The Betrayed Princess Rising (Lylah and Ezra) novel Chapter 261

Chapter 261

Tiara’s POV

0191

Finished

“Sorry to keep you waiting, handsome,” I heard Beatrix purr as she approached him, her voice smooth as silk. “You must be bored by now. Don’t worry I’ll make it better.” From where I stood, I watched her place the glass into Damon’s hand without hesitation.

A flicker of disbelief stirred in me.

What kind of situation had he walked himself into?

From that day I first saw him, Damon had been all sharp edges-cold, rigid, distant. Not once had he smiled. Not once had his gaze lingered on anyone, least of all me. I had been certain he had no interest in females at all.

But now-

“Thank you,” he said, his voice low as he accepted the drink.

The way his gaze ran over Beatrix shattered that assumption completely.

A moment later, he pushed himself to his feet-unsteady. My eyes narrowed.

He’s already drunk.

‘Now that I’ve accepted your treat,” Damon said, wiping at his lips as if erasing the taste, “we’re even. I’ll be leaving.”

“Wait,” Beatrix caught his arm smoothly. “You’re not stable. It’s dangerous to leave.” Her voice softened, coaxing. “Why not stay? Rest a while, I can help you relax. You can leave in the morning.”

Her meaning was unmistakable.

“No.” Even through the haze, his refusal was firm.

Idiot, I thought, irritation flaring. Why drink yourself into this state?

Something in me snapped.

Before I could think better of it, I stepped forward.

“You heard him,” I said coolly, fixing Beatrix with a steady look. “He’s not interested in sleeping with you. Go find another male who is.”

Her gaze cut toward me, sharp with annoyance.

Ignoring it, I reached for Damon, catching his arm as I leaned closer, my voice dropping into a quiet hiss meant only for him.

“Don’t misunderstand,” I murmured near his ear. “This is just to save you from humiliating yourself and dragging Lylah’s name into whatever embarrassing scandal this becomes, Beta.”

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Chapter 201

Finished

You….” His eyes narrowed slightly, recognizing me. Suspicion flickers through the haze.

Then, after a beat, Damon exhaled. “Fine. Get me out of here. I’ll pay you whatever you want.

A thrill sparked through me.

Not for the reward-but for the game.

“What do you want? Gold coins? connections?” he added, voice rough. “I can give you access to all of it here in Lunaris.”

I could secure those things myself.

But hey, where was the fun in that?

Turning back to Beatrix, I slipped closer to Damon, letting the illusion settle into place.

“He’s mine tonight,” I said lightly, a teasing smile playing on my lips. “We already have plans at my hotel.”

For once, Damon didn’t resist when I guided his arm around my waist.

Together, we walked away-leaving Beatrix simmering behind us.

Morning finally came. But not quickly enough. Being alone in my room with Damon-the silence thick, my wolf restless, every instinct sharpened by his nearness-had been its own kind of torment.

By the time I stepped out of the bathroom, dressed, and finished the last touches of my makeup, a low, warning growl rolled from behind me.

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