The Devil's Betrothed-Chapter 764: Trickster

The next morning, Erin woke up to find herself still held in a pair of strong arms, her face pressed against the bare chest of a man. She could hear the faint, steady rhythm of his heartbeat.

Memories of the night before came crashing back to her, and her face flushed red. She didn’t dare move. Her heart raced at the thought of facing Lucian.

How should she react? What should she say? Everything had happened so suddenly.

"Are you awake?" she heard his deep, hoarse voice ask.

Erin froze, her body stiffening in response.

The soft flutter of her eyelashes against the skin of his chest betrayed let him know that she was awake.

His hand rested on her waist, gently caressing it, as he spoke again. "If you want, you can sleep a while longer. I have to get up."

Erin realized sunlight had filled the room—they had overslept. Finally, she responded, her voice soft. "I’m not sleepy."

Lucian released his hold, allowing her to move away from him. But before she could pull back completely, his hand on her back stopped her. She hesitated, then finally looked up at him.

His handsome face came into view, and her heart skipped a beat. It was as if she were seeing the most breathtaking sight in the world. Why did he have to look so good, even just waking up? In fact, she found him even more alluring like this—raw and effortlessly handsome.

His gaze met hers, and his fingers brushed the stray strands of hair away from her cheeks, his eyes lingering on her beautifully blushing face. He leaned closer and gently pecked her soft lips.

"Good morning, Erin," he said, his low, husky voice sounding impossibly seductive to her ears.

She swallowed lightly and replied in a soft voice, "Good... morning..."

"Are you alright?" he asked.

Erin understood why he was asking and simply nodded.

He adjusted the blanket over her, mindful of the cold and the fact that she wasn’t wearing any clothes. Placing a tender kiss on her forehead, he said, "Stay inside. I’ll take care of things for you."

Erin nodded and watched as he got out of bed. When his torso came into view, she realized with a jolt that he wasn’t wearing any clothes. Before her gaze could travel further down, she squeezed her eyes shut and pulled the blanket over her face.

Lucian stepped away and slipped into his pants. Glancing back at her, a light smile tugged at the corner of his lips as he watched her huddled under the blanket.

Once Erin heard the door click shut behind him, she let out a breath and wondered what to do. Lifting the blanket slightly, she peeked at her naked form, and another wave of shame washed over her.

’I should put on clothes before he comes back.’

As she tried to sit up, a sharp twinge of discomfort made her wince, and she lay back down.

’We didn’t even go all night like in those romance books, and I’m already like this? Am I that weak?’

As she continued to lay in bed, she heard the faint sound of footsteps approaching outside the door.

’Is he back already?’ Erin panicked slightly. ’I haven’t put my clothes on yet. And the room is already filled with sunlight. I need to hurry. I’ll lock the door and then get dressed.’

Despite the lingering discomfort, she sat up in bed and was about to push the blanket aside when the door suddenly opened. Lucian stepped inside.

Startled, she clutched the blanket tightly in front of her, staring at him in shock. ’How is he so fast?’

Lucian met her gaze calmly and walked toward her. "I’m taking you somewhere," he said.

Erin realized she was the only one reacting nervously, while it didn’t seem to faze him that she was naked. He was entirely focused on her well-being.

"Where are we going?" she asked hesitantly.

"To a hot spring," he replied, adjusting the blanket snugly around her.

Surprised, she stammered, "I... I need to wear clothes."

"There’s no need," he said, effortlessly lifting her into his arms. He had her wrapped securely in the blanket from her feet to her shoulders, making her look like a cocooned caterpillar.

"Lucian..."

"There’s no one around," he reassured her.

"But it’s still far from here. Just let me put on some clothes. I can walk," she tried to protest, but they were already out of the room.

"I’m sure you can’t walk," he said, descending the stairs without breaking stride.

Erin pursed her lips and stayed quiet. So he knows I’m not fine, she thought.

"And we’re not actually going to the hot spring," he added unexpectedly.

His words confused Erin, but she remained silent, letting him take the lead. They reached the drawing room, and from there, Lucian carried her toward a large door that a servant promptly opened for them.

Erin felt a wave of embarrassment wash over her as she noticed the elderly servant smiling at her.

Behind the door was a large, enclosed area that seemed like part of the residence but also distinctly separate. The gentle sound of flowing water reached her ears, drawing her attention. Looking ahead, she saw a massive square-shaped pool. A small stream of water poured in from one side, while excess water flowed out from the other. A light mist of steam hovered over the surface, revealing that the water was hot.

Water from the hot spring was being diverted here.

The previous day, Lucian hadn’t shown her this place, and she was surprised by the thoughtful and private arrangement.

