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 gasp,

Lyman's long arms wrapped around her

cast a soft glow, dim but enough

seen.

red, so hot she felt she

far,

Thump!

and unsteady, her

could feel the steady thrum of his heartbeat and

at her, his eyes deep and

heat of his fingers seeping through her thin blouse, sending

voice was deep, soft, and full of

wouldn't have to meet his gaze. "I-I'm fine... thank you," she stammered,

smile at her reaction, amusement flickering in his eyes. "Good. That's all that

back to apologize. "Sorry, sir, ma'am. That car cut

tone

breathed out, relieved, and carefully merged back into the stream

Effie arrived at