Chapter eighteen
Luc
I’m here, Mon Trésor.
“R ylee! Say something, please.” I’m here, Mon Trésor. I scoop her limp body into my arms and carry her across the empty hall to my office. Thank God it’s lunchtime and there’s no one to slow me down.
Once inside, I lay her on the couch and kneel beside her. I press two fingers to her wrist, checking for a pulse. Come on, baby. It’s there, faint but steady. Is that enough, or should I call for help?
Then her lashes flutter, and her eyes open, hazy, as they search for mine. A breath of relief escapes me.
“Luc?”
“I’m here, baby. Are you okay? You fainted.”
She sits up slowly, brushing her hair back. “Yeah. I just haven’t eaten.”
“When was the last time you ate? People don’t just faint because they missed a meal.”
She frowns. “Lunch… yesterday, I think?”
“You think?” I release a tight, angry breath. “You’re telling me you haven’t eaten since yesterday at lunch?”
She gives a slight nod, brushing it off. “I’m fine. Just anemic, that’s all.”
Anemic? “Rylee,” I say softer this time. “Why would you skip a meal?”
“Stop, I’m okay.” She straightens her back. “But I’ve made my decision. I want to marry you.”
My heart flips at her words, but then she meets my gaze with a serious look.
“This will be strictly business. Nothing can happen between us beyond that. And I don’t care what you do with anyone else, as long as you keep it private. I won’t have anyone talking about my husband cheating on me, real or not.”
I push myself up until our faces are almost level. My hands grip the edge of the couch on either side of her, bringing us close enough that I can see the subtle rise and fall of her chest, each breath coming a little quicker. “I thought I made myself clear. I would never fuck anyone else while I’m married to you.” The words slip past my gritted teeth. “And don’t even think about being with anyone else, either.”
She looks at me, startled, and I hate how she brings out this possessive side I barely recognize. But the thought of her with someone else has my blood boiling.