The Lycan King and his Dark Temptation novel Chapter 307

KATHERINE

I clutched my nose, on the verge of tears from the pain, and looked up to see the “wall” I had crashed into.

A man, well over six feet tall, with powerful muscles beneath his white shirt, which had a few buttons undone, revealing his sexy chest.

The black tunic with silver embroidery draped over him made him look even more imposing.

I looked like a tiny thing at barely five foot three, standing in front of him.

His blue eyes locked onto me, so intense that I started feeling nervous, fearing he might suspect something.

The scent of his cologne—masculine, with hints of bergamot—stung my nose, dominating my senses.

“What are you doing?” he asked in a deep, cold voice, that rough, authoritative undertone unmistakable.

I took a step back; we were too close. I needed to be cautious.

This man… this man screamed danger from every angle.

“Waiting for Your Lordship to dine,” I replied curtly, turning on my heel and returning to my seat.

The truth was, I wanted to challenge him, but the real Rossella wouldn’t have.

I also considered leaving, but my stomach wouldn’t allow it.

I had done far worse for a hot meal than sit through dinner with this ill-mannered Duke.

He took his place, seated far from the “outcast,” and finally—thank the heavens—the carts carrying the food arrived.

When the scent of the meat-laden broth and freshly baked bread hit me, I forgot my own name.

I devoured the chunks of pork floating in the oily liquid with a fury.

«…mmm, so tender, it melts in the mouth…»

I ate with delight, ignoring everything around me, nearly licking the porcelain clean.

“Were you starving in your family’s home?”

I froze when his voice spoke again.

Damn, I had forgotten about the Duke.

I reached for my wine glass with deliberate grace—after eating like a pig—and took a sip, helping the bread stuck in my throat go down.

“Dinner started over an hour ago, Your Lordship,” I met his gaze with reproach “I was a little hungry, thank you for asking. I’m finished now; if you’ll excuse me. Good night.”

And with that, I dabbed my mouth with the napkin and stood, not sparing him another glance.

I could have sworn he was frowning, and the butler’s expression was a masterpiece.

If he didn’t want to see me, I wouldn’t force him with my presence.

“How dare you leave before the Duke has finished dining?” Suddenly, the butler blocked my path as I was leaving.

I ignored the malicious glances and the provocative whispers.

With the tray in my hands, I was happier than ever as I climbed the stairs to her room.

I knocked gently, and when I heard her little voice say, “Come in,” a small smile crept to the corner of my lips.

This was the first step to winning her heart.

When I entered, I found her organizing her schoolwork on her desk.

The moment she saw me, her eyes—so much like mine—held that contemptuous look that crushed my soul.

“Good morning, sweetheart. I brought you breakfast. It’s something delicious, try it,”

I said, ignoring the fact that she didn’t even greet me and walked toward her, uncovering the tray to reveal the appetizing pancakes with honey and the strawberry cream the cook told me she liked.

“You need to eat well so you can study hard and become a well-prepar… ”

BAM! Her hand shot up and smacked the tray away. I tried to catch it quickly, but it ended up crashing onto the carpet.

Everything I had prepared with love for her now lay on the floor like garbage.

“I don’t want your disgusting breakfast! Nana already fed me, and I hate everything that comes from you. I told you I don’t want you in my room anymore! Leave!” she screamed, pointing at the door.

How could a ten-year-old girl hold so much venom?

“Lady Lavinia, I found the ribbon you wanted… Oh, it’s you…”