Chapter 59
Sonia, of course, had no intention of playing just one card.
“And besides,” she added, “my mom’s birthday is next month. I’d like to be on that cruise so I can bring back a special gift. It would mean a lot to me.”
She played the family card, then tossed out another chip. “I’m fluent in Valanthean, Jorican, Drosven, Ithari, and Falric. If we run into foreign guests, I could serve as your interpreter.”
While Sonia was piling on reasons, Lucies caught a flicker of movement on the staircase above. The glimpse was fleeting, but he knew the silhouette instantly–Valerie.
So, the little fox had been hiding upstairs, eavesdropping. He remembered how she’d studied the invitation on his desk last night. Was she interested in the cruise auction as well?
A spark of vindictive amusement stirred in him. Maybe it was time to teach her a lesson. She needed to learn that only by yielding and submitting could she get what she wanted.
At the same time, he reminded himself not to let Valerie pull him along by the nose. Ever since they had crossed paths, she had stirred too many unwanted emotions. That was a dangerous
sign.
Cutting short Sonia’s excuses, Lucius answered with one decisive word. “Fine.”
The swiftness of his agreement left Sonia giddy. Would Lucius truly take her as his companion? Did that mean their relationship had taken a step forward?
Before she could gush her gratitude, Lucius waved her off. “Leave now. I’ll have the driver pick you up tomorrow.”
Once she was gone, he lifted his eyes toward the upper floor. “You heard all that, didn’t you?”
Valerie appeared at the railing, draped in a black silk robe that brushed her ankles. Her dark hair spilled over her shoulders, and Lucifer coiled obediently around her arm like a docile pet.
Seeing the serpent he had raised so devoted to her sent a strange pang through Lucius, though he couldn’t put a name to it.
Across the white carved balustrade, Valerie met his gaze from above. “Yes, I heard every word.”
Lucius dangled the invitation between his fingers. “Do you want to go?”
She didn’t bother to mask her desire. “Yes, I do.”
He felt as though he’d stumbled upon the perfect way to control Valerie. “Do you need me to take you on board?”
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Valerie descended the stairs, step by step. “What do you
“How could I ever guess a woman’s thoughts?”
“Are you suggesting I beg you?”
“Try it and see,” he said.
think?”
She circled the couch, slipping her pale arms around his neck from behind. Her lips brushed his ear as she whispered, soft enough for only the two of them to hear.
“I grew up in the countryside and have never seen much of the world. This is the first time I’ve heard of an auction being held out at sea. Tell me, dear husband–do you really think a
seasonal employee, making 2,500 dollars a month, could afford any of those sparkling jewels?
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Lucius froze. Trapped in her arms, his mind went blank. He knew full well that her sweet way of addressing him was nothing but provocation, but still his pulse quickened.
“Valerie,” he warned, his voice rough, “don’t play with fire.”
Her lips grazed the curve of his ear. “But since we are husband and wife, doesn’t that mean the position of your companion can only belong to me, your lawful wife?”
Chapter 60
Chapter 60
