The Betrayed Princess Rising (Lylah and Ezra) novel Chapter 52

Chapter 52

3rd Person’s POV

“All right,” Ezra said, a quiet warmth slipping into his voice. “How about we have lunch before you head back?”

Hearing Lylah say she was happy here–hearing her call the penthouse home–sent an unfamiliar swell of pride through him. He had thought it would take far longer for the space to feel like hers. For her to truly belong.

“A good lunch before my second class sounds good,” Lylah said with a small smile.

“How long is your break?” he asked.

“An hour.”

They moved into the kitchen together. The small robot rolled after them, hovering close like an overprotective pup trailing its parents. Lylah reached into the cupboard and pulled out a fresh apron, checking it before slipping it over her head.

“Ezra, let me help you with yours.”

“Sure.”

He stepped closer.

The height difference forced her to stand on her toes. At the same time, Ezra instinctively lowered his head. Too much. Too close.

Their faces were suddenly only inches apart, the air between them charged, thick with unspoken awareness. Lylah’s hands trembled slightly as she lifted the apron strap.

Then, without realizing it, Ezra straightened.

Lylah still held onto the fabric.

“Ezra!”

He lost his balance, the sudden tug pulling her with him. They went down hard.

Ezra hit the polished floor on his back, his instincts snapping into place before pain could even register. One arm wrapped tightly around Lylah’s waist. The other cradled her head, shielding her without thought.

“Are you hurt?” he asked immediately, his voice rough with concern. “Lylah?”

“I–I’m fine.”

“I’m so sorry.”

“It’s okay.”

1:21 pm

Chapter 52

The little unit darted closer, lights blinking rapidly like a startled pup.

Finished

“First–level danger detected! Daddy has fallen. Second–level danger: Lylah has fallen on Daddy. Initiating call to Damon for assistance.” Bambi slipped into full alert mode.

“No,” Ezra said firmly. “Stand down. Everything’s fine.”

“Danger neutralized,” the robot chirped after a quick scan. “Situation under control.” With that, it rolled away, satisfied, returning to its post.

Lylah’s heart was pounding so loudly she was sure he could hear it.

The solid heat of Ezra’s chest beneath her, the strength in his arms, the unmistakable dominance of an Alpha’s presence–everything stirred something deep and feral inside her.

Selestine stirred beneath her skin, restless and demanding, urging for more warmth.

She needed distance. Now. Before her wolf chose for her.

“Ezra… your hand.”

He blinked, realizing how tightly he was holding her, and released her at once.

“Are you all right?” Lylah asked softly. “I’m sorry, I fell on you. That must have hurt.”

“Not at all,” Ezra said, though his wolf was far from calm. “Let’s finish cooking.”

He turned away, forcing himself to move–desperate for a distraction before his thoughts could linger too long on her scent.

Because his wolf, the usually rigid and controlled beast, writhed beneath his skin, drawn to her: to the delicate weight of her body pressed against his, to the intoxicating warmth of her feminine scent, sharp and dangerously tempting, pulling at instincts he barely dared acknowledge,

Ezra blinked once, forcing his composure back into place.

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