The Devil's Betrothed-Chapter 728: You Might Like To Reconsider It, Erin

"You can rest as well if you want to," he suggested.

Erin shook her head. "I’m fine."

Lucian didn’t insist but moved to add more wooden blocks to the fireplace. She watched how focused he was on the task at hand, as always. He never spoke much or showed any emotions. Although he was her bodyguard, she knew almost nothing about him—they were more like strangers. Yet, something about him drew her in, and she found herself unable to stop thinking about him.

Maybe it was the way he was. That enigmatic quality he had was what attracted her. He was a mystery, and the way he showed care for others without speaking a word was unique. Though he seemed aloof and expressed nothing, she often wondered what exactly he thought or how he felt about certain things.

He was right there in front of her, just an arm’s length away, yet he felt like someone she could never truly approach.

He finished placing the wooden blocks and looked at her, only to find her staring at him. He didn’t look away but continued to hold her gaze.

Realizing what she was doing, Erin quickly looked away, pretending to observe the drawing room. At the same time, her hand moved to rub her right ear as the cold made it ache slightly.

He moved closer to her on the cushioned arrangement.

She looked at him questioningly, only to see his hand reach out to her ear and gently touch her earlobe.

A shiver ran down her spine, the moment he touched her ear, her heart beating faster.

"They’ve turned red from the cold," he noted softly, even before she could question his action.

"Um, it will be fine," she replied awkwardly, trying to maintain her composure but inwardly berating herself for her reaction. It was always her who felt affected by his closeness, while he remained completely unaffected—like a stone. It was truly infuriating.

Does he not feel anything at all? No emotions? She frowned. Does he even realize what he’s doing? He can’t just be so close to a lady and touch her like this. At the very least, he should ask for permission. He seems to lack the mannerisms that nobles follow when interacting with women.

Meanwhile, Lucian moved his hands closer to the fire. Once he felt they were warm enough, he immediately approached Erin.

"What are you—"

"Stay still," he commanded coldly. She suddenly felt his warm hands covering her cold, aching ears.

She wanted to move away, but that warmth was a lifesaver; the pain in her ears began to subside.

Lucian removed his hands, warmed them by the fire again, and repeated the process a few more times until he was satisfied that her ears were no longer cold.

"Better?" he asked.

Erin nodded, doing her best to remain calm and keep her expression neutral, as if it was nothing at all.

He stood up and went to get the tea he had brewed for Rina a while ago. The cottage had been prepared in advance before they arrived, which was a relief.

He brought a cup of tea to her. "Drink this. You’ll feel better."

Erin took the cup, only to find his hand covering hers as she held it. "Hold it like this. It’ll keep your palms warm as well."

Though flustered, Erin nodded and did as she was told. Only she knew how every small action of his made her heart race. As she drank the tea, she thought:

This is not good. When will the others return? I can’t let myself fall for him again.

She watched him go out and bring in more woodblocks, arranging them neatly in the empty space next to the fireplace.

I think I should spend more time with Lord Wynter so I won’t think about Lucian. Maybe it will help me get rid of any lingering feelings, and I can focus on marrying Lord Wynter. She glanced at Lucian, who had settled on the cushioned seat next to hers, completely unaware of what was running through her mind. I should ask my brother when we’re meeting him again. I can’t keep this going on.

Her eyes narrowed at him. ’After rejecting me, you can’t just be this kind to me, she screamed internally. You foolish man, don’t you know your actions can melt any woman’s heart and lead her to misunderstand?’

Lucian happened to glance at her, and their eyes met.

He had been aware of her gaze following him the entire time but chose not to react, allowing her to watch him silently. However, now he sensed distress in her expression and finally spoke.

"What’s wrong?" he asked.

"I was wondering when Lord Wynter would be here, or when we’re going to visit his estate," she replied.

His expression didn’t change, but he turned to face the fireplace instead of looking at her. "Do you want to meet him?"

She hummed in response.

"Why?"

"I’m going to marry him, so of course, I would want to meet him and get to know him."

"Is he the only one you must marry?" he asked, his voice steady, his expression solemn.

’What does he mean by this?’ she stared at him, puzzled, ’is he implying just because he has rejected marrying me, I am not allowed to marry his brother?’

Lucian looked at her, his calm gaze meeting hers, "Do you really want to marry him?"

’What’s with this gaze? No one seems to mind that I am marrying Aaron despite Lucian has rejected me, then why does he seem to have an issue? He can’t be the one to decide for me. I have decided for myself already,’ she thought and answered him with a determination.

"Yes, I want to marry him."

Lucian stared at her wordlessly for a while, making her feel anxious. He was usually mute person but at this moment his silence felt unsettling.

Before Erin could comprehend anything, he moved closer, facing her, his face so close, his eyes straight looking into hers. "You might like to reconsider it, Erin."

Badumb!

Her heart as if burst into something, she felt her heart beat turned louder. The closeness, the way he looked at her and the way he called her name, just name, no title. Making her confused all of a sudden.

’Is he threatening me to not marry his brother? He can’t stand the woman who he had rejected but marrying his brother?’ her mind was whirlwind of thoughts.

"Will you?" he asked again.

"Huh?" she responded, feeling entirely lost, all her sense were haywire.

"Will you reconsider?" he repeated.

She felt her heart and brain going to explode and wished someone to come to her rescue.