An Unexpected Question

Lucien’s POV

I was beginning to regret ever coming up with this ridiculous plan.

What was supposed to be a simple performance had turned into the longest night of my life. Bree and I had been pretending to make love for what felt like an eternity, and the audience showed no sign of leaving.

Almost an hour had passed. My father was still sitting comfortably in his chair, occasionally exchanging amused glances with his wife.

Some of the court members were beginning to look bored, while others seemed determined to remain until they were satisfied.

I couldn't believe these people.

Was watching me supposedly have sex really the most important thing they had to do tonight?

Bree was lying beneath me, doing her best to follow my instructions. I could tell she was exhausted from pretending, and honestly, so was I. But I wasn't about to give up now.

Not when Adrian was still sitting there.

Speaking of the devil, my brother suddenly shifted in his chair.

"Enough!"

His loud voice made everyone turn toward him and I raised my head.

"What is it, brother? Getting uncomfortable?" I mocked.

Adrian glared at me.

"This has gone on long enough. End it already!" He snapped.

I couldn't help laughing.

"Why? Are you tired of watching?"

"Lucien, don't push me” he warned.

I leaned closer to Bree, deliberately making another movement beneath the covers before looking back at him.

"You're the one who insisted on seeing this, Adrian. Now you're complaining because you can't stand watching your brother fuck the woman you rejected?" I asked with a smirk.

His expression darkened.

"That's not what this is about” he argued.

"Then what is it about? I thought you wanted the truth. Or have you suddenly discovered that watching your former bride enjoy herself with another man isn't as entertaining as you imagined?" I asked.

"Shut up!"

I grinned.

For once, Adrian had absolutely nothing clever to say. I could practically see the frustration building inside him, and it made every second of this ridiculous performance worthwhile.

Bree shifted slightly beneath me. I looked down at her and noticed the exhaustion in her eyes. She had been remarkably cooperative, considering how uncomfortable this entire situation must have been for her.

I leaned close enough to whisper.

"It’s almost over” I said.

She gave me a tiny nod.

Good, she was being obedient.

I decided it was time to bring this performance to an end.

I increased the thrusting speed with my waist then allowed a low groan to escape my lips, and rested my forehead briefly against Bree's shoulder as though I had finally exhausted myself.

Bree understood immediately. She let out a breathless sound, followed by a soft moan that made the people around us exchange satisfied looks.

I almost smiled. She was becoming quite good at this.

"There," I said after a moment, lifting my head. "Are you satisfied now?"

My father chuckled.

"Well, that was certainly convincing” he said.

My mother smiled at Bree.

"I hope you both enjoyed your consummation night” she said politely.

I nearly laughed at the irony.

Enjoyed?

That was certainly one way to describe it.

Several members of the court began rising from their chairs. My father looked pleased with himself, apparently satisfied that his youngest son had finally demonstrated that he was capable of claiming a bride.

"Congratulations, Lucien," he said. "I hope this brings you happiness."

I forced a polite smile.

"Thank you, Father” I said.

One by one, the guests began filing out. Adrian was among the last to move. His eyes remained fixed on me, and I could tell he was still furious.

I gave him a smug smile.

"Goodnight, brother."

He said nothing.

Sandra, however, didn't seem ready to leave. She remained beside the doorway, watching Bree and me with narrowed eyes. Once the others had gone, she folded her arms.

"How interesting” she said.

I raised an eyebrow.

"Something you want to say?" I asked.

Sandra smiled, but there was no warmth in it.

"You two really think you're clever, don't you?"

I sat up slightly.

"Get to the point, Sandra” I said, my voice low but filled with every ounce of authority I needed.

She looked at Bree before turning her attention to me.

"I know you're lying about your affair, your relationship, and everything” she said.

Bree remained silent then Sandra took a step farther into the room.

"You've never liked Bree, Lucien and she was practically begging Adrian to marry her just a few hours ago. Now, suddenly, the two of you are madly in love?"

I shrugged.

"People change” I said.

"Not like this” She shook her head. "Enjoy your little victory while you can. I will find out what you're hiding, and when I do, everyone will know the truth."

Bree stared at her.

"Are you finished?" She asked.

Her smile widened.

"For now” she replied.

She turned and walked out, closing the door behind her.

Finally, I let out a long breath and leaned back against the headboard.

What a night!

I had managed to embarrass Adrian, convince my parents that Bree and I were genuinely involved, and escape the impossible situation they had created.

Of course, Sandra was going to be a problem. She wasn't stupid, and unlike Adrian, she seemed to have noticed that something about our story didn't quite add up.

Still, I wasn't going to let her ruin my evening.

I looked at the closed door and smiled. This was probably the most satisfying victory I had enjoyed against Adrian in years.

"That was quite an experience” I said.

I turned toward Bree, expecting her to complain about the ridiculous situation we had just endured. Instead, she was staring at me, her expression was strangely serious.

"What?"

She hesitated then she asked something I hadn't expected.

"Lucien, do you have feelings for me?" She asked.

My smile disappeared. I turned fully toward her, staring at her in surprise.

Why would she ask me that?