All Chapters of THE BILLIONAIRE'S RELUCTANT BRIDE : Chapter 91 - Chapter 100

EVANGELINEThe journey to the Dettling estate took another twenty minutes.As soon as I set foot in the house, Mrs. Dettling and Cordelia appeared as if they'd been waiting by the door.Their faces were etched with worry and curiosity, and they immediately bombarded me with questions, their voices overlapping in a cacophony of concern."Evangeline, are you all right? You look so pale!""What happened to you? We were so worried when you didn't come home!""Are you hurt? Should we call a doctor?""I'm fine. Really, don't worry about it," my voice sounded weak and unconvincing even to my own ears."How did everything end with—" Cordelia began, but her question was cut short."Enough questions. She needs to rest!" Gael's stern voice cut through the chatter, and he gently but firmly pushed me toward the stairs.His hand on my back was warm and reassuring, guiding me away from the interrogation.I climbed each step slowly, my legs still weak from the night's ordeal.I stepped into our bedro

EVANGELINEThe scrape of his teeth made me flinch.My hands shoved at his shoulders, but he only growled low in his chest, pinning me harder into the mattress.His lips trailed lower, over my collarbone, rough and insistent.The thin straps of my nightgown slipped easily under his fingers and cool air rushed over my skin before the searing heat of his mouth replaced it, leaving a trail of fire in its wake."Don't," I panted, twisting beneath him, but Gael held me in place like I weighed nothing. His palms pressed into my hips, fingers digging in until I could feel bruises blooming under his touch.The pain mixed with something that made my breath catch.Then he slid lower, his hands rough as they dragged the fabric up over my thighs, exposing me completely to the cool night air.His dark eyes lifted briefly, locking with mine. He looked wild and ready to devour me whole.My throat went dry as fear wrapped around me like a vice."Gael, no—"My plea turned into a sharp cry when he sprea

EVANGELINEMy body trembled with rage, shame, and lingering arousal I hated myself for.His arms loosen around me, but instead of relief, anger surged hot and blinding.The humiliation of what he’d just made me do still burned on my lips, still clawed at my chest.My hands flew at him before I even thought, pounding at his chest, his shoulders, anywhere I could reach.“You bastard!” My voice cracked with fury. “You filthy, diseased son of a—” My fists landed again, harder this time, as if I could scrub away the memory of him forcing me down, of my pride being shredded under his command. “I hate you! I fucking hate you!”Gael didn’t stop me. He leaned back against the headboard, silent, letting me rain down my fury. His dark eyes followed every strike, not flinching, not softening. If anything, the calm in his expression only stoked my anger more. It was as if he were studying me, patiently waiting for me to burn myself out.When my fists slowed, trembling from exhaustion rather than f

EVANGELINETime passed in pleasant conversation.Thaddeus stayed for another hour. We talked about books we'd both read, about everything except the obvious tension that had filled the room when Gael was present.When he finally announced he had to leave, I walked him to the door."You're coming tomorrow, right?" he asked as we reached the front door.I raised my eyebrows in confusion. "Where?""My gallery opening. Have you forgotten?" There was disappointment in his voice, though he tried to hide it."Oh!” I'd completely forgotten about his photography exhibition. "I'm sorry, it slipped my mind completely. Of course I'll be there."He squeezed my shoulder gently. "It's okay if you're not feeling up to it. I won't be upset if you don't come."I shook my head. "Don't be ridiculous. Of course I'll be there. I wouldn't miss it for the world."His smile was warm."Thank you. It means a lot to me that you'll be there." He paused, his expression growing more serious. "Evangeline, if you eve

EVANGELINEGael called it a poetic kiss, and the description fit perfectly. His soft lips moved smoothly between my upper and lower lip, drawing each one into his mouth separately with exquisite care.His hands embraced my waist, pulling me closer without breaking the connection.The kiss was thorough, claiming, but also surprisingly tender.Shock held me motionless at first, unable to respond or even move.Then the realization that Seraphina was watching this scene sparked something vengeful within me. If this was performance, then I would give her a show she'd never forget!I placed my palm on Gael’s chest, feeling the rapid beating of his heart. Closing my eyes in surrender, I let myself fall into the moment. My lips began responding, moving with his with growing confidence.I tilted my head to find a more comfortable angle for both of us, and I felt his lips curve into a smile at my participation.The knowledge that I could affect him this way sent warmth flooding through me.He s