Page 54 of King of Rage

He slowly lifted his head higher, looking from one photograph to another, his gaze lingering on every smiling image of the man who had somehow become such a prominent part of Stella's life.

Every photograph seemed to drive another nail into Lucius's already frayed patience.

His jaw tightened as he stared at them.

Even in an apartment that belonged to Stella, Shane's presence was everywhere.

And Lucius fucking hated it.

Moments later, Stella returned with a glass of water in her hand.

Lucius immediately straightened on the couch, forcing his expression into something calmer. He didn't want her to see the jealousy and frustration still simmering beneath the surface. More than anything, he didn't want to give her another reason to pull away from him. Losing her once had already been more than he could bear.

As she approached, he adjusted his posture, smiling at her.

“You have to leave in the morning,” she reminded him, holding the glass out to him. Her voice was steady, though concern softened her expression. “Before anyone wakes up and notices you're here.”

Lucius nodded and accepted the water, taking a slow sip. He lowered the glass and looked at her for a moment, his gaze lingering on her face.

Stella began to step away.

His hand shot out and caught hers.

Before she could react, he tugged her toward him, pulling her down onto his lap. His arms immediately circled her waist, securing her against him as he leaned back into the couch.

“Lucius—”

His breath brushed against her neck as he tightened his arms around her.

“Stella...” His voice dropped, low and rough. “Today's Friday. We made a deal for three nights. I have to keep my end of the deal.”

Stella felt the heat radiating from him. Her body reacted instinctively, but she tried to hold on to her resolve.

“You're drunk,” she protested, though her voice lacked the firmness she intended.

He lowered his head, burying his face against the side of her neck.

“I’m not. Let me sleep with you.” His breath warmed her skin as he murmured against her, his voice quiet and insistent.

Stella attempted to turn her head away, but he captured her chin, tilting her face toward him before crashing his lips onto hers.

The kiss was fervent, consuming, and she found herself lost in the moment. Just as she thought she might lose her composure, she stood up, stepping away from him, her heart racing.

Behind her, a table stood against the wall, and she instinctively moved toward it, putting a little distance between them as she tried to regain control of herself.

“If you’re not not drunk, you can leave,” she managed to say, but her words were cut short as he surged forward again, capturing her face in his hands.

His lips found hers once more, urgent and relentless, until she could hardly think. He trailed kisses down her neck, exploring every inch of her skin with hunger, before his hands slipped beneath her dress, pushing aside her panties with a desperate urgency.

As he dipped his face between her legs, Stella gasped, her eyes fluttering shut as a wave of pleasure coursed through her. A strangled sound escaped her throat, and she bit her lip, trying to stifle the noises threatening to spill out.

She was acutely aware of Shane sleeping in the other room, the danger of discovery heightening her arousal. Her hands fisted in his hair as he continued his relentless assault, his tongue moving with an insatiable hunger.

Lucius looked up at her, his eyes dark with desire, and she felt her knees weaken beneath her. Every touch ignited a fire within her, making it impossible to control the sounds escaping her lips. He was insistent, unwavering, and as her body responded to him, she realized she was teetering on the edge of surrender.

“Oh God…”

Stella struggled to breathe, overwhelmed by his relentless touch. His tongue slipped through her folds, weaving through her senses before plunging inside, only to retreat and flick at her repeatedly. Each caress made her tremble, her body responding to his every move.