A Shared Bed
Selene stood frozen at the threshold of Lucian's bedroom, her heart pounding as she took in the massive king-sized bed draped in black silk sheets. The air smelled of expensive cologne, and the dim glow from the chandelier cast a golden hue over everything.
This was his room.
And she was supposed to sleep here.
With him.
Her fingers clenched into the silk pajamas he had handed her just moments ago. Her mind raced with thoughts of what would happen tonight. Would he expect them to consummate their marriage? Would he-
"You look like you're about to bolt."
Lucian's smooth, deep voice pulled her from her panic. She turned to find him watching her with a calm, unreadable expression, his silver eyes gleaming with amusement.
"I... I thought I would have my own room," she admitted hesitantly.
Lucian raised a brow. "Why would my wife sleep in another room?"
Selene's heart pounded harder, her stomach twisting.
His words sent a strange shiver down her spine.
Lucian must have sensed her tension because he sighed and ran a hand through his shoulder-length hair. "Relax, Selene. Nothing will happen unless you want it to."
She swallowed, nodding stiffly. He had never given her a reason to doubt him, but her past had conditioned her to expect the worst.
"The bathroom is through there," he added, motioning to a door on the left. "Take a bath and change. I'll be here."
Selene hesitated before scurrying into the bathroom, shutting the door behind her.
The Bath
The warm water embraced her, washing away the tension in her muscles. Selene exhaled deeply, closing her eyes as she allowed herself to feel-something she hadn't done in a long time.
Lucian had saved her from the river. He had married her. He had given her a home, food, safety.
And now, he was giving her space.
That alone made him different from every other man she had encountered.
After a few minutes, she stepped out, drying herself before slipping into the silk pajamas. The fabric was smooth against her skin, a stark contrast to the rough life she had been living.
Taking a deep breath, she stepped back into the bedroom.
Lucian had changed into black lounge pants and a loose white shirt, his long hair slightly damp. He was seated on the bed, flipping through a book, but as soon as she entered, he looked up.
His gaze lingered on her for a moment before he closed the book and stood.
"Come here," he said.
Selene tensed. "Why?"
Lucian sighed, walking toward the vanity and grabbing a hairdryer. "Your hair's still wet. It'll make you sick if you sleep like that."
She hesitated before sitting down, allowing him to stand behind her.
The soft hum of the hairdryer filled the silence, but it was the gentle way Lucian ran his fingers through her hair that had her skin tingling.
His fingers massaged her scalp, moving through her damp strands with slow, deliberate care. The warmth from the hairdryer, combined with his touch, sent shivers down her spine.
Then it happened.
A soft moan escaped her lips.
Selene immediately stiffened, her cheeks burning.
Lucian's hands faltered for a fraction of a second before he resumed, his grip on the dryer tightening.
Another moan slipped past her lips, and she swore she felt Lucian inhale sharply behind her.
He cleared his throat. "Selene..."
She bit her lip, trying to suppress the sounds, but the way his fingers moved-slow, firm, possessive-it was impossible to remain silent.
Another moan.
Lucian cursed under his breath.
Selene, lost in the sensation, barely noticed the tension rolling off him. But when she moaned for the fifth time, he suddenly turned off the hairdryer.
Before she could question it, he leaned down, his breath warm against her ear.
"I don't think I'll last long before I finally do something to you."
Her breath hitched.
She turned her head slightly, her gaze dropping-right to his hardness.
Her face flamed.
Lucian clenched his jaw, his silver eyes dark and dangerous.
Selene swallowed hard, then smirked.
A mischievous glint flickered in her emerald eyes as she shifted in her seat, brushing against his thigh intentionally.
Lucian's hands curled into fists.
"Selene," he warned.
She hummed. "Yes, husband?"
Lucian exhaled sharply. "You're playing a dangerous game."
She tilted her head. "Am I?"
His jaw clenched, his entire body taut.
She shifted again, the faintest brush against his arousal making him curse under his breath.
Faster than she could react, he grabbed her wrist, pulling her up to face him.
"Selene," he growled, his voice low, rough, needy. "If you keep this up, I will do something about it."
Her heart pounded, but instead of backing down, she giggled.
"Goodnight, Lucian," she whispered, slipping under the covers.
Lucian groaned in frustration but joined her in bed, pulling the blanket over them.
Then, to her utter shock, he wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her against him.
Selene stiffened. "W-what are you doing?"
"Cuddling my wife," he said simply. "It's cold."
She wanted to protest, but the warmth of his body seeped into hers, and exhaustion quickly overpowered her awkwardness.
She hesitated for a moment before relaxing into his hold.
But just as she was about to fall asleep, she shifted-
And unintentionally brushed directly against his hardness.
Lucian groaned, his grip on her tightening.
Selene froze.
Heat flooded her cheeks as she realized what she had just done.
Lucian's breathing was ragged, his entire body tense.
"Selene," he warned, his voice strained. "Stop moving."
Her blush deepened.
But then, a mischievous idea sparked in her mind.
Instead of staying still, she pressed against him deliberately, grinding against his hardness just a little.
Lucian cursed.
"Selene," he growled, gripping her waist to stop her.
She giggled softly, feeling bold. "You look like you're suffering, husband."
Lucian exhaled sharply. "You have no idea."
Her smile widened as she shifted again, teasingly slow.
Lucian groaned, pressing his forehead against her shoulder. "You're going to regret this," he muttered.
Selene let out a soft laugh. "Am I?"
Lucian inhaled sharply, his grip on her waist possessive.
Then, without warning, he pulled her even closer, his lips brushing against her forehead.
"Sleep, Selene," he murmured, his voice rough with restraint. "Before I change my mind."
A strange warmth bloomed in her chest at the gentle kiss.
For the first time in years, she felt safe.
She smiled softly, whispering, "Goodnight, Lucian."
And with that, she finally let sleep take her.