Chapter 31
Lucius felt his mind go blank as Valerie continued, “If continuing the bloodline can break the binding vow, why don’t we try?
“We should attempt something practical instead of being forced to share a bed. And if you’re worried a child would complicate your future marriage, I’ll take them away and tell them their father died young.”
Lucius’ temper flared. “I’d never let my flesh and blood end up elsewhere.”
She nodded. “Fine. Someone as impatient and short-tempered as I am would be a terrible parent anyway. If you insist, you can raise the child.”
Working at his belt, she continued, “Since we’ve come to an agreement, let’s get started. Work hard now, and we might both be free in ten months.”
His hand snapped out to grab her hands, which were trying to undo his pants. “Enough of this nonsense!”
She paused. “You think this is nonsense?”
“If not, what is it?”
Towering over him, she looked down to meet his gaze. “I don’t know what deal your dad made with Magnus, and I don’t care about getting to the bottom of any past debts either.
“My motto has always been to face problems head-on, so if there’s a shortcut, why not try it?”
Lucius wrapped an arm around Valerie’s waist and pulled her close. “Looks like you’re eager to have my child, aren’t you?”
“You’re afraid that I’ll use the child against you later, aren’t you?” she countered.
“Not just any woman is worthy of carrying my heir.”
She shoved him away. “Fine. If you won’t let me bear your child, we’re stuck sharing this bed.”
With that, she balled up his tie she’d loosened and tossed it out. It hit the light switch on the wall perfectly, instantly plunging the dimly lit room into darkness.
“If we’re not making a baby, let’s sleep. We have to get up early tomorrow.”
Turning over, Valerie fell asleep almost instantly.
Lucius felt a tight, sour weight in his chest. Nothing good had happened since they met, almost as if she were his nemesis.
Fortunately, the bed was large enough, so they slept on opposite sides, with plenty of space
between them.
He’d expected to lie awake all night, but as he listened to her even breathing, his restlessness gradually eased.
…
It was morning by the time he woke up and was surprised to find them sleeping in an intimate
embrace.
He’d made sure to put some distance between them before he fell asleep, so how had they ended up cuddling?
The sight of her sleeping face sent another rush through him. He wasn’t a saint, so self- control wasn’t his strong suit, especially when she had such a captivating face.
Her flawless skin seemed to glow with a soft pink, and she was so beautiful that he could barely tear his gaze away.
His fingers instinctively reached out to touch her face, but the moment he raised his hand, Valerie grabbed it mid-air. Their eyes locked.
“When did you wake up?” Lucius asked.
“When you tried to sneak up on me.”
He laughed, exasperated. “And what good would it do me if I sneaked up on you?”
“Maybe our binding vow will automatically be severed if I die,” she seriously replied.
He helplessly said, “Gustavo said that once our fates are bound, we’ll rise and fall together.” “Let’s hope you hold on to that belief.”
