Chapter 84

They looked unusually in sync, like a loving couple that fit just right. Lucian clenched his fists instinctively, swallowing the storm rolling under his skin. He muttered to himself-Cool it, just breathe-and only then managed to ease the tension in his hands. Ariella glanced up and caught sight of his face. Same familiar face-used to feel charming once, now it sent shivers down her spine. Her body reacted before her brain could even catch up-she instinctively shifted behind Forrest, tense like Lucian might lunge forward and snatch her at any second. Lucian didn't miss that tiny movement. His brows furrowed. What was that? She afraid of him now? Or was she just trying to flaunt how close she was with Forrest? Rubbing it in, showing off how much she needed another man to protect her? Guess that was her angle. Play the scared little thing, cling to a guy's sympathy. Just like how she used to throw herself at him when things got ugly-she knew exactly how to push that button. Did it even cr