The Lycan King and his Dark Temptation novel Chapter 359

KATHERINE

We ran first to where Elliot had left part of his clothes—he needed to change.

“Damn mosquitoes,” he muttered, scratching all over, his skin glistening with sweat and the water dripping from his hair.

But now he was also covered in scratches from the branches and bug bites.

He bent down to put on his pants, giving me an unfiltered view of his rock-hard ass, completely unbothered.

I couldn’t help myself—this whole crazy situation had made me lose a screw.

I stepped closer and, before I could even think about what I was doing, I gave his ass a firm slap, even daring to grope it a little.

Then I froze, yanking my hand back awkwardly. I mean, how much familiarity did I think I had with Elliot to act like that?!

“There was—there was a mosquito. I just wanted to help,” I stammered, avoiding his questioning gaze as he turned around, his pants still halfway down his thighs as he yanked them up.

“Uh-huh, a mosquito, sure,” he said, his amused tone unmistakable.

I looked away, clasping my tingling, guilty hands behind me.

Tonight, I had gone from rage to laughter, to combustion and back to normal again. Who would have thought a high-society party could lead to all this?

“Baby, I know I’m irresistible, but let’s wait until we’re in the bedroom, and then you can grope me all you want,” he whispered playfully in my ear, sending a shiver down my spine.

“Keep dreaming, arrogant Duke. Hmph!” I shot back, lifting my chin with dignity before walking toward where I had left my things, which wasn’t too far away.

I heard his low chuckle behind me and then felt the weight of his cloak settling over my shoulders. I pulled it closed at the front, since my dress was still a bit too revealing.

His delicious scent clung to the fabric, making me sigh, still reveling in the memory of that husband-stealing bitch’s face.

“Here they are, just let me grab them,” I said, leaning over the hollow tree stump.

I scooped up the bundle of clothes without much thought, but suddenly, something slipped from a pocket and fell onto the grass. I immediately remembered what it was.

“I’ll get it, don’t worry—” I started to bend down, but Elliot was faster, picking up the fake necklace in his hand.

The sight of it sent a sharp pang of anger through my chest, but I was being ridiculous, getting mad over one of Rossella’s stupid choices.

What the hell was she thinking, having a fake copy made of a pendant Elliot had given to his mistress? She had zero self-respect.

“I didn’t buy that necklace for Brenda,” he said, his voice serious, his fingers tightening around it.

“One day we went out, I remember she saw a display at a jewelry store and liked it. She asked for the money to have it made, and I gave it to her. But it wasn’t a special gift or anything.”

“Still, the jeweler said it was ordered under the name of the Duke of Everhart,” I pointed out, jealousy slipping into my tone.

According to Brenda, it sounded like a special order from him.

If he had checked the asylum records, maybe he’d found my medical files… That would explain his sudden shift in behavior.

Still, had he discovered anything about the magic? I tensed at the possibility.

But if he had truly uncovered my supernatural nature, he would have already turned me in… right?

“Don’t be afraid. Look at me, look at me closely. Believe me when I say this: no matter what it is, I will protect you, I will accept you, and I want you. Only you.”

His hand gently cupped my chin, his expression unwavering and full of certainty. My heart raced wildly. His words made me feel exposed. But how had he figured it out?

Had I been that obvious? And what if… what if this was just a trap?

No. I wouldn’t confess anything. I wouldn’t give in so easily. I didn’t trust him completely. I was still afraid…

“I… I don’t know…”

“It’s okay, I’m not asking you for any explanations. I just want you to know you don’t have to be afraid with me. We’ll talk at the castle, calmly,” he assured me.

I pressed my lips together, remaining silent. I’d just wait and see how much we really needed to talk about.

“And as for your Duchess pension… You can write in any amount you want on the monthly check. I’ll leave it blank for you,” he suddenly changed the entire mood.

His voice dropped into a teasing murmur as he added, “All I ask in return are your modest wife duties… in my bed, every night.”