Chapter 85
Juno’s POV
Sitting on the sofa in our bedroom, I watched Eliza working at the computer with Augustin hovering nearby. My mind wasn’t fully present–Amelia’s words from earlier kept echoing in my head. That lake smile she’d given me when we first met now made sense. She’d been sizing me up from the beginning.
“Do you truly love my son, or are you simply using him to avoid being a prisoner?”
The accusation stung, though I shouldn’t have been surprised. Of course she’d be protective of her son after what happened with Cassandra. Still, her cold demeanor and suspicious nature had throw me off balance.
I remained silent, observing how Augustin interacted with Eliza. It was clear he viewed her with brotherly affection. But Eliza had to spread lies about their relationship just to get special privileges. I feel bad for her, and for Augustine too.
The scent of lunch being prepared wafted through the manor. My stomach tightened at the thought of sitting through a meal with Amelia after our conversation. Augustin had mentioned we should join his mother out of courtesy. I couldn’t refuse, but I dreaded it more than I cared to admit.
When Eliza finally closed the laptop and excused herself, Augustin came to join me on the sofa.
“You’ve been unusually quiet since my mother arrived,” he said, lifting my hand to his lips. His kiss against my skin sent a small shiver through me. “What’s on your mind, Berry?”
I shrugged, not wanting to create problems between him and his mother. “Just thinking about everything that’s happened. It’s a lot
to process.”
“Is it about my mother? Did she say something to upset you?” His voice dropped lower.
“No, no, it’s nothing specific,” I lied. “Just… adjustment pains, I guess.”
He didn’t seem convinced. His lips traveled from my hand to my wrist, then up my arm until they found my neck. His breath was hot against my skin, making every nerve ending come alive. I tilted my head, giving him better access, grateful for the distraction.
“I want to leave a mark here,” he murmured against my pulse point, his voice deepening with desire. “And I want you to keep your hair up when we go out so everyone can see it. I want them all to know you’re mine.”
My breathing quickened as his teeth grazed my skin. “We need to go to lunch soon,” I reminded him, though my body was already responding to his touch. “And your mother is waiting…”
“Let her wait,” he growled, nipping at my earlobe. “We could be late, he suggested, his fingers tracing down my spine. “Very, very late. Some things are more important than punctuality, don’t you think?”
I laughed softly, but the sound caught in my throat when his hand slipped under my shirt.
“Tell me what’s bothering you,” he said, his voice light but his eyes serious. “You came back from my mother’s room different. Your shoulders were tense. I know you, Berry. Something shifted.”
I met his gaze, suddenly needing reassurance as insecurity washed over me. “Why did you choose me, a women you could have had, why me?”
stin? Out of all the
He didn’t hesitate. “I like strong women who know what they want, who say no, and who face the consequences of their actions.” His thumb traced my jawline. “When I lifted your chin and you stared right into my eyes despite Bryloch’s warnings–I found a kindred Spirit. I was captivated from that moment. You showed me defiance when others showed only fear.”
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Chapter 85
“So you like stubborn women, summarized with a small smile, trying to lighten the mood despite the warmth spreading through my chest at his words.
He shook his head firmly. “No, like you. You, Juno Warden. Not song category or type. His hand cupped my face. Don’t generalize what we have or how I feel about you. What’s between us is uniquet’s ours alone. I’ve never felt this way about anyone before, and
never will again.”
His perceptiveness was uncanny. “Did my mother mention the scent laiming?” he asked suddenly, his eyes narrowing. “She’s always been traditional about such things.”
I shook my head, unwilling to tell him the full truth. “She just said he wants to get to know me better.” It wasn’t a lie, exactly, but it definitely wasn’t the whole story.
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