Page 65 of Ruthless Beast

“Hey, you’re the one doing all the work,” I tease.

“Would you like to change positions? I don’t mind if you wish to turn the screws on me, as they say.”

“Really? You wouldn’t mind if I tied you up?”

“Hell, no. This is the 21st century. Women’s lib and all that,” he laughs.

“Good to know.”

“I’m putty in your hands, my beauty,” he smiles, kissing me long and slow.

“You’re not afraid I may try and escape?” I tease.

“And miss out on this?” he says, throwing off the sheet so I can gaze upon his impressive erection.

“You’re pretty sure of yourself, aren’t you?”

"I'm not hearing any complaints,” he says, kissing my neck.

“You’re very playful tonight. Did you have a good day?”

“I did. And what did my little Van Gogh get up to while I was at the office?”

Lucas must no longer consider me a flight risk because I’m free to roam the estate. We had a good talk when we returned from France, and I agreed to stay with Lucas until such time as he uncovered the identity of the man who murdered David.

These days, I keep myself occupied with painting and cooking. It feels at times as if Lucas and I are a married couple, going about our days in the same way most newlyweds do, coming together at night to create fireworks in the bedroom. It feels more natural than I ever would have anticipated.

“Is it weird that this feels so normal?” I ask him without fear of laying bare my feelings.

“Oh, good. So you feel it too? I thought it was just me.”

“No,” I say quickly, rolling onto my side so I can see his face. “It’s crazy, but I feel as if we have known each other all our lives.”

“Kismet, I think they call it. Isn’t there a painting somewhere that depicts instances like these?” he teases.

“Yeah, I’m sure if you look closely at The Raft of the Medusa, you’ll see us hanging somewhere off the back of the sinking structure.”

“And you call my world dark. Why the pessimism?”

“You have to admit that ours isn’t your typical love story.”

“No, but couples have to start somewhere. Are you not happy?”

“I’m cautiously optimistic.”

“Our relationship is as much a surprise to me as it is to you, Emily.”

“I know. It does worry me, though.”

“What does?”

“Your world. It’s a dangerous one, Lucas.”

“I know, my love, but I’ll protect you. I swear.”

“I know you’ll try your best to keep me safe. It may not be enough, though.”

“Come on, my beauty,” he says, kissing my forehead. “Don’t dwell on the negative. We have something special. We should celebrate it every day.”

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