Chapter 149

Claire's POV I froze as strong arms encircled my waist from behind. My heart nearly stopped before I recognized the familiar scent of pine and mint. Lucius. He hadn't left after all. My emotions were a tangled mess. I could feel my rationality being steadily consumed by feelings I couldn't control. When I saw him smiling at that nurse, jealousy had burned through me. When I thought he'd left, sadness had engulfed me. Now that he was here, relief washed over me. God, I had really fallen for him. What was I supposed to do with these feelings? But Lucius didn't give me time to think. He lowered his head and captured my lips with his, but this time his kiss wasn't demanding or possessive. Instead, it was gentle and affectionate, his hands caressing me with surprising tenderness. I didn't resist. My hands found their way to his chest, feeling the strong, steady beating of his heart beneath my fingertips. His touch was warm, almost comforting, igniting desire throughout my body. "You scared