Dinner ended in the same heavy silence that had become normal. Lucian barely spoke after the short exchange about Ethan yesterday. He just ate, watched me with those intense grey eyes, and then stood up the moment Mrs. Hale cleared the plates.
“Come with me,” he said, his voice low and commanding.
I followed him out of the dining room, my heart already beating faster. The hallway was dimly lit. As soon as we were away from the dining area, Lucian turned suddenly. In two quick steps he had me backed against the wall.
His right hand came to my waist, gripping firmly, fingers spreading wide over the curve of my hip. The touch was possessive, almost desperate. He leaned in close, his breath warm against my forehead.
“Tell me the truth, Aurora,” he said, voice rough. “What did Ethan say in
