Page 103 of Devotion: Isn't What It Seems (Love Isn't What It Seems 1)

“Gosh, this place,” I muttered to myself admiring the view for the hundredth time now. “I swear the view gets me every time. It’s magical.”

He pulled up into the garage and we ran into the castle, heavy snowflakes all around us.

We got in and the castle felt empty and quiet.

“Where is all of your staff?” I asked glancing around, used to them always running to the door.

“I gave them time off to spend a few weeks with their families and get ready for the holidays.”

“Ummm, ok,” I mumbled although it didn’t make sense to me. Holidays were three weeks away but I kept my mouth shut.

Glancing back at him, I caught him watching me. Unable to look away, I stared at all of him, trying to commit him to my memory. There were few flurries in his hair and I balled my hands into fists to stop myself from reaching out to shake them off.

“Now what?” I asked him in a soft voice. I wanted to remember our last time together in every detail so I never wavered from him.

He brushed his knuckles against my cheek. “You look tired.”

Because I can’t sleep without you next to me.

“I’ve been busy,” I answered instead.

He took my hand and pulled me over into a hug. Unprepared, I fell into his arms, and I relished his warmth and felt like I was home. I didn’t want to wonder why he did that, why he was still holding me. I just wanted to enjoy this moment and my body pressed against his.

“We need to talk,” he muttered against my hair.

I wanted to beg for him not to ruin this moment but all I ended up saying was, “Ok.”

We walked towards the library, his arm around me. Fire was crackling in the fireplace and I wondered how long ago did his staff actually leave. Not that it mattered.

He sat on the sofa and pulled me onto his lap. My head whipped to his face with confusion.

“What?” he raised his eyebrow. “I can’t have my wife on my lap?”

“Lachlan,” my voice was a soft whisper. “We shouldn’t make this even harder.”

“You left the rings behind,” he said. “But you are still wearing mine.”

“If you want it back,” I went to take it off, but his hand stopped my movement.

“It belongs on your finger.” His voice was unwavering, just like when he told me he wanted to marry me. I locked eyes with him, confused.

“Tell me, Eve, why did you leave your necklace with the rings behind?”

His eyes held mine. I could see every shade of grey in them. His hands roamed gently all over my body, making it hard to think.

My body shuddered against him as I whispered, “I don’t need them anymore.”

“Why don’t you need it?” he asked, his hungry eyes and hands on me.

“Please, Lachlan,” I meant to beg him to stop but my voice came out in a moan.

“Please what?” He bent his head and brushed his lips against mine. I wanted more, but I didn’t dare to move, scared I’d lose my teetering defenses.

“Please what?” he repeated.

“Please stop,” I begged him when I actually wanted to beg him to do more.

He frowned but immediately stopped although he still kept me close, my body on his lap.

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