CHAPTER 55

CHAPTER 55
Mila

Lance’s expression was unreadable. I could have sworn I saw shock flash across his face, just for a second...before it melted into something distant and cold, like I’d imagined it all.

“You are awake.”
His voice snapped me out of my thoughts.
I stared at him blankly. Who even says something so obvious?

“Yeah…” I replied dryly, lying back down and pulling the sheets up as if I could disappear beneath them. I didn’t care why he was here. I didn’t want to be bothered. I turned my back to him and tugged the covers tightly around my body.

I really hoped he would read the room and crawl back into whatever hole he came from.
Silence followed...thick, unbearable silence. Then I heard footsteps. Slow. Deliberate. Coming closer.

I clenched the sheets in my fists and shut my eyes, forcing myself not to turn around, not to look, not to react.
The bed dipped beside me.
I opened my eyes to see his back turned to me.

That was… unexpected.
I released a quiet breath, but my heart refused to calm. What if this was just another mind game? What if he had other plans?

“You can go to sleep, Mila. I don’t have any plan of fulfilling your fantasies today,” he said in that same cold, detached tone.
What fantasies?!

Anger flared hot in my chest as I turned away from him again, my back stiff with irritation.
I woke slowly, my eyes adjusting to the soft morning light peeking through the curtains. I glanced at the empty space beside me and scoffed. Of course. My husband was gone.
I stretched lightly, exhaustion still clinging to my limbs.

Pulling my nightgown down, I suddenly thought about how I had only been wearing this thin night gown last night with lance sleeping right beside me.

I pulled down the rest of my underwear and sighed quietly, I needed a bath. I needed calm. I needed to feel grounded again.

Then I heard the bathroom door open, i was so scared.
It would be correct to say my soul practically left my body and pitied me and came back for me.

I froze, startled beyond comprehension, and came face to face with Lance. What the hell? I had thought he left already.
Instinctively, I crossed my arms over my chest, trying to cover myself. His low chuckle only made my skin burn.

I turned my back to him in a rush only to immediately realize how stupid that was.

“I guess you couldn’t wait to satisfy yourself after all,” he said, his voice low and taunting

“I..I thought you left,” I replied, confused, my back still turned.

I heard him move closer.
My body stiffened completely, as if it had betrayed me. I couldn’t move. Couldn’t breathe properly.

His hand settled on my bare waist.
A gasp escaped me before I could stop it and I hated myself for giving him that satisfaction.

Heat rushed through my body, settling low in my belly, igniting a sensation I hated myself for recognizing.

I felt his breath against my neck before he turned me around to face him.

“I know what all of this looks like. You don’t have to hide it. It’s stupid,” he said, gesturing toward my body, his gaze sharp and curious, as if he was studying my reaction.

I shoved his hands away and darted past him, thinking about locking myself in the bathroom till he left for whatever just to breathe.

But I was too slow.
He yanked me back by my hair. Pain shot through my scalp and a yelp tore from my throat. He pressed my body firmly against his chest, looming over me like a predator ready to strike.

“What exactly are you trying to do?” he asked calmly, far too calmly.

“Were you trying to run?” His condescending gaze pinned me in place.

“I just...” I inhaled sharply. “I just want to take a bath,” I said, forcing an awkward smile.

My heart pounded violently. Whatever his intentions were last night, it felt like he was ready to carry them out now. Worse still, my traitorous heart fluttered with anticipation, imagining things I had no business imagining.

“You aren’t a very good liar, Mila.” He pulled me closer, his face only inches away from mine.
“I..I am s..sorry.”
Why did that come out? Why was my brain glitching?

“For what exactly?” he asked, studying my expression intently.
Yes, Mila. Why are you apologizing like an idiot?

“Uh…” I trailed off, confused and flustered.

“Lust can make you very submissive,” he murmured, his breath brushing my lips.

My stomach twisted. My heart raced uncontrollably. Heat gathered everywhere, betraying me completely. I felt exposed...seen in a way that terrified me.

“You want me, Mila. Say it.”
I turned my face away, struggling weakly against his hold.

He chuckled, low and dark, and I felt it echo through my body.

Rolling my eyes in irritation, I glared at him.
“You won’t say it? Fine. I’ll make you.” His hand slid to the back of my neck, drawing me closer.
Fear flashed through me just before his lips crashed against mine.

My thoughts scattered instantly. Every warning screamed at me to run..but the way his lips felt made it impossible to think.
Then his hand moved between my thighs.
I gasped loudly.

“So slimy,” he muttered, bending down, bringing his face dangerously close.
Oh, goodness.