ADELE’S POV

His hands on my hips tightened, fingers digging in like he was afraid I’d vanish if he loosened his grip even a little. The air between us felt thick, too hot, too heavy. I could feel his heart pounding against my back, fast and unsteady, matching the frantic beat of mine.

Lucien’s whole body went rigid when those words left my mouth—reject me. I saw it happen: the way his jaw locked, the way his eyes darkened with something raw and terrified. For the first time since he’d dragged me into this room, the smug mask slipped completely. He looked…wrecked.

He moved suddenly, strong hands shifting me on...