CHAPTER 34

Anna's Pov.

I woke up with a splitting headache, “ shit ” I muttered in annoyance at myself for thinking I could drink and get away with it. I managed to sit up and itch the sleep away from my eyes although my eyes were closed I felt another presence in the room.

I felt afraid to look up fearing somehow maybe Matias had come into the room again to tell me off because Lucius had warned him sternly embarrassing him.

“ It's just me, you don't have to be scared ” It was Lucius' deep velvety voice, my fear instantly melted and I raised my head up but on a fake brave font.

“ I wasn't scared,” I said harshly.

“ Sure,” he said indifferently. He was holding a tray with breakfast, the smell of eggs, bacon and waffles caressed her nose and her stomach growled treacherously.

I held my belly with both hands in embarrassment, Lucius chuckled slightly and dropped the tray beside her. Pouring orange juice into a glass then stretching out his palm offering her a pill.

I arched my brow at him in question, “It's for your hangover, please take it and eat up even if it's a little ” his voice was so gentle and he actually sounded concerned so my strong resolve melted.

I took the pill and washed it down with some orange juice. I didn't want to eat it but the aroma made my mouth water.  I picked up the tray and forked some eggs into my mouth, it had a pleasant but distinct flavor I couldn't place.

Lucius stood up awkwardly, rubbing the back of his head with his right hand.

“ Hope you're enjoying your breakfast ”.

I hummed a response but I knew he had more to say, he cleared his throat slightly and I can't lie that I felt very powerful knowing I could put the almighty mafia lord in such a vulnerable state.

His blue eyes showed regret and vulnerability. “ Anna, I know you don't want to talk to me because of the despicable act I committed against you. I'm sorry I cheated on you, it's not an excuse but she manipulated me emotionally and I feel for it. She's someone I used to mess around with even before we got together”

I paused eating in realization that it wasn't Elosie relief flooded me at least, it didn't make it any better but still I was glad it wasn't she and to be honest.

. If I  had somehow run into Chase and we were alone, old feelings were bound to resurface and if we had been having sex before it would have happened again.

I took a deep breath and took a sip of my orange juice because my throat felt so dry. “ I forgive you ”.

My words seemed to shock him and it was evident from his expression he didn't fully believe me. But in all actuality, I did understand, not that I'm excusing him. I had to admit to myself that part of the reason I decided to win the contest and marry him.

I had no family to run to, and my boyfriend Chase had already moved on. If he still wanted me back and I knew it then,  there's a high possibility I would have failed on purpose to go back to him.

The truth is that and Lucius are two messed up people tossed into marriage and we have to make it work. “ Are you sure you forgive me ?” His eyes pleading for my understanding.

“ I believe you and I'm willing to work on moving past it as long as it never happens again. The next time you cheat on me I promise you I'll be out the door in a second and nothing will make me come back to you ”

Lucius stared at me with an unreadable look “ I

Agreed, thank you for giving me a second chance I promise I won't do anything to cause you hurt or pain ”

I know it's weird but I didn't doubt the sincerity of his words. I didn't want to say more and ended up revealing how he was beginning to make me feel so I nodded at him and continued having my breakfast in silence.

Regardless of how tempting I didn't want to eat too much, there was still one major thing I wanted to understand. What was Elosie doing here, I didn't want to push Lucius and disrupt the peace we had just restored.

So I decided to wait and find out during breakfast one thing was clear though, uncle Matias didn't like me or want me there. But I'm determined to stay and I won't let him ruin or control my peace, I am the wife of Lucius Moreti after all.

The first thing I'm going to do once we get back home is send that nasty Jolyn back to wherever she was working before and get Gracie back who is the closest thing to a friend I have right now.

Lucius cleared his throat the sound dragged me out of my thoughts “Penny for your thoughts ?”.

“ It's nothing serious,” I noticed then that he was fully dressed. “ I'll get ready in a few minutes, know we have a meeting today ”.

“ Good, I'd love to stay here and watch you undress and shower but I know how shy and uncomfortable that'll make you so I'll give you space ”.

His words ignited passionate excitement in me the thought that he could be watching scared but excited me. “ I see your head is in the right place,” he said teasingly.

My cheeks flamed up knowing I had been caught by him in my lustful thinking, he chuckled which was honestly the most beautiful sound I had ever heard. I instantly wished I could hear him chuckle more often.

“ I'll let you be, I'll be attending to a few business calls downstairs” he winked and turned leaving me in the room by myself. Who would believe me if I told them Lucius Moretti had a playful side and could wink?

I got up from the bed, my head feeling better, the satisfaction making me warm knowing that probably only I could bring out this side of him.

I wrapped my robe around myself again and entered the bathroom to clean up and make myself presentable for the meeting. I sorely missed Gracie. She would have helped me get ready and I'd have eased some tension by talking to her about the meeting.

In less than thirty minutes I twirled and turned in front of the mirror admiring my reflection. I picked out a beautiful pale pink knee-length dress that screamed wealth and class, pairing it with white low pumps.

Being so terrible at makeup I didn't dare much but to powder my face, throw on some mascara and light blush and a lip gloss. I let my waist-length dark hair fall elegantly down my back, my purse is from a high fashion label in Paris which  I acquired yesterday.

Despite Lucius being the mafia lord basically, he is also one of the top billionaires in the world and although the news of our marriage hasn't officially come out I still need to look my best in case we encounter the paparazzi.

The door opened behind me, and through the mirror, I could see it was Lucius who had entered the room. “ I'm ready,” I said as I lightly sprayed on a delicious Victoria's Secret scent.

Lucius stood still in the same spot by the door, he stared at me as though he was star-struck and my heart missed a beat as his eyes caught mine in the mirror.

He started walking towards me and as embarrassing as it sounds my body trembled slightly in anticipation. I closed my eyes as he was just a step away, I felt his strong arms cover my waist from behind and pull me to himself.

He nuzzled my neck planting soft but firm kisses as though drawing up a trail. “ You're so beautiful ” he whispered in my ear, sending a delicious shiver through my body.

I struggled to not moan in pleasure “We have to go now or I don't think we'll make it at all for the meeting. I may get too carried away ” Lucius said, easing his grip around her.

He released me completely and I noticed I felt breathless, how could this mind evoke such a response from me even with the lightness of touch? I have to get myself under control or I may fall too hard for this ruthless man.

He stretched his hand out and I took it his large hand covering my delicate fingers. We went out of the room together and I noticed the curious stares that escorted us all the way to the dining room.

I looked up at him to see his demeanor had changed back into the cold, ruthless expression and of course, although we walked without security everyone knew better than to approach us.