Page 71 of Theirs to Tempt: The Marriage Claim

“We’re not negotiable, Sophie.” The words roll out low, without heat, without anger, which somehow makes them sink deeper.

He takes one measured step closer, the scent of him—clean, primal, familiar—wraps around me in the narrow space. “I’d like you to come willingly.”

The offer hangs between us, almost gentle, but I feel the steel beneath it.

My pulse spikes higher, a rapid thud at the base of my throat that matches the nervous flutter low in my belly.

Part of me wants to push harder, to hold onto some fragment of control. “And if I don’t?” The challenge slips out before I can stop it.

His gaze darkens fractionally, and in this instant, I see him differently—not just the protector who has always stood at Lucian’s shoulder but something equally terrifying. An enforcer. The man who gets things done when words are not enough.

Lucian could have come himself, but he sent Caleb.

The realization sends a cold shiver racing down my spine, nerves twisting tight through my chest until my tummy feels like it’s folding in on itself.

“After last night, do you really want to test him?” His question carries quiet warning, the kind that vibrates through my bones and makes my knees feel unsteady.

I hesitate, fingers tightening around my useless keys, the emotional exhaustion of the day pressing down on me alongside fresh nerves. “I… I should change out of these clothes first,” I say, gesturing vaguely at my leggings and athleisure top, my voice thinner than I want. “Give me five minutes.”

“You’re fine as you are.” His hand settles lightly at the small of my back, guiding me away from my door with effortless authority. “I’m not sure clothes will be necessary at all.”

The words hit like a fresh wave, my stomach plunging sharply as heat floods my face and neck. Discomfort coils through me, tight and humiliating, the casual implication stripping away another layer of my already-fraying control.

Caleb shoots a text the moment we’re underway. Other than that, the drive is pure nerve-wracking silence broken only by the low hum of the engine.

I rest my hands in my lap, lacing my fingers tight. My mind is racing, trying to guess what Lucian has in store for me.

Caleb keeps his hand on me as he guides me to the elevator.

“Scared I’ll run?” Nerves have made me snappy.

To his credit, he says nothing, and he uses biometrics to access the penthouse level.

Ripping out the cameras seemed like my only option last night.

But now…?

The doors open, and Lucian is standing in the expansive living room, the city skyline glittering behind him like a backdrop of controlled power.

His midnight-blue eyes are locked on me. The polished lines of his face are composed, but I feel the weight of his gaze like a physical touch.

Caleb presses his hand to my back and gives me a gentle but firm nudge that propels me across the threshold.

“Ah, Sophie.” Lucian steps closer, his movements unhurried, the crisp lines of his shirt stretching across his shoulders as he regards me. “Welcome back.” His voice wraps around me, rich and measured, sending fresh shivers racing along my arms.

I’m not sure I’ve ever been this scared in my life.

“You pushed us,” Lucian murmurs, his breath brushing my ear. “Ripped out every camera. Thought you could hide from us.” He trails his fingers up my bare arm. “Brats get attention, Sophie. Whether they want it or not.”

I tip my chin. “I reject that.”

He raises a brow.

“There was no consent around the cameras. It was an invasion of privacy. You had no right to do it. And if I had the choice, I’d do it again. I wasn’t seeking your attention. In fact, that’s the last thing I wanted. A scene is one thing, Mr. Hawthorne.” Then I look at Caleb. “And Mr. Pierce. Are we clear?”

Who the hell is this new version of me?

I might be shaking, but I refuse to back down.