The Imposter Bride by Sallie Woods

Chapter 33

The two of them stayed in the booth until 1 AM before parting ways. Lucius quietly entered his own bedroom in the villa. He reached to turn on the bedside lamp and was startled to suddenly see Magnus sitting in a wheelchair by the floor–to–ceiling window. It took him by a big surprise. “Are you trying to give me a heart attack, sneaking into my room at this ungodly hour?” Lucius kept his voice low.

“If

you don’t feel guilty, why would you be startled?” Magnus wheeled himself smoothly to meet Lucius.

“Your secretive return at this late hour suggests that you’re the one with something to hide,” Magnus‘ deep, penetrating gaze bore into Lucius as if trying to read his very soul.

Lucius strode over to Magnus, “And what’s your excuse for playing the night owl in my room? Can’t satisfy your desires with your new bride? Let me remind you, Magnus, you chose to marry an imposter. Deal with it. Don’t expect me to be your pawn in any of your twisted games.”

Magnus smirked, “Well, the cat’s out of the bag, and grandfather knows. Given his temperament, what do you think he’ll do? Better keep a tight leash on your woman. I couldn’t care less about her. But grandfather, that’s another story.”

Lucius looked at the man in the wheelchair, and for a moment, he felt a bit dazed. He suddenly sensed that this man seemed to exude an invisible force, exerting an intangible pressure on him from an unseen place. “Your affection to your new bride seems genuine. I doubt you’d want her snatched away by grandfather. And she’s quite protective of you. Don’t get too greedy, Magnus. Coveting what’s not rightfully yours will only bring trouble.”

Magnus chuckled, “Let’s not forget, Lucius. Kendra and I are still legally married. Despite my disdain for your woman, she remains my wife in the eyes of the law. Even if I couldn’t care less about her, that doesn’t mean you have no right to cavort with her behind my back. I advise you to stay in line, or you might lose everything.”

After Magnus finished speaking, a sly smile played on his lips. He wheeled away, and the man left behind stared at his departing figure with a malevolent glint in his eyes.

Lucius thought to himself: “Losing everything? Huh, I will show you what I got soon enough; no matter how much Morgan may love you, you will always be a cripple who can’t even get up.”

Magnus returned to the bedroom and saw the girl sleeping soundly in the bed. Her petite face was flushed like an apple, and he gazed at her affectionately Then, he stood up, removed his clothes, and lay down. With a gentle sweep of his large hand, he pulled her close, holding her tightly in his arms.

In Natalia’s dreams, she felt a presence. She curled up, whispering in her sleep, “Magnus..”

His heart melted. He held her tighter and kissed her forehead, “Sleep, my sweet.”

Chapter 33

delicate, it drove him crazy. This time he took her, and enveloped

drove him to the brink of insanity. He looked at her peaceful sleeping face, whispering to himself, “You chose this, my dear. No matter what happens, you

next day, Natalia opened her eyes, feeling sore all

she and Magnus had done last night, and a sense of numbness crept into

She actually slept

closed, and his breath came out in deep, even exhalations. His scent, that intoxicating masculine

known that, he didn’t ask her. This man sometimes was so gentle that it captivated people, and sometimes

from his hold and attempted to head

of her fleeting figure. With a swift motion, he pulled her back into his embrace,

if the maids come

at her, “You screamed so loudly last night. Weren’t you worried about the

all your fault.” He buried his face in her neck, murmuring,

care of you. If there comes a day when your legs recover and you don’t need me anymore, I can leave. Just promise me you won’t hurt my father.

her had been tormenting him. He was unsure of

switched to Natalia.

his life might have been consumed by revenge. But now, he had her.

her face, “Alright, I promise not to

Chapter 33

smiled, “Thank you, Magnus.”

“How about showing some gratitude in

already do that last night?” Was he suggesting they do it again? A flurry of vivid images flooded Natalia’s mind. Even she

she have such ideas? Oh my!