Tessa’s mouth hung open, her eyes wide with disbelief. I almost laughed at how quickly her mask of fake concern crumbled. But I had no time to gloat. Lucian stood before me, his presence dominating, his silver-gray eyes locked onto mine with an intensity that made my heart race.
“To find the perfect ring,” I repeated, still processing his words. “You’re serious?”
His lips curved into a slow, confident smile. “Deadly.”
I swallowed hard, fighting the warmth spreading through my chest. “We barely know each other.”
His gaze softened, his fingers lightly brushing my cheek. “Our souls know each other. That’s enough for me.”
My breath hitched. Damn him. He was good—too good. I needed to regain control. “I don’t believe in fate,” I said, forcing steel into my voice.
“Then believe in me,” he countered, his voice dropping to a low rumble. “I’ll show you that I’m worth it.”
I hated how much I wanted to believe him. I hated how his words wrapped around my heart, squeezing in a way that felt dangerously close to hope. But I couldn’t fall for this. Not again. Not after Raphael and Alexander. I couldn’t be sure of him. I couldn’t be sure in this second life.
“But…” I pulled back, my voice cold. “I’m not looking for some romance, Lucian. I’m happy on my own.”
His smile didn’t waver. “You want me. I know you proudly told Tessa about me.”
My cheeks burned. “I was just pissing her off. Just some threats for her to stop following and fooling me.”
He chuckled, his eyes gleaming with amusement. “That’s cute.” He extended his hand, his expression turning serious. “Let’s go, Celeste.”
I stared at his outstretched hand, my heart pounding. I could walk away. I could turn my back on him and continue fighting alone, just as I had planned. But the pull between us was undeniable, raw and powerful. I hated it. I craved it.
With a resigned sigh, I placed my hand in his. His fingers closed around mine, warm and strong, sending a jolt of electricity up my arm. His smile softened, and for a brief moment, I saw something vulnerable in his eyes. Something real.
Without another word, he led me to his car. Marcus, his Beta, opened the door, his gaze respectful as he nodded. “Luna.”
I stiffened. “Don’t call me that.”
Lucian’s eyes flicked to Marcus, a silent command. Marcus lowered his head. “Apologies... Celeste.”
I slid into the passenger seat, my mind spinning. Luna. Was that really who I was destined to be? I shook the thought away. I was no one’s Luna. I was Celeste Moretti, heir to Darkfang Industries, and I wasn’t about to let any man—no matter how infuriatingly attractive—control my fate.
The drive was silent, tension hanging heavy between us. I could feel his gaze on me, studying, assessing. It was unnerving how easily he seemed to read me, how effortlessly he saw through my walls.
We arrived at an exclusive jeweler, the kind that catered to the city’s elite. Lucian’s grip on my hand tightened as we entered, his presence commanding attention. The staff practically tripped over themselves to accommodate us.
“Mr. Sanguine, it’s an honor. How can we assist you today?” the manager gushed, his eyes wide with awe.
Lucian’s voice was smooth, confident. “I’m here to find the perfect ring for my mate.”
My heart skipped a beat. I wanted to protest, to deny it. But I remained silent, too stunned by the casual way he claimed me.
The manager’s eyes flicked to me, his smile growing. “Ah, you’re a lucky woman, Miss…”
I hesitated. “Moretti. Celeste Moretti.”
His eyes widened, recognition flickering. Of course, he knew who I was. The granddaughter of a business legend. The rumored partner of Phantom, Inc. But more importantly, the woman Raphael Voss had been pursuing for years.
Lucian’s arm wrapped around my waist, pulling me closer. “She’s mine,” he stated, his voice leaving no room for argument.
Heat rushed to my face. “I can speak for myself, you know.”
He leaned in, his breath warm against my ear. “I know. But I like the way it sounds when I say it.”
I clenched my jaw, my heart racing. He was impossible. Frustrating. Yet, somehow... intoxicating.
We moved through the displays, the manager eagerly presenting one exquisite ring after another. Diamonds, sapphires, emeralds—all shimmering with promises of forever. But none of them felt right. None of them felt like me.
Lucian watched me carefully, his gaze never leaving my face. “You’re not impressed.”
I crossed my arms. “They’re beautiful. Just... not my style.”
He smirked. “I like that you don’t settle for less.” His eyes darkened, his voice dropping. “I won’t either.”
My breath caught. Why did he have to look at me like that? Like he could see every piece of me—even the broken parts I tried so hard to hide.
Before I could respond, his phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen, his jaw tightening. “Raphael’s looking for you.”
My stomach twisted. “How do you know that?”
His expression hardened. “I have my ways.”
I narrowed my eyes. “Are you spying on me?”
“Protecting you,” he corrected, his voice firm. “You have no idea how far he’s willing to go to control you.”
I scoffed. “I can handle Raphael.”
Lucian’s eyes softened, his hand brushing my cheek. “I know you can. But I can’t let you alone.”
For a moment, I let myself believe him. I let myself lean into his touch, let myself feel the warmth and strength he offered. But then the memory of Raphael’s betrayal resurfaced, sharp and bitter. I pulled back, my walls slamming back into place.
I can’t trust anyone. Even my mate.
“I don’t need your protection, Lucian. And I don’t want you to.”
His gaze darkened. “Too bad. You’re getting it anyway.”
Before I could protest, the jeweler presented one final ring—a delicate design with intertwined bands of white gold and rose gold, crowned with a brilliant, fiery diamond. It was beautiful. Elegant. Strong.
Lucian’s eyes met mine, a knowing smile on his lips. “That’s the one.”
I swallowed, my heart pounding. “You don’t even know my style.”
He stepped closer, his voice a whisper. “I know, Celeste. Even if you won’t admit it.”
My breath caught. I hated how easily he affected me, how his words wrapped around my heart and squeezed.
He took my hand, his fingers warm and firm. “This ring is a promise. A promise that I’ll stand by you. That I’ll protect you from anyone who tries to hurt you—including Raphael.”
His words sent a shiver through me. I should have pulled away. I should have walked out. But his eyes were so sincere, so unyielding. And for the first time in a long time, I felt safe.
He slid the ring onto my finger, his lips brushing my knuckles. “Mine,” he whispered, his eyes blazing with possessive fire.
My heart raced, my walls crumbling. I was falling. And I was powerless to stop it.
