Ex Cried as I Wed a Tycoon

Chapter 35

Lyman turned his head, his gaze settling on Effie's slightly pale face. His brow furrowed with concern.

He could tell something was off. His voice was low and gentle. "What's wrong?"

Effie shook her head. "It's nothing. I'm just a bit tired."

He didn't press further. Instead, he reached out and took her hand, his palm warm against hers, making her flinch ever so slightly.

"If anything's bothering you, promise you'll tell me," he said, his voice steady and reassuring, wrapping her in an unexpected sense of safety.

She looked at him and nodded. "Yeah. I'm fine. All that mess is behind me now."

Lyman knew she'd just seen her family-the Bagnolds again. He could guess who she meant by "mess."

"If it's behind you, don't dwell on it. Let's go get something to eat," he coaxed, steering the conversation away.

"Alright."

Suddenly, a car ahead swerved into their lane. The driver slammed on the brakes, tires screeching.

Effie lurched forward from the momentum, tumbling straight into Lyman's side.

startled gasp,

arms wrapped around her waist, pulling

light cast a soft glow, dim but

seen.

face flushed a furious red, so hot she

far, far too

Thump!

and

the steady thrum of his heartbeat and breathe in his crisp, clean

down at her, his eyes deep and

waist, the heat of his fingers seeping through her thin blouse, sending a shudder

was deep, soft, and full of

her head so she wouldn't have

but smile at her reaction, amusement

"Sorry, sir, ma'am. That car cut us off and I didn't have time

waved him off, his tone calm.

The driver breathed out, relieved, and carefully

next day, Effie arrived at the