Page 15 of Dark Prince

“Charlie?” she questions, her voice laced with apprehension. “I haven't heard from him in weeks. What happened to him?”

Her inquiry hangs in the air, but I choose not to satisfy her curiosity. Whatever fate befell Charlie Baird is not a matter I'm inclined to discuss with Laurel.

With nothing left to say, I turn and walk out the door.

Chapter 8

Luk

After a long day of fruitless inquiries and dead ends, I find myself back at the mansion. The sun has set, leaving the house bathed in the soft, silvery glow of moonlight that pours in through the tall windows. The vastness of the mansion feels more pronounced at this hour, with the staff gone for the day and the quiet enveloping every corner like a thick blanket.

I've always appreciated the tranquility that comes with this time of night. The house takes on a different character; it’s almost castle-like. And in such moments, I can't help but feel like the lord of the castle, overseeing my domain in solitude.

The attempt on Maura's life still weighs heavily on my mind, a constant reminder of the dangers lurking in the shadows, threatening my new bride.

The stress clawing at my insides pushes me toward the bar. I pour myself a drink that matches the day's weight—something strong enough to dull the edge.

Leaning against the bar, I catch a glimpse of myself in a mirror. I look worn down, tension etched in deep lines on my face. My thoughts, relentless as ever, circle back to Maura. The realization of how close I came to losing her reignites a fury inside me, a raw, burning rage that's unexpected in its intensity.

How is it that a woman I barely know has burrowed so deep under my skin so quickly? What is it about her that stirs this fierce protectiveness, as if she were my own flesh and blood?

The more I dwell on it, the clearer it becomes: My urge to shield her isn't just about duty. There's something in Maura that resonates with me on a level I can't quite explain, a connection that's as real as the drink in my hand.

As I stand there, the alcohol barely taking the edge off, I'm forced to admit that Maura has changed the game for me. She's woven herself into the fabric of my life in an astonishingly short period.

Finishing my drink, I realize what I want, what I need, is unmistakable. I make my way up to the master bedroom. The room looks empty until I see her stretched on the bed, bathed in moonlight. The sight of her looking so serene is breathtaking—unexpected and powerful.

The moonlight casts shadows that play across the curves hidden beneath the covers, curves that stir a deep, primal longing within me. Her red hair is spread out across the pillow, a fiery halo around her delicate features, making her appear almost ethereal.

I stand in the doorway, caught in the moment, just looking at her. Seeing her lying there, so vulnerable yet so captivating, brings back a feeling inside me that I thought was long gone. Her presence softens me.

The pull toward her is too strong, an urge that's impossible to resist. Quietly, I slip out of my shoes and slide into bed next to her. It's a bold move, but something deep inside me craves the closeness, the simple comfort of being near her.

To my surprise, she instinctively eases into my embrace in her sleep, as if, even in her dreams, she knows I'm here to protect her. My arms wrap around her, pulling her closer, and I'm immediately struck by the warmth of her body against mine. It's a sensation that's new yet feels deeply right, filling me with a sense of peace I hadn't realized I was missing.

As she smiles in her sleep, my heart tightens at the sight. It's a simple, unguarded moment that I find utterly irresistible. The physical and emotional barriers between us seem to melt away in the quiet of the night.

When she finally opens her eyes, the surprise in them is evident. She gasps softly, the confusion of waking up to find me next to her written across her face. I can see the flicker of fear before she fully recognizes me, and it's that fear that spurs me to reassure her.

“Hey, it's okay,” I say softly, my voice low and calming. “You never need to be afraid of me. I could never hurt you.”

The words are a vow, a promise laid bare in the moonlit room.

When she finally speaks, her voice is vulnerable. “What happened at the wedding is still weighing on me,” she admits, her words tinged with worry.

I nod, understanding all too well the shadow that incident has cast over us. “I know,” I reply, my voice a soft rumble in the quiet of the room. “But I promise you, I will never let anything happen to you.”

Despite the uncertainty in her eyes, Maura doesn't shy away. She stays close, her body pressed against mine. As I whisper reassuring promises that she's safe with me, I catch a slight parting of her lips, an unspoken invitation that hits me deeply.

The air between us crackles with equal parts desire and restraint. I lean in, my lips finding hers in a soft kiss that slowly ignites, passion flaring as we fall into a rhythm. My movements are measured, every caress laden with the raw need that's been simmering beneath the surface. Her heartbeat thunders against my chest, a mirror to my own racing pulse.

I slip my hand under her nightgown and over the flat plane of her belly, taking hold of her breast. She gasps as I touch her, those gorgeous eyes going wide with surprise. Her breast feels divine, her nipple small and pert, going hard against my touch.

Her initial expression of surprise soon turns to one of lust, her eyes closing as I continue to caress her. Maura’s lips part slightly, her tongue running over them.

She pulls off her nightgown and tosses it aside, exposing her gorgeous breasts, her perfect belly, and her delicious hips. The animal need that I feel whenever I see her boils within, a knot that needs to be undone.

I want to give her more.

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