Rosie's Games

Rosalind was caught off guard by her sudden outbursts, unsure of their origin. Maybe it was the confusion and fear that had overwhelmed her, or perhaps she had grown tired of constantly second-guessing everything.

Nevertheless, she knew she had already spoken those words and had no intention of apologizing for her raw emotions.

To her surprise, Lucas didn't react to her outburst. Instead, he stared at her intensely, his gaze akin to deciphering a captivating .

A mischievous smirk gradually formed on his lips, adding an intriguing element to the situation.

Why was he smiling?

"Very well... Since you didn't want them," he began, about to close the delicate pearl box. But before he could, Rosalind instinctively reached out and grabbed his hand, a surge of warmth rushing through her body. She couldn't help but feel a mix of confusion and a strange sense of liking these small interactions. It was inexplicable, but she refused to let it show, glaring at him instead.

She couldn't help but wonder why he was smiling. Hadn't she just lashed out at him with her sharp words, words she secretly regretted?

"What are you doing?" she questioned, trying to maintain her composure.

"Since you..." he started to say, but she interrupted him.

"Who told you I did not want them?" she locked her gaze with his, sensing mischief lurking behind his eyes. She blinked, unable to control her emotions. Without waiting for his response, she snatched the box from his hand, holding it tightly against her chest.

"Thank you," she uttered, turning around abruptly, refusing to give him a chance to say anything more.

She could feel Lucas's intense gaze fixated on her as she retreated, but she paid it no mind. Sitting on her bed, she carefully examined the enchanting pearls, their beauty captivating her.

However, she was uncertain about how to utilize their power. Though she possessed the ability to heal her body through her blessings, these pearls offered an additional advantage—one she could use to help others.

"How do I use this?" she inquired, her curiosity piqued. While contemplating their potential, she felt Lucas join her on the bed. Despite their proximity, she feigned ignorance, focusing solely on the pearls.

"You eat it," he mused, his voice filled with a hint of playfulness.

"Just eat it?" she questioned, seeking clarification. She squeeze one pearl and discovered that it was hard like a marble.

"Yes," he promptly responded.

She nodded, closing the box as she made up her mind. Then, she turned towards him, avoiding direct eye contact due to their proximity. She was acutely aware of his face so close to hers. "Do you still want me to give you the pearl he gave me?" she asked, her voice quivering slightly.

"Yes," he replied without hesitation.

"Why?" she inquired, furrowing her brows. It was her birthday. She should keep both, right?

"Because only I can give you a gift."

She frowned, finding his response rather childish. "Isn't that too immature?" she retorted.

"Childish... Yes," he concurred, his eyes sparkling mischievously.

"But you're still doing it?" she pressed further. How could the Duke of the North act like this?

"Yes," he answered almost immediately.

Her irritation mounting, she finally turned to her right. As expected, she leaned back instinctively when she caught sight of his face. "You're already my husband. Must you engage in such irrational behavior? We are not children anymore, are we?" she scowled, her annoyance evident, though she couldn't ignore the fluttering feeling within her at his teasing smile.

"Yes," he replied, savoring the playful banter.

"Why?" she asked, her confusion evident.

"You already said it. I am your husband," he stated, his tone laced with possessiveness and a hint of jealousy. Rosalind's heart skipped a beat at his words, a mixture of emotions flooding through her. Was it real jealousy, or was his lack of past romantic experiences made him so possessive?

She swallowed hard, feeling a blush creeping onto her cheeks as her own thoughts embarrassed her.

Interrupting her inner turmoil, he leaned in closer, his voice low and intimate. "Why don't you accompany me somewhere?" he suggested, his words carrying a subtle undercurrent of seduction.

Rosalind's eyes widened, her breath catching in her throat. "Where?" she managed to ask, her voice betraying a hint of nervous anticipation.

"In the bath," he murmured, his voice husky. "When I was on the island, I sustained an injury that left me unable to move my arm. I need your help."

