The Imposter Bride by Sallie Woods

Chapter 19

Natalia wheeled Magnus onto the spacious balcony of the second–floor study, squatting down to gently massage his legs. After a while, she turned to fetch a little wooden hammer. She tapped Magnus’s leg nerves earnestly, over and over again. The man watched her silently as she performed a series of actions. Occasionally, she seemed very professional. He could hardly believe that this pampered daughter of the Clarksons had read an entire book and devised a rehabilitation plan just to help with his recovery

If she was pretending, why went to all this trouble? He watched her pale hands kneading his leg Her long hair was pulled up into a bun, a few strands falling onto her small face. Her neck looked even more delicate in the sunlight

Her long eyelashes quivered slightly, stirring up a feather light sensation in Magnus heart He was reminded of the other night when he had helped her change clothes, the image of her immaculate, full–bodied figure burned into his mind.

He felt a heat spreading throughout his body, gazing at her pink lips, he suddenly grabbed her wrist

Natalia blinked slightly, looking up into the man’s intense eyes. Just as she tried to stand, he pulled her abruptly into his arms. He loosened his hold on her, raising a hand to touch her smooth face. His eyes devoid of any anger, his other hand gently encircling her waist

Natalia’s heart pounded. Before she could react, Magnus‘ handsome face was only a few inches away, his warm breath fanning her face. She sat on his lap, separated by the fabric, yet she could feel the warmth of his legs. The scent of his fresh, masculine cologne filled her nostrils. Her face flushed deeply

She had dated Hector for six months without ever being this close Their intimacy limited to holding hands and chaste kisses on the forehead. She had never felt this nervous before. She tried to stand, but Magnus gently pushed her back down, his warm voice whispering. “Rest a bit before you continue. Okay?”

His husky voice echoed in her ear, his hot breath tickling her earlobe. Natalia’s face turned even redder. She tried to lift his hands from her waist

“But… but I should sit on the chair. Your legs… they can’t hold weight,” she protested, albeit weakly. She couldn’t just sit on his lap while she took a break, could she? What if the servants or Linden saw them?

“It’s fine. Just stay here.” he murmured, his voice low and raspy. His gazes, burning like a flame, were locked onto her flushed face. A thousand ifs raced through his mind, eventually boiling down to one: if only she wasn’t Lucius woman, how wonderful it would be.

his lap, her body stiff, feeling as if her face was about to melt from

determine whether her shyness was real or feigned. Just then, there was a knock at the study door Before Natalia could stand, the door

ma’am, dinner

Magnus lap on the balcony. She immediately regretted interrupting. Quickly turning to leave, she closed the door with a flustered smile, I’m

pushed him away, trying to stand, her face

inches from hers. Gazing at her soft

grazing her cheek instead. A jolt of electricity coursed through

turned to look at him, his

said we should go eat,” Natalia’s voice was shaky, her heart

his hand and gently pinched her pointed chin. He pulled her head towards him, lowering his own to press his lips

hers.

closer. She closed her blue eyes in fear, her hands clenched into fists. He hated her, didn’t he? Was he going to kiss her now? But she dared not move, fearing his

away, studying her trembling eyelashes. A smirk tugged at the corners of his mouth. This

to kiss you that badly?” He smiled like a

look of loathing tinged with disgust. She felt utterly humiliated. She had closed her eyes, thinking he was going to kiss her. Actually she had just been scared of his anger. She

her.

mind. She was about to retort when he suddenly pushed her off his lap, and wheeling himself out

a cry, her eyes filling with tears. She rose slowly, her knee throbbing.

go downstairs for dinner. Instead, she went to her room, closing the door behind her. She leaned against the door, holding back her tears She had learned to endure in her family, suffering many humiliations, but this time she felt that he truly

for dinner. Mr. Magnus asked me to bring it up for