Aria's pov
"No."The word flew out of my mouth before I could even think.
Lucian stood in the middle of the living room, bandages still wrapped around his knuckles, watching me with that calm, unreadable stare that made my skin prickle.
"You have feelings for me, don't fight it Aria," he repeated, quieter this time, almost like he was daring me to lie again.
I crossed my arms, nails digging into my skin to keep my hands from shaking. "No, I don't."
A slow, mocking smile curved his lips. "You're a terrible liar, Aria."
"I'm not lying." My voice came out sharper than I intended. "I hate you Lucian. I hate what you've done to me. I hate that you locked me in here like some pet. I hate that you hit me and most especially, I hate that you think you can just say things like that and expect me to melt."
He tilted his head. "And yet you don't act like it,you always want my attention and care."
My cheeks burned. "You're just being delusional now.I feel absolutely nothing for you."
"Keep telling yourself that." He stepped closer. Close enough that I could smell his cologne, that dark sandalwood that always made my stomach twist in ways I refused to name. "You stayed. You could have walked out that door ten minutes ago but didn't.That tells me all I need to know"
"Because I'm not stupid," I snapped. "I know what happens if I leave. Ethan's still out there. The media's still tearing me apart. The debt's still hanging over my head like a guillotine. Staying isn't a choice but me trying to survive."
Lucian studied me for a long moment. Then he shrugged, casual, almost bored. "Do what suits you, Aria. Stay or leave,hate me or want me. It changes nothing. The contract still stands and you still belong to me."
I felt my throat close. "You're unbelievable."
"And you're still here," he said softly.
I turned on my heel and stormed toward the guest room, slamming the door so hard the frame rattled. My heart was pounding, my face hot, tears of frustration burning behind my eyes.
"We are attending a gala at 7!!" His voice echoed from across the hallway.
I leaned against the door, breathing hard.
He was wrong. At least he had to be wrong.
I couldn't possibly have feelings for him.
But the lie tasted bitter even in my own head.Because somewhere down where I refused to look was a warmth. A stupid, traitorous part of me that remembered the way his hand had trembled when he touched my cheek last night.
The way he'd said "I'm sorry" like the word physically hurt him.
My heart skipped a beat at the imagery of him storming into that hotel room and beating Ethan bloody just because someone else had dared to touch me.
I slid down the door until I was sitting on the floor, knees to my chest.
I hated him.I hated him so much it hurt.
But God help me, I didn't want to leave.Not yet.
The afternoon passed in a blur of pacing, staring at walls, and trying not to think about him.
At 5:30 p.m., a knock sounded on my door.
I opened it.
Lucian stood there in a fresh black tuxedo tailored to perfection, bow tie crisp, hair swept back. He looked like sin wrapped in luxury.
"We leave in thirty minutes," he said. "Gala starts at seven. Your gown will be brought in by the butler soon."
I stared at him. "I'm not going anywhere with you."
"You are." His tone left no room for argument. "It's a board event. My wife's presence is required. You want to keep up appearances? Then smile and hold my arm like a good little contract bride."
I wanted to slap him.
Instead I shut the door in his face.
The butler promptly delivered the dress and thirty minutes later I emerged in the gown he'd chosen. A deep emerald silk, fitted bodice, low back, slit high on one thigh. It was stunning. It was also a cage disguised as couture.
He waited by the elevator, eyes darkening as he looked at me.
"Beautiful," he murmured.
I ignored the flutter in my stomach. "Let's get this over with."
The gala was at the Savoy. The edifice was adorned with crystal chandeliers, champagne towers, politicians and billionaires mingling under soft golden light.
Cameras flashed the moment we stepped out of the car. Lucian's arm slid around my waist.
"Smile," he whispered against my ear.
I smiled. Teeth gritted.
We moved through the crowd like royalty. People congratulated us. Women eyed me with envy while men eyed Lucian with respect or fear.
I played the part to my best capabilities. My hand on his arm, soft laughs here and there plus the adoring glances but inside I was screaming.
We danced once. His hand on the small of my back burned through the silk. Our bodies moved together like we'd done this a thousand times. I hated how natural it felt.
"You're shaking," he murmured.
"I'm cold," I lied.
He pulled me closer. "Liar."
I looked up at him. "You think you know me?"
"I'm starting to."
Before I could snap back, a commotion at the entrance drew every eye in the room.
Police officers stepped inside with uniforms,sirens blaring outside.
Lucian's arm tightened around me.
The lead officer walked straight toward us.
"Lucian Voss?"
Lucian's face remained calm. "Yes."
"You're under arrest for assault and battery. You have the right to remain silent…"
The room erupted in whispers. Phones came out. Flashes exploded.
My heart stopped.
Lucian didn't resist. He let them cuff him,his eyes never leaving mine.
As they led him away, he turned his head just enough to speak low, only for me.
"Don't do anything stupid, Aria."
As they dragged him out the crowd began to murmur.
"It's all because of that bitch"
"I don't know what Lucian saw in her"
"That reaper is nothing but bad luck"