Chapter 102 Resistance Broken

Chapter 102 Resistance Broken
Lysander’s POV

Having her in my arms, feeling the warmth of her body, breathing in her scent and savoring the softness of her lips, was more than I could bear. The longer I had her by my side, the more it felt as though I needed her—more and more. I felt addicted to her, and that terrified me.

I was aware that the only way to satisfy myself was to give in, to let myself be carried away by her, to completely immerse myself in what I felt. Nothing else mattered—not the consequences, not the future. The only thing I could think about was having her beside me.

I was willing to do anything to make that happen when suddenly, through the door leading into the hall, I caught sight of something that stopped me. I saw a painting of my father, and it reminded me of who she was—and, above all, the reason she was here.

Our bond was already strong enough; worsening everything by giving in to this would only make it more dangerous.

I couldn’t allow something like that to happen. So I pulled away from her, even if it required every last ounce of my willpower.

I returned inside as quickly as I could, leaving her alone on the balcony. I didn’t allow her to say a single word. I had no interest in hearing it. All I needed in that moment was distance—distance from her—because otherwise, I wouldn’t be able to resist.

I was so unsettled when I reentered the hall that I didn’t manage to avoid my mother. Before I could even register where I was, she stood directly in front of me.

—What on earth did you do? —she demanded without hesitation.

—Not now, Mother, please —I tried to brush her off, attempting to walk past her.

—If what happened during dinner wasn’t already insulting enough to Derek, you’ve just left Kara standing alone in the middle of the dance floor. That is an even greater offense —she accused.

The truth was, I had no excuse—not when I knew she was right.

—I’ll apologize to him later —I admitted. And while I knew it would be necessary, I was in no condition to do it at that moment.

—I’m afraid you don’t have a choice —she replied.

It was then that I noticed Kara approaching us.

I wasn’t entirely sure what I should say to her, so I remained silent—or at least, I tried to. Because my mother didn’t seem willing to allow that.

—Kara, my dear. Lysander has something he’d like to say to you —she announced suddenly, prompting me to turn toward her with irritation.

Unfortunately, there was little I could do—especially when I realized Kara was already watching me expectantly.

—I’m listening —she urged.

—I believe I owe you an apology for leaving you alone on the dance floor —I said, mostly to avoid further complications. In truth, I would have done it again under the same circumstances.

—Don’t worry, I understand perfectly —she replied, or at least pretended to.

—I understand you had to deal with your wife —she added almost immediately, her tone slightly condescending.

It became clear she had seen the same thing I had, and that irritated me.

—I’m glad you see it that way —I responded, not taking my eyes off her for even a second.

—Of course. And don’t forget what we discussed—I’d be more than happy to help you —she said, clearly alluding to her interest in me.

At her words, all I could do was offer a faint, condescending smile and nod.

—I’ll keep that in mind —I assured her, already aware she wouldn’t give up easily.

My mother looked more than satisfied beside us, as if she understood exactly what Kara meant—and was pleased by it. Though that couldn’t be possible; she hadn’t been close enough to hear. Still, I didn’t doubt she suspected something.

—Now that you’ve settled your differences, we can enjoy a drink —she suggested, motioning to one of the servants.

A young woman approached us shortly after, offering the drinks. I clearly needed something strong, so I didn’t hesitate to take one. I downed it in a single swallow, relishing the way it burned down my throat—not only making me feel as though fire ran through me, but dulling me slightly.

—If you’ll excuse me, I need to speak with a few people —I said, eager to get away.

I left before they could stop me.

Unfortunately, only a few seconds passed before that pleasant sensation vanished, replaced by something else entirely.

I began to feel as though my veins were on fire—as if the blood running through them had turned into molten metal. My heart pounded violently against my chest. I felt overwhelmed by an unbearable intensity, as though I might lose control at any moment.

I quickly made my way out of the hall, heading toward my study. I needed to be alone—I could barely contain myself.

But as I walked through a narrow corridor, I ran into Astrid.

I had no idea what was happening to me, but the moment I saw her, I couldn’t resist. We both closed the distance between us almost instantly and began kissing with desperate urgency.

It was stronger than both of us—like something neither of us could fight, no matter how hard we tried.

Soon, the kisses weren’t enough. I wanted more—far more than that.

—I want you, Astrid —I said aloud.

The moment the words left my lips, it was as though we both snapped out of whatever spell had overtaken us. We pulled apart abruptly, staring at each other in silence for a brief moment.

—I’m sorry —I apologized before quickly walking away.

I needed to be alone.