Rosaind blinked, momentarily taken aback by his unexpected request. "I can heal you," she offered, her voice soft and concerned. He did not tell her about this injury.

He shook his head. "You can't heal this particular wound," he explained. "It resulted from forcibly closing a dimensional rift."

Confusion clouded Rosalind's features as she tried to comprehend his words. "Then, what do you want me to do?" she asked, her voice filled with genuine concern.

"Help me bathe," he replied, his eyes locked onto hers, their intensity evoking a potent mix of desire and vulnerability.

Rosalind's heart raced, her mind spiraling with a surge of conflicting emotions.

A flicker of anticipation danced in Rosalind's eyes as she looked at Lucas, her touch lingering on his hand for a moment longer than necessary. She had hoped that her combined blessings would mend his wounds.

Almost immediately, she found a problem. She could feel his wounds but an invisible barrier seemed to stop her blessing from reaching into that wound.

She stared at him, speechless. Why was he asking for her help now? Who helped him in the past few days?

Was it... Belisarius?

Almost immediately, she pushed the thought out of her head. What was she thinking?

"Are you not going to help me bath?" he asked.

Rosalind's heart raced, her breath hitching at the audacity of Lucas's request. Her gaze darted away, unable to meet his penetrating stare as she struggled to collect her thoughts.

A flicker of amusement danced across Lucas's face, his chuckle reverberating through the room like a siren's call. The sound was both enchanting and tantalizing, fueling the flames of her burgeoning desires. His response, laced with a seductive undertone, sent a shiver down her spine, awakening a hunger she couldn't deny.

"Perhaps it would be more appropriate to have a servant attend to you. I- I would not want to overstep any boundaries," she stammered, her eyes still averted. Despite the fact that they were already married in name. It was still in name. It was merely a deal, a contract.

Lucas chuckled softly, the sound both enticing and maddeningly captivating. "There are servants, but they were all women. We just got married and you already want another woman to touch my body? Isn't it a bit too much?" he replied, his voice laced with a seductive undertone, dripping with sensual allure as he leaned in, his warm breath caressing her ear.

She felt her cheeks burn hotter at his teasing response.The playful glint in his eyes and the subtle emphasis he placed on their recent marriage stirred a mix of desire and apprehension within her.

Rosalind took a deep breath, her mind whirling with conflicting thoughts. The allure of the forbidden, the undeniable chemistry that crackled between them, it was all too tempting to resist.

However, he also got those injuries because of her.

"Fine," she finally murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'll help you bathe."

A knowing smile tugged at the corners of Lucas's lips, his gaze lingering on her with a mixture of gratitude and desire. Without another word, he stood up, extending his arm towards her, silently inviting her to accompany him.

"Only this time…" Rosalind got up and followed him.

For some reason, she was not longer surprise when he took her inside her bathroom and discovered that the air was filled with steam. This man… already planned this from the start!

She eyed the opulent tub. The warm water within the tub danced with wisps of steam, creating an alluring mist that veiled their bodies from prying eyes.

A large frosted window adorned one wall, offering a glimpse of the outside world, where the sunlight filtered through sheer curtains, casting a soft glow upon the room. The view served as a reminder of the world beyond their intimate haven, a contrast to the seclusion they sought in this moment.

Lucas stood by the edge of the bathtub, his movements hindered by his injuries. His eyes met Rosalind's, a mix of vulnerability and desire shining through. He mustered a gentle smile.

"Well?" she asked. Why was he staring at her like this? "I do not plan on joining you," she was quick to say.

To her surprise, he only responded with a low enticing laughter.

"Would you assist me in removing my clothes?" he asked, almost innocently as he blinked his large blue eyes her way.

Rosalind's heart skipped a beat. Naturally, she did not show this on the outside. She stopped her hand from trembling as she stepped closer, her eyes locked with his.

With a delicate touch, she reached for the buttons of his attire, slowly undoing them one by one.