. I'll let him go when I get better." Aveline exhaled a breath of relief. "Alright."

She didn't dare say anything more, afraid he and a

Besides, he did get injured saving he she should take care of him.

Lucas' expression softened with the Pension in his brow easing He commanded, "Undress me,"

Aveline stopped forward, reached out to help him remove his clothes, and set them aside without doing anything more,

Lucas raised an eyebrow, "Shirt too, row it all away,"

He sustained the injury while wearing that outfit in the kennel, so keeping it was out of the question.

"Alright."

Aveline walked over and reached to unbutton his shirt.

As she stood directly before him, her petite frame belled a newfound composure. The panic and fear that had earlier gripped her had now given way to a serious, determined demeanor. She unbuttoned each button, and as his firm chest gradually revealed itself in front of her, she couldn't help but stop moving.

She felt an urge to reach out.

As his well-defined abs came into view, she hesitated once more,

How did he maintain such an impressive physique despite his demanding schedule?

"Enjoying the view?" His deep, resonant voice broke her reverie.

Aveline nodded. "It's... quite impressive."

Lucas scoffed softly, "You're not shy at all, are you?"

Aveline feigned calmness as she took off his shirt. "I've seen every part of you, why would I be shy?"

Lucas' gaze darkened abruptly. "Is that so? Then take off my pants too.

203

Aveline's breath hitched. "You can use your other hand,"

Lucas replied, "Taking off pants requires bending, which will affect my wound."

He looked at her with subtle amusement, observing as a delicate flush gradually suffused her fair complexion. The sight caused the corners of his mouth to lift imperceptibly. Aveline hesitated for a moment.Exclusive content © by Nô(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.

Lucas said, "Haven't you seen it all? What's there to be shy about?"

Aveline was speechless.

Could she take back her words?

But, meeting his teasing gaze, she pressed her lips together and stepped forward, reaching to unbuckle his belt.

As her fingers touched the cold belt buckle, her fingertips trembled.

While she had maintained her composure when unbuttoning his shirt, she now found her calm facade crumbling, and her breathing grew

erratic.

Lucas stared at her, his gaze growing darker, his throat tightening. He suddenly grasped her chin and kissed her.

D