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.

a startled

around her waist,

light cast a soft glow, dim but enough for every

seen.

red, so hot

far, far

Thump!

and unsteady,

chest, she could feel the steady thrum of his heartbeat and

at her, his eyes

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

was deep, soft, and

squirming away from his arms and bowing her head so she wouldn't have to meet his gaze. "I-I'm fine... thank you," she stammered, her voice barely

reaction, amusement flickering in his eyes. "Good.

apologize. "Sorry, sir,

him off, his tone calm. "It's alright. Just

Etheridge." The driver breathed out, relieved, and carefully merged back into

day, Effie arrived at