Faux Vows, True Desires

Owen rocked up looking all confident, but then he skedaddled in a hurry.

Lucinda gave a sarcastic applause, saying, "He's just wasting his time trying to stick up for Ruby."

The man beside her kept quiet.

Lucinda turned her gaze to Stefan, whose handsome face was stormy. The next thing she knew, he was pulling her into his arms, holding her tight, and whisking her away.

What the heck just happened?

Lucinda was completely bamboozled.

Stefan took Lucinda back to his place at Diamond Ridge Estates.

"Master, mistress!"

Seeing them enter, Emma greeted cheerfully.

Lucinda was taken aback. "Auntie, aren't you Stefan's mom's friend?"

Last time, she called Stefan her nephew, but now she was calling him master.

How many times had he and his people hoodwinked her?

Seeing the master's sour face, Emma explained with a smile, "Mistress, I'm the housekeeper here. You can just call me Emma from now on."

Lucinda wanted to say something, but Stefan pulled her into the house.

"Stefan, what's up with you? You look upset; did I do something wrong?"

He'd been all quiet and holding her hand tight all the way, like he was afraid she'd bolt if he let go.

Stefan still kept mum, leading Lucinda upstairs. Once in his room, he nudged her into the bathroom, making her stand in front of the sink. He squeezed some soap into her hand, then had her wash her hands. Lucinda turned to look at him; he was washing her hands with a serious look.

He kept washing her hands over and over, like her hands were poisoned or something.

Maybe because she kept staring at him, she found herself pinned between his chest and the sink. He couldn't resist any longer and planted a kiss on her lips.

like his usual tender kisses; this time it

face finally

as long as I'm there. I won't let

a bit swollen from his kiss, and his eyes were

think you could take him down with your strength? He's a drama queen; he's hard to read. Try to keep your distance when

was staring at his lips as he said some bossy things that she found kind of

She was captivated.

Stefan can be really cool when

have many

have a

said softly, "I was thinking of taking down Owen first, so his guys wouldn't

sexy, but it's not because of his

seductive. You don't like my eyes? You think my lips aren't sexy?" Lucinda might not be the brightest, but she knew she'd be in deep doo-doo if

Besides, she wasn't stupid.

when her husband was angry

her

chose to make it up

of tricks up her sleeve to

tricks from her novel to real life, dealing with

"Darling."

Lucinda called softly.

naturally pleasant; she intentionally softened it and dragged out the end. Stefan

felt a chill run down her spine; she was getting goosebumps all

really wanted

suddenly jealous man, she even started to

handsomest in my eyes; no one can compare! Your eyes are like blazing fire; every time I look into them, my heart races, and I'm often at a loss, totally smitten." "Your lips might not be thin, but

went on and

her novel's heroine always praised the hero

the hero got angry, the heroine would praise him,

hoped this would work on

what I said earlier?" Stefan asked

I remembered it and thought about it