Chapter 56
Augustin’s POV
I pulled a clean shirt over my head, careful not to make any noise. I glanced over at the bed where Juno slept peacefully, her hair splayed across my pillow, her body barely covered by one of my tests that hung loosely on her smaller frame. The sight of her there, in my bed, wearing my clothes, stirred something primal inside me.
I wanted nothing more than to crawl back into bed with her, to wake her with my mouth on her skin, to hear those delicious little moans she made when I touched her. My cock hardened at the thought, and I found myself taking an involuntary step toward the
bed.
No. She needed rest. After everything we’d done last night, she deserved to sleep in. Besides, I had somewhere to be. My mother was expecting me in Goldenvale, and I couldn’t disappoint her.
I moved silently to the bed, leaned down, and placed a gentle kiss on her forehead. She stirred slightly, mumbling something incoherent before settling back into sleep. Her scent filled my lungs. The mingling of our scents satisfied something deep and possessive within me.
The drive to Goldenvale would take an hour. If I left now, I’d make it in time for breakfast with my mother. I didn’t particularly want to go, especially knowing Evanth might be there, but she was still my mother. And despite her many flaws, I loved her.
I finished dressing and slipped out of the bedroom, making my way downstairs. The manor was quiet this early. As I reached the main entrance, I reached out through my mind–link to Bryloch.
I’m heading to my mother’s. When Juno wakes, please explain where I’ve gone and apologize for me.
His response came quickly. Of course. She’ll be well taken care of.
Thank you, I replied, grateful once again for my loyal Beta.
As I drove through the winding roads leading away from Clifflands toward Goldenvale, my thoughts drifted back to Juno. Things between us were still new, still fragile. Distance and time apart wouldn’t help strengthen what we were building. Yet what we had already felt more real, more mature than relationships that had taken months or years to develop.
She understood me perfectly–when to push, when to yield, when to speak, and when to stay silent. She’d stood her ground against my brother’s disrespect while maintaining the grace expected of someone in her position. And the way she’d wrapped her arms around me in the club, telling me she trusted me… the relief I’d felt had been overwhelming.
I hadn’t told her how I felt yet. The words seemed too big, too soon. But I knew in my heart what this was. Falling in love with her
would be the easiest thing I’d ever done.
Since things ended with Cassandra, I hadn’t allowed myself to become seriously involved with anyone. Nothing that could touch my heart. Nothing that could hurt me again.
Juno was different. She was strong, decisive, resilient, and wise beyond her years. Perfect, in my eyes.
I smiled as I recalled the trust in her eyes when she looked at me. This was different. This was real.
I arrived at my mother’s estate right on time. The housekeeper let me in with a polite nod, directing me to the breakfast room where my mother waited. Evanth, thankfully, was nowhere to be seen
“Good morning, Mother,” I said, leaning down to kiss her cheek.
She didn’t respond or turn to acknowledge me, and her scent with anger. I sighed internally and took a seat beside her, pouring myself a glass of orange juice.
1/2
Chapter 56
I wasn’t sure you would come she finally said, her voice cold.
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