Chapter 74

If she ever got the chance to run from him again, she swore she'd disappear forever and never lay eyes on that monster again. But Lucian didn't care about her hate. In fact, the second his lips touched the ones he'd been dying to taste again, his desire only burned hotter. Ariella stiffened instinctively. It wasn't passion-it was fear, it was loathing. That's why she didn't react at all. Her body stayed cold, unaffected-and that just pushed Lucian over the edge. She never used to be like this. His mind quickly jumped to the worst conclusion-it had to be because she'd been messing around outside. That's the only reason she wouldn't even respond to his touch. "Damn it," he growled under his breath. His grip tightened, his hand rough enough to make her flinch. She winced, but didn't make a sound, gritting her teeth through the pain as her body braced tighter. Suddenly, he let go. She thought maybe, just maybe, it was over. She curled up and tried to put some distance between them on the b