All Chapters of BETWEEN US : BOUND TO HIM : Chapter 71 - Chapter 80

. . . AUTHOR’S POV Adeline’s breathing was uneven, her heart pounding in her chest as reality sank in. The warmth of Luciano’s lips still lingered on hers, the taste of him still fresh, but instead of comfort, it brought a suffocating weight pressing down on her. She stepped back, blinking rapidly, trying to ground herself, but her vision blurred as unshed tears welled in her eyes. Luciano noticed the shift immediately. His hands, still hovering near her waist, twitched as if aching to hold her again, but something in her expression stopped him. His brows furrowed, his dark eyes scanning her face with growing concern. “Adeline?” His voice was softer now, laced with confusion. “What’s wrong?” She let out a shaky breath, shaking her head as if trying to rid herself of the emotions clawing at her chest. Her fingers curled into fists at her sides, her body stiff with restraint. Luciano took a step closer. “Talk to me,” he urged, his voice dipping lower. “Please.”

. . . AUTHOR’S POV The grand hall shimmered under the golden glow of the chandeliers, their light casting elongated shadows across the marble floors. A soft murmur of conversation and the occasional clink of glasses filled the space, yet beneath the grandeur and the carefully orchestrated celebration, a silent war was unfolding. Charles extended his hand toward Adeline with a grace that spoke of confidence, of certainty. His fingers, long and steady, stretched out toward her, a silent invitation. Adeline hesitated only for a fraction of a second before placing her delicate hand in his. The warmth of his palm met hers, firm and unwavering. The moment their fingers interlocked, a wave of tension rippled through the room—not from the guests, who continued clapping and cheering—but from the two figures who watched them with barely contained fury. Luciano stood just beyond them, his gaze a storm brewing on the horizon. His dark eyes locked onto Charles with an in

. . . AUTHOR’S POV Luciano’s grip was like iron—unyielding, relentless. No matter how much Adeline struggled, twisted, or pushed against his chest, he did not falter. His arms, strong and sure, locked around her as he carried her through the cool night air. The wind whispered against her skin, but the heat of his body, the power in his stride, made her pulse race with frustration. She kicked her legs, tried to shove herself free, but it was useless. “Let me go!” she hissed, wriggling in his hold. Luciano didn’t even flinch. His face was carved from stone, his jaw tight with silent determination. His boots struck the ground with forceful precision, each step taking her farther from whatever chance she had of escape. The house they approached looked small but sturdy, the kind of place meant for solitude—secluded, tucked away from prying eyes. The wooden structure was illuminated by the faint glow of the moon, its large windows reflecting the night’s darkness.

. . . AUTHOR’S POV Luciano’s lips were relentless, his kisses deep and consuming as he carried Adeline toward the bedroom. He moved slowly, deliberately, savoring every second their mouths were connected, as if afraid she would disappear if he let go. His hands held her securely against him, fingers pressing into her back, feeling the warmth of her body through the thin fabric of her clothes. Adeline’s fingers tangled in his thick, dark hair, pulling him closer, matching his intensity. Her heart pounded in her chest, her breath uneven as she surrendered to the fire between them. She felt weightless in his arms, but at the same time, she felt grounded—completely and utterly present in this moment, in his touch, in his kiss. The bedroom door nudged open as Luciano stepped inside, the soft flickering candlelight casting a golden glow over the space. The room was small, intimate, with a bed covered in dark sheets that looked impossibly inviting. A few candles

. . . AUTHOR’S POV The night was still, wrapped in the quiet hum of their steady breaths. The flickering candlelight cast soft shadows on the walls, painting their intertwined bodies in a golden glow. The sheets were tangled, barely covering them, and the air carried the lingering warmth of their passion. Yet, in this moment, it wasn’t hunger or desperation that filled Luciano’s chest—it was something far deeper, something heavier. Adeline laid curled up, her bare back facing him, the duvet draped loosely around her waist, leaving the smooth expanse of her spine exposed to his gaze. She looked fragile like this, peaceful yet untouchably distant, her breath slow and steady, her body barely moving except for the slight rise and fall of her shoulders. Luciano propped himself up on one elbow, his dark eyes drinking in every detail—the way her hair spilled over the pillow, a few strands brushing against her cheek, the curve of her shoulder, the delicate dip of her lowe