Bound by Lust

Esme had barely stepped onto the garden path when she heard hurried footsteps behind her. She didn't need to turn to know who it was. The weight of Lucan's gaze was enough to stop her in her tracks.

"Esme," his voice was firm, yet there was something else beneath it—frustration, maybe even concern.

She inhaled deeply before facing him. His expression was unreadable, but his dark eyes held an intensity that made her uneasy.

"Lucan," she greeted, forcing a small smile. "Is something wrong?"

Lucan scoffed, folding his arms. "You tell me. One moment, you're running from a nightmare, and the next, you're engaged to Kael?" He stepped closer, his presence almost suffocating. "I need you to tell me the truth. Why are you really marrying him?"

Esme tensed. She had known this conversation was inevitable, but she wasn't prepared for how sharp Lucan's words would feel. She lowered her gaze, searching for an answer—one that wouldn't betray her.

"I—" she hesitated, then steeled herself. "I love him."

Lucan's expression shifted instantly, his jaw tightening as if the words physically struck him. He studied her face, searching for any sign of a lie.

"Love?" He repeated, skeptical. "Esme, I know Kael. I know the kind of man he is. He doesn't love. He doesn't do love." He exhaled sharply, his voice dropping lower. "And neither do you."

Esme swallowed hard. "You don't know that."

Lucan shook his head, his disbelief evident. "I know you're lying." His voice was softer now, almost pleading. "You don't have to tell me everything, but at least tell me you're not doing this willingly."

She held his gaze, willing herself not to waver. "I am doing this willingly."

Lucan's brows furrowed, frustration simmering beneath his calm exterior. "You expect me to believe that you suddenly fell for a man you barely know? A man who—" He stopped himself, exhaling sharply before running a hand through his hair. "Damn it, Esme, you don't understand what you're walking into."

Esme's fingers curled into her dress. "You think I don't know what kind of man Kael is?" She forced out a laugh, though there was no humor in it. "I know exactly who he is, and still, I'm choosing this."

Lucan shook his head. "No. There's something else." His gaze hardened. "If you're protecting yourself, or if he's forcing you—"

"He's not forcing me," Esme cut in quickly. Too quickly.

Lucan stared at her for a long moment before sighing. "Fine," he muttered, stepping back slightly. "If this is what you really want, then there's nothing more to say."

But there was something in his tone—an edge of doubt, of reluctance.

Esme offered a weak smile. "I appreciate your concern, Lucan. But I know what I'm doing."

Lucan didn't look convinced. "I hope for your sake that's true." He turned to leave but hesitated. "Just… be careful, Esme. Because once you belong to Kael, there's no going back."

Esme watched him walk away, her heart pounding. She had lied to him. But what else could she do? Telling Lucan the truth would only put him in danger.

Still, as she stood alone in the garden, she couldn't shake the feeling that Lucan wouldn't let this go. And worse—he might be right. Because as much as she had convinced him, she wasn't sure she had convinced herself.

****. ****. ****.