Page 97 of The Exception

He blew out a breath. “Fucking sucked.” He tucked his other arm beneath his head and stared up at the ceiling. “Jesus, Lil. How have you been living like this for all these months?”

I smoothed my hand up his chest and then back down again, mindful of the pressure I used. I observed his reactions, making sure that he still seemed relaxed. The fabric of his Henley was so soft, and I needed something to distract myself from his nearness.

“It helped that I moved here in the summer,” I said. “And at first, it felt like one big adventure.”

“And now?”

“It’s become a race against the clock to save the château and its domain.”

“Mm.” His voice rumbled through his chest and into me. He slid his hand up and down my back. The motion was so natural. It felt nice. Like this was the way it was always supposed to be. “You’ve taken on a lot, but you have a good team.”

“I do.” I smiled, thinking of Luc and all the others. “Over the past year, they’ve become more like family.”

“I can see that. Luc, in particular, is protective of you.”

“He’s just a friend,” I said, surprised by how eager I was to reassure Graham. “Actually, I think he and Jo had a little something going on.”

Graham chuckled, and I loved the sound of it, loved that I was the cause of it. “Interesting.”

“Do you think Queen V and Prince Albert are adjusting okay?” I asked.

“They love it here. As do I.”

“I’m glad,” I said, my body relaxing at his admission. At his touch.

“Thank you for making them feel at home—buying treats and beds and food. And thank you for letting me be a part of this.”

“Are you kidding? Thank you for making this possible.” I would never be able to repay his generosity.

“My pleasure.” He gave me a gentle squeeze.

Huddled beneath the blankets, ensconced in Graham’s arms, I felt safe and protected. Cared for.I could get used to this.

CHAPTERTWENTY-THREE

Lily shifted, and I tried not to groan. My cock was already so hard it was painful. The cold bath hadn’t helped. And lying in bed with Lily’s soft, warm body pressed against mine certainly wasn’t helping either.

We were barely a few weeks into married life, and I was tired of pretending. Tired of putting on this façade that I was unaffected by my wife, when everything she did set me ablaze. If I were honest with myself, it always had.

But Lily didn’t want to mix business with pleasure—she’d made that very clear after what had happened on Knox’s yacht. And at first, I’d agreed. I liked things neat and tidy, and having sex with my temporary wife was neither.

So, I’d continued on as if nothing had happened. Or I’d tried to.

It was easier to maintain my distance in LA, with all the distractions and the demands on my time. Where we could easily retreat to our separate rooms in my large penthouse. And I could jack off in my shower to thoughts of her. Something that had happened more often than I cared to admit.

But here, in the French countryside, everything was different. Lily was different, and I could feel a shift in myself as well. I’d enjoyed the hard work and camaraderie. I’d enjoyed sharing a simple meal outside, with Prince Albert and Queen V at our feet. And as much as that ice bath had sucked, it was worth it if it meant I’d get to hold her in my arms.

So much for giving her space. All I wanted to do was keep her close.

I am so fucked.

I kept my hand on her back, despite my desire to explore her body. All the while, I answered her questions about my siblings. About my plans for the brand. My hopes for the future.

But mostly, I listened to her as she talked about her dreams for the château. I marveled at her vision and tenacity as she told me about the obstacles she’d faced every step of the restoration. And yet, despite everything she had on her plate, she’d put things in place for me and my dogs.

Eventually, her voice grew softer. Her thoughts more spaced out. I felt pleasant. Warm. Relaxed.

I wondered if this was how my grandparents felt when they were with each other. And I could understand even more why they’d wanted this for me. It was more than just companionship; it was…understanding. Working together toward a mutual purpose.

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