Chapter 108 An unexpected turn

"There's no need for such formalities," she retorted, forcing a lightness to her voice. The air in the room felt thick, charged with a tension that made it difficult to breathe. However, a part of her, a secret, thrilling part, was oddly drawn to it. She quickly moved to the small fireplace, where a dying fire sputtered in the grate. A bucket sat nearby, half-filled with water. Thankfully, the task gave her a moment to regain her composure. As she lifted the bucket, she stole a glance at Lucian in the corner. He was already halfway through pulling on his breeches, his back to her. Taking a deep breath, she forced her gaze away. This was madness. A fleeting dream, a forced closeness due to circumstance. There was more to life than sculpted abs and forbidden attraction. She had a life, a husband, a responsibility to her title. With the bucket in hand, she carefully made her way back to Lucian. Shame gnawed at her for the way her body had reacted, the way her traitorous mind had straye