Chapter 37

Jacob's gaze lingered on Lily long after David's declaration. He could still feel the electric pull of her presence—the way she had leaned forward with that fearless, teasing smile, pointing directly at him for the dare. The boldness, the confidence, the way she hadn't even hesitated—it was intoxicating. From the first phone call, he had been intrigued, but seeing her in person, up close, was something entirely different. Her energy had a gravity, a subtle force that made him notice every detail: her eyes, the way her fingers curled slightly when she laughed, the tilt of her head when she considered him. His heart was still hammering from the tension, from the kiss she almost gave him. The thought of her lips near his lingered, unsettling him in a way that was both thrilling and unnerving. And now, to hear David claim her as his wife—bold, arrogant, possessive David—Jacob felt a twinge of defiance rise within him. That man might have the legal claim, the name, and the title, but Jacob