Their Villain, The Mogul's Beloved

Chapter 36

“Come blow out the candles.” Alexei waved a hand, ignoring Lucas completely, repeating the words. only to Natasha behind him.

Alexei’s dismissive attitude, without even a glance his way, treated Lucas like nothing more than a lowly insect. It grated on him.

Worse, he felt Natasha slip from behind him, actually walking toward Alexei. She even complained, “Why’d you light them without me? The wax will drip into the cake.”

Alexei chuckled, pulling her close by the waist, guiding her to the table. Standing, he loomed over her, as if tucking her wholly into his embrace.

I’ll eat the dirty bits,” Alexei murmured. Then he urged softly, “Make a wish first.”

Natasha was used to his casual closeness. They acted like an intimate couple, shutting out the uninvited guest. Lucas flushed red, fury blazing in his eyes. “Natasha,” he shouted.

Alexei, who’d been watching Natasha softly, snapped his gaze at Lucas. Those hazel eyes, filled with ethal intent, pinned him in place. Lucas felt like prey cornered by a beast.

Under Alexei’s imposing aura, Natasha calmly made her wish. Opening her eyes, she puffed her cheeks and blew out the candles. The rich scent of the cake brought genuine delight to her.

For Lucas, every silent second was agony. Alexei stood behind her, like a fierce guardian protecting his treasure, forbidding any approach. Lucas could only watch their closeness and intimacy.

In this helpless observation, Lucas noticed details he’d forced himself to ignore. Alexei wore slightly worn men’s slippers.

A man as notoriously fastidious as Alexei wouldn’t wear someone else’s old shoes unless they were his own–he must have been here a while.

And Alexei’s clothes were comfy loungewear. No one would change into clothes like this in a stranger’s house. Plus, Natasha’s place has never had men’s clothes stocked.

Two place settings were laid out on the table. Before he arrived, they were likely about to share a late meal.

And Natasha’s favorite marshmallow pillow was gone from the couch, replaced by a man’s suit jacket.

Every detail pierced Lucas’s heart like a blade. During the time he and Natasha had been locked in their quarrel, Alexei had slithered in to take advantage.

Alexei–who’d stolen

behind

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4:34 pm P33.

Chapter 36

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and making her wish. Lucas spoke, his voice hoarse and trembling. “Natasha.

cake safe, did she fully address the uninvited out.” Her

guest. “Get

he is? Alexei, the guy from the Turner

remained unnervingly calm. “You’re trespassing, Mr.

from the sidelines, chuckled softly. His finger

“We’ve known each other twenty

still let her slip

pleading. “Natasha, come with me. Let’s get

won’t ask what happened. I won’t dwell on the past. I’ll take you anywhere for

were red–rimmed, his pride shattered. A

humble.

never tried to provoke you. That’s childish. Stop

Lucas.”

believe it. Of the two possibilities–that Natasha was using Alexei to get a rise

more.

him the right to stand beside Natasha like he

Don’t be afraid. The Turners aren’t invincible.

cracked across Lucas’s face as he reached for Natasha. Her expression was glacial. “I didn’t want to do that, for old times‘ sake. You left me no

end had nothing to do with Alexei. Wake up, Lucas.

frozen, stunned. While Alexei, enjoying the spectacle, added, “Mr. Wright,

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