Free Web NovelChapter 69: Chapter 69 Temptations
Third Person POV
Christina held the hem of her silk slip with two fingers, her bare feet silent against the cold marble floor.
No shoes.
Just pale skin against dark stone, each step like a spotlight in the dark.
Her skin looked warm against all that sleek obsidian.Almost glowing.
Hudson’s eyes followed the curve of her calves up to her thighs, then higher, past the gentle sway of the fabric.
The white silk clung to her curves and draped off her waist like it had been designed specifically for seduction.
Through the thin material, he traced the outline of her spine, the dip where her back met her hips, the subtle curves that made his mouth go dry.
Hudson swallowed hard.
Then closed the door.
Quickly. Silently.
Jaw clenched tight, forehead pressed against the cool wood.
"We’re watching her like some lovesick teenager," he muttered.
"No," Lycaon corrected. "Strategic observation of our mate."
He was the Alpha of The Sabreridge pack, not some horny college kid hiding behind doors to stare at a woman’s body.
Still, he didn’t move.
Just stood there, breathing heavily, while she moved around downstairs.
Eventually, he heard her coming back up, just as quietly as before.
Once her footsteps passed his door, Hudson stepped away, grabbed a towel, and headed straight to his bathroom.
He needed a cold shower.
A very long one.
***
Christina was already seated when Hudson entered the dining room the next morning.
She’d changed into a cream sweater, fitted jeans, and ankle boots.
Professional. Casual.
Warm in a way that tightened his chest, completely different from the lust he’d felt last night.
She looked... settled. Like she belonged in this house.
She stifled a yawn when she thought he wasn’t looking.
"You don’t need to be up this early," he said, pouring himself coffee. "Going somewhere important?"
She shrugged. "Not really. I’m taking some time off work."
He’d learned everything from Cassian already—the design competition, the office politics, the hostile takeover of her project.
He even knew her boss at Nyx Collective had called repeatedly, trying to persuade her to return.
Christina had refused.
What was her plan now? Find another design house? Launch her own brand? Take extended leave?
More importantly, when did she plan on telling him?
After decisions were made? During some impersonal dinner?
Or maybe never?
Hudson took a seat across from her. "Trouble at Nyx?" freewebnσvel.cѳm
She stirred her coffee absently. "Nothing major. Just needed space to think."
A blatant lie, but he let it slide.
For now.
They ate in silence for several minutes.
He glanced at her over his coffee cup. "Plans for today?"
"Yes. Another meeting at the law firm." She offered a small smile. "Your legal team works fast. They sent documents last night."
"Good." He almost suggested she conduct the meeting at Laurent Global Holdings instead, preferably where he could keep an eye on her, but restrained himself.
"Then meeting Ysolde for lunch."
"Geoffrey can drive you."
Christina looked toward the housekeeper, who smiled warmly at her.
She returned a polite smile before turning back to Hudson. "I’m fine taking a taxi. No need to inconvenience anyone."
"You drive?"
She nodded. "Got my license years ago."
"Take one of the cars then."
Her fork froze halfway to her mouth. "You mean one of those custom luxury vehicles worth more than my entire design portfolio? I’d need to sell all my jewelry just to fix a scratch."
He smiled, then frowned.
He appreciated her comfortable banter, but hated that she still viewed everything as his property. Not hers.
Definitely not theirs.
"My mistake. Those cars haven’t been driven in months. Probably need maintenance. What type of car do you prefer? I’ll have one delivered today."
She dropped her fork like it was hot. "No, really. I barely drive anymore. Walking is healthier anyway."
"The Luna of The Sabreridge pack can’t be seen waiting for buses," Hudson said firmly. "Either drive yourself or accept a driver."
Christina shifted uncomfortably. "Fine, I’ll drive myself... I still have that card your assistant gave me. I’ll purchase something modest. Speaking of finances," she added, "I don’t recall discussing a seven-figure monthly allowance. Can you cancel it?"
"No," he replied flatly. "You’re my wife. Certain appearances must be maintained. That includes appropriate transportation, priority access, and financial independence. Non-negotiable."
"That wasn’t part of our agreement," she countered.
"Wasn’t it?" he murmured, hiding his smirk behind his coffee cup. "Perhaps review Section Five, Subclause twenty-three of our contract."
"What?" she blinked, then mumbled under her breath, "I can’t even remember where I put that damn thing."
He knew exactly where it was, but wouldn’t volunteer that information.
He turned to Geoffrey. "Take Luna Christina car shopping after breakfast."
"Absolutely not," she interrupted quickly. "Really, it’s unnecessary. I know nothing about automobiles anyway." freewёbn૦νeɭ.com
Hudson didn’t hesitate. "Then we’ll have something appropriate delivered."
Which had been his intention from the beginning.
Christina muttered something inaudible and reluctantly conceded.
After finishing her meal, she excused herself to change.
Hudson instructed Geoffrey, "Ensure she’s comfortable with whatever vehicle you select."
"Of course, Alpha Hudson."
"And find matching vehicles. His and hers. Have mine delivered directly to the garage."
