Chapter 76

She felt suffocated by the silence, but she'd rather stay like this, barely breathing, than see him again. Ever. Lucian paused at the door. He didn't say a word, just gave a slight nod, and one of the Bodyguard quickly twisted the handle. Earlier, they'd seen how cold-blooded Lucian could be. Now, they were all silently worried for Ariella, wondering what he'd do this time. As the door creaked open, a streak of light slipped into the pitch-dark room. Ariella tightly shut her eyes, pretending to be asleep. Lucian stepped inside. The door closed behind him with a soft click. He was more used to the dimness than she was-after all, he'd been here countless times before. He moved straight toward the bed, steady and slow, then quietly sat down. His hand reached out, brushing against her bare foot. She flinched instantly, panic flashing through her. Instinctively, she pulled her foot back, but not quick enough-his grip had already caught it. Lucian wasn't planning anything else, just lightly