The Lycan King and His Dark Temptation by Luna Nova

Chapter 46 VALERIA Yes, yes, of course, Your Majesty.

What an honor to have you in my humble shop, Mrs.

Betty responded nervously, bowing respectfully.

Thank you for your work.

Step out for a moment, Mrs.

Belly Sasha is waiting downstairs to pay, he replied, but his eyes never left mine for a second.

1 took advantage of the seamstress leaving quickly, closing the door behind her, to head over to where my dress was folded and put it back on.

However, I had only reached the edge of the table when I heard hurried footsteps, and I tensed, feeling him press against my bare back.

One hand wrapped around my waist, caressing my stomach while the other slid over the arm I was using to cover my breasts.

Only the thin slip over my hips separated my body from the Kings warmth.

Letgo! What do you think youre doing? I struggled slightly, trying to break free from his hold, but his arms closed aroundpossessively, trappingbetween the table and his massive body.

The rapid beating of his heart echoed against my back.

If he werent the cold, indifferent Aldric, Imight have thought he was nervous.

nu skin.

Wait, Valeria.

Just wait a second, please ... Just givea moment, little one, he whispered against my si His red hair fell over my collarbone as he buried his face in the curve of my neck, his towering figure bending over mine, so much smaller in comparison.

What do you need a moment for, Your Majesty ? Do you have an order for me, a task, should I clean your chambers or wash your clothes? Valeria, stop.

I know I treated you badly ... I shouldnt have shouted at you, the things I said- Everything you said was what you truly felt.

You dont need to apologize.

I was the intruder who went through your personal things.

I did the sas the other maids I abused your trust.

Im grateful you letlive, Your Majesty, but I dont think Im suited for the position of your maid .

NO His voice was firm.

Youre not leaving me.

Why is it so easy for you to walk away fromevery time? His voice was hoarse as he turnedin his arms, pressingagainst his chest while I kept my arms crossed over my chest, my eyes lowered.

My nose brushed against the fabric of his shirt as I struggled to resist his intoxicating scent that seemed to surround and tempt me, urgingto lower my guard again and surrender my will Valeria, look at me.

Lift your head I want to see your face, he murmured, his warm breath fanning my forehead, but I refused to meet his gaze, clenching my teeth and remembering all his cruel words, the harsh way he had treated me.

Fine.

If you wont look at me, if you dont want to see the truth in my eyes, then listen to it from my heart, he whispered, huggingtightly.

Not a single inch of space remained between our bodies.

LETS MAKE THINGS CLHis fingers tangled gently in my dark hair, his calloused hand pressingfully against his chest, where his heartbeat pulsed powerfully against my car.

Theyre the last memories of my past... my pups ....

my mate.

Theyre all dead.

Im sure youve figured that out by now, he whispered, and I instantly thought of that beautiful woman by his side and the two red haired babies.

I have to gather all the courage I have each tI need to touch those memories.

I feel as if theyll turn to ashes beneath my fingers and there will be nothing left of them, just as when I held them alive in my arms, rocked them to sleep in their cradle, and then, in the blink of an eye, I was holding their cold, lifeless bodies.

His strangled voice broke as he tightened his hold onfurther, as though reliving all those painful memories in his mind.

Once, one of my former maids forced her way into my chambers and stole a photograph of Bella to cast sfilthy black magic spell on it.

That night, my dead mate appeared before me.

I thought I was dreaming ... I nearly gave in to temptation with that maid, but I discovered her trickery and theft Since then, Ive been even more fearful of anyone going near that space.

I would never do that with a picture of your mate ! I would never defile your familys memories that way! I raised my head in defense, hurt that he could think Id do the sas that vile woman.

I know, Valeria.

I know youre not that kind of person, he replied, taking my face in his hands, forcingface his tormented gray eyes.

I know youve also lost loved ones.

The scars on your stomach tella lot .

I just panicked for a moment ... Im a damn beast whos forgotten how to be gentle ... how to show emotions ... how to love.

Our breaths were so close, both of us staring into the depths of each other.

I had never seen the King so vulnerable, so broken, so lonely.

He always displayed his invincible, powerful, bloodthirsty side.

But these raw emotions so complex, so difficult forto understand it was the first the had ever shown them.

When I saw you leaving ... when I thought about everything I said to you, I knew immediately I had been wrong. Valeria, please forgive me.

Dont leave me.

Please, dont leave my side ... not yet.

Im not ready to return to that darkness again Aldrics cold lips brushed against mine as he spoke.

I closed my eyes, overwhelmed by the storm of emotions within me.

And I was afraid afraid of misinterpreting all this afraid afraid ofn making the smistake again, of opening my heart to someone who wouldnt value my love. To this man, women were nothing but a distraction.

No one would ever truly replace his beloved mate.

I forgive your harsh words, and I hope you can forgivefor looking through your memories.

Ill stay as long as It takes to find my cure ... but only under one condition, I finally spoke, shielding my chest with one arm and pressing my palm against his chest to put sdistance between us. Stop confusing me, Your Majesty.

Im just your maid, and we have an agreement.

Unless it becomes necessary because of my curse, please dont do anything intimate like this again.

IN LETS MAKE THINGS CLEAR Dont kiss me.

Dont hold me.

Dont buyanything.

I am not your lover.

Treatcoldly, just like you did in the beginning, as your employeen... because cant afford to misinterpret things again and end up hurt. Valeria ...

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