The Betrayed Princess Rising (Lylah and Ezra) novel Chapter 140

3rd Person’s POV

The moment Lylah stepped into the penthouse, a pair of powerful arms wrapped around her waist.

She barely had time to react before Ezra pulled her flush against his broad chest. His palm slid up to cradle the back of her head, fingers stroking slowly through her hair as he buried his face in the soft strands.

The familiar warmth of him settled around her like a home, and was comforting in a way that made her chest loosen. Lylah might have stayed there longer, melting into the embrace, if she didn’t have something important to ask.

“Ezra,” she said, nudging lightly against his chest, “I really need to ask you something.”

“Hmm,” The sound was little more than a rumble against her hair. He didn’t move, only inhaled slowly, as if savoring her scent.

“What are you doing?” she demanded, trying to lean back enough to look at him. “Don’t tell me you’ve decided you like my shampoo too. Are you planning to start using it and make the shampoo manufacturer flood with orders as well?”

That finally made him pull back.

Ezra loosened his hold just enough to look down at her, one brow lifting as he took in her slightly pouty expression.

Then he laughed.

It was a warm, unguarded sound–deep and genuine. The kind of laughter that rarely escaped him, one Lylah suspected the world hadn’t heard from him in a very long time.

“What are you talking about?” The Alpha asked, reaching up to gently cup her cheek.

“Don’t pretend you don’t know,” Lylah said, “You wore my perfume today, and now everyone in Lunaris wants the exact same one. Ezra, the manufacturer is practically exploding with orders!”

His thumb brushed slowly across her cheekbone.

“And?” he said calmly. “Am I not allowed to use my mate’s fragrance when I miss her?”

His fingers slid along the line of her jaw, the touch slow and deliberate.

“I used it because it was the closest thing to your natural scent,” he murmured. “It makes me feel like you’re near me… even when you’re not.”

Lylah blinked. “Really?”

To her own nose, the fragrance had always smelled so pleasant.

Did Ezra truly find her scent that captivating too?

“Yes,” he said softly. “Though it still falls short compared to you.” A faint, almost sheepish smile tugged at his lips. “I should apologize, though. I stole a few sprays from your room. Imagining you around me, it helps keep me calm.”

Lylah studied him for a moment before sighing.

“Well, I’m not angry,” she admitted. “I only got a complaint from someone.”

Ezra’s expression sharpened instantly.

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