Lucian carried her to the poolside and set her down gently. Before she could react, he began removing the blanket wrapped around her. Her hands, locked inside the blanket, made it impossible to stop him, and the words she wanted to say failed her.

As the blanket fell away, Erin’s cheeks burned, and she didn’t dare look at him. Her face turned as red as a tomato.

"We’ve already done more than just being naked. There’s no need to be shy," he said casually and lifted her in his arms once more to carry her inside the hot water.

Ignoring him, Erin buried her face in the crook of his neck, as though hiding her face could somehow conceal her nakedness. "You’re a man—you wouldn’t understand," she mumbled.

"I didn’t stop you from seeing me naked," he replied.

"You’re shameless," she muttered.

"I’m just being honest. I truly don’t mind if you see me without clothes."

"I don’t want to," she said, her voice muffled against his neck.

"I’ll be careful then," he said with a smirk.

Erin blinked, momentarily speechless. So he won’t let me see him naked just because I said I didn’t want to? She hadn’t meant it that way at all. It was just out of embarrassment.

"You take everything literally," Erin said, pouting slightly.

"I wish to respect your wishes," Lucian replied, his tone calm and sincere.

"I didn’t really mean it," she mumbled.

"So, you’re fine with seeing me naked?"

"We’ll be married... it’s normal," she admitted, her voice soft.

"Then you don’t need to hide under a blanket the next time you see me naked."

Erin froze, realizing he had noticed all her reactions. She also realized he had cleverly guided her to admit it was normal, sparing himself the effort of convincing her.

"Trickster," she muttered under her breath.

Lucian’s lips curved into a faint smile. By this time, he had settled into the perfectly warm water with Erin perched in his lap. He wasn’t wearing a shirt, but he still had his pants on—a fact that made Erin feel a bit relieved.

"I can sit on the side," she offered hesitantly.

"Isn’t it more comfortable like this?" he asked, his gaze locking onto her flushed face.

His hand, drenched in warm water, gently moved to caress her cheek, spreading warmth across her cool skin. Erin looked at him, captivated by his focused expression and the intensity in his gaze.

A peaceful silence fell between them. Lucian wasn’t one to talk much, but his actions spoke volumes. He was patient, quietly tending to her needs in his own way.

"Are you feeling better?" he finally asked.

She nodded lightly, her eyes lingering on his handsome face, which was slightly damp from the rising steam.

Lucian’s gaze shifted to her moist, inviting lips. Slowly, he leaned in, and Erin didn’t resist. This man was too tempting for her to even think of holding back.

His lips brushed against hers, soft and tentative at first, as though savoring the moment. Erin’s heart raced, and her eyes fluttered shut as she melted into him. His kiss grew deeper, more insistent, as his hand cradled the back of her head, pulling her closer.

The sensation of his warm, wet fingers tangling in her damp hair sent a shiver down her spine, despite the heat surrounding them.

Lucian’s other hand rested on her back, gently sliding down to support her, his touch firm yet tender. Erin leaned into him, her arms instinctively wrapping around his neck as their kiss turned more passionate. His lips moved against hers with purpose, his teeth grazing her lower lip in a way that sent sparks of heat through her entire body.

The water rippled softly around them, the steam rising like a hazy veil, cocooning them in their private world. Erin felt his hands shift, one skimming along her bare back while the other slid beneath the water to rest at her waist, anchoring her securely in his lap.

Her own fingers traced the damp skin of his shoulders, exploring the firmness of his muscles. She could feel the strength in him, restrained yet undeniable, as he held her close. The sensation was intoxicating, making her feel safe and utterly desired.

Erin gasped softly into his mouth as she felt his chest press firmly against hers, the contrast of his strong, solid frame against her softness heightening her senses. The sensation of his hands roaming her back, his fingers tracing patterns on her skin, left her trembling.

Lucian pulled back briefly, his breathing heavier, and rested his forehead against hers, allowing her to breathe as well.

"You must be still hurt," he whispered and buried his face in the crook of her neck, inhaling her sweet scent and resisting the temptation to go anymore further with her.

Erin, could understand him. "I...think...I am fine..." Only she knew how she said those words.

Lucian let out a shaky breath and his hold around her loosened. "I can wait." He looked back at her and said again. "You might not want to spend another day here when your brothers are waiting for you."

At the mention of her brother’s name, Erin got back to her senses. She had to return or she was not sure how she would be facing not just her brothers but others as well.

Seeing her expressions, Lucian spoke, "We have a morning meal and leave."

She nodded silently, wondering how was she going to face the questions from her brothers. Rowan might tease her till burry under the pile of embarrassment but Rafal might not be pleased to see how she was away with Lucian like this.