The Alpha King is unavailable 96

"A pretend courtship," Olivia mused, considering the idea.

"Exactly," Lucas confirmed. "We can be friends and allies, nothing more. But to the outside world, we'll appear to be a developing couple."

Olivia extended her hand with a genuine smile. "I accept your proposal, Mr. Blackwood."

=

Lucas took her hand, bringing it briefly to his lips in a gentlemanly gesture. "Until next time, Miss Winters."

As his car pulled away. Olivia turned back toward Grandmother's wing of the Stone Estate, unaware that was watching from the shadows

(Olivia's POV)

I walked back toward Matriarch Evelyn's wing, my mind racing with thoughts of the arrangement Id just made with Lucas. A pretend courtship could give me the breathing room I desperately needed from Ethan's

suffocating presence.

Lost in thought, I didn't notice the figure emerging from the shadows until it was too late. A strong hand gripped my wrist, pulling me into the darkness of the garden path.

"What did he say to you?” Ethan demanded, his amber eyes glowing with barely contained fury.

110

I tried to pull away, but his grip was like iron. "Let go of me."

"Answer me," he growled, his voice dropping to that dangerous register that made my skin prickle with

warning.

your business," I replied, lifting my chin

he inhaled deeply, scenting me for any trace of Lucas. "You're my wife. Everything about you

anything," I shot back. "You made that clear years

Lily."

of our daughter's name, pain flashed across his face before his

a request; it was a command. The Alpha in him

said simply, my emerald eyes meeting his amber ones without

have the right to choose who I want to be with, I stated firmly. "And I don't choose

eyes. Before I could react, he pulled me

to hold me

his lips crashing

with all my strength. My resistance

him further.

you really think Lucas Blackwood wants you? A woman with your past?

remind me of my place. But

I retorted. "Which is more

darkened dangerously. "Respect? Is that what you

wife?"

soon as the papers

3/4

63 A Silent

wrist tightened to the point of pain. "There will

stop me,” I challenged, though we both knew he could.

dropping to a harsh

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