Rumors. So, they had finally reached Milena’s ears. He had tried his best to keep a lid on them.
“Who told you that?”
“Claudia told me everything.”
Damn that sister of mine.
Lexion ground his teeth silently but couldn’t hide his dismay at her next words.
“They say you’re a notorious playboy—promiscuous. That it’s natural for you to have women around. That scandals about you are rampant in the capital’s social scene. They warned me not to be surprised if women show up at parties claiming to be your mistress. That’s why I’m seriously considering things.”
“Con—considering what?”
“Hmm, whether I can date someone so debauched?”
Lexion’s lips twitched. His past was coming back to bite him. No one knew better than him how trashy his reputation was. That’s why he couldn’t help but be nervous. He couldn’t lose this woman. His instincts yearned for her. At the very least, he had to anchor her heart to this place. Desperately, he pleaded:
“Darling, we’re already married.”
“Yes. A one-year contract.”
Why was he floundering so much? Maybe she should stop teasing him now. She had only wanted to confirm the facts.
“They say you don’t stop women from coming or going. That you’ve been with all of them… Well, I guess that’s to be expected for an adult.”
Milena, muttering half to herself, was abruptly pulled by the shoulders.
“I swear to the gods, I haven’t slept with anyone. I mean—I did sleep beside them, but not like that. What I mean is… no matter what rumors you hear, I want you to know I didn’t live that filthy a life.”
“……”
The more he spoke, the more it felt like he was crossing a bridge of no return. He wasn’t some prince-like scum. If only she understood how wrongly he was judged. She looked up at him in silence with unreadable eyes.
“Did you meet them, then?”
“……”
Lexion avoided her gaze. That couldn’t be helped. But he couldn’t exactly explain everything, either. How could he tell her? If he started from the beginning, he’d have to reveal that he was the head of an information guild.
The sound of raindrops tapping the window filled the silence. His sharp jaw and high nose bridge were more pronounced in the dim light.
Milena gently lifted his chin. Gulp. His throat bobbed instinctively.
“Is there anyone else you’re seeing now?”
“Of course not?”
Why did it sound like a question? His hesitation only made Milena’s eyes grow darker.
“Then what about the women who’d threaten me with a knife upon hearing you’re married?”
“I… I’ll make sure there aren’t any.”
With the nervous man in front of her, she let out a sigh. She’d confirmed everything she needed.
“Relax. We don’t really have a choice in this, do we?”
“Huh?”
“You proposed to me even knowing the rumors that I was a villainess.”
“That was… just rumors—”
“Exactly. You’re just a rumor, too, aren’t you?”
It was true—rumors were just rumors. But they were born from his own actions. Something stirred inside him. She believes me this much? Why?
“Well, even if you were a real philanderer, what could I do? I’m only your wife for a year.”
“No, Milena, I—”
She rose slightly on tiptoe and pressed her finger against his lips. Seeing his eyes, full of injustice, she smiled softly.
“So just be faithful and behave.”
“Faithful…?”
Lexion blankly echoed her words, then sagged with a sigh. The tension melting from his body left him sore all over.
“Ha… Fine. I’ll be good. So, can I hold you now, honey?”
He pleaded desperately. When she opened her arms slightly, he nestled into them, rubbing his face like a child seeking comfort.
Whatever he had been doing lately, he only came home late at night.
“I’m not going to share my man with anyone else.”
“Okay.”
“Don’t forget you’re my husband as long as I’m here. Are you even listening?”
“Nope.”
Before she knew it, she was on the bed. With a snap of his fingers, the curtains closed and the room was shrouded in perfect darkness. Still, his crimson eyes traced her pale magic like a predator.
Her skin, revealed through the thin dress, was provocative. He swallowed hard.
As his lips lightly brushed hers, he held his breath. God, this is driving me insane. How could I ever let her go? As his body followed desire, so did his heart.
His self-control unraveled with his magic. Climbing over her, he took the wooden ring off her finger with his lips, kissing each digit as if seeking permission.
“You’re my first.”
“First what?”
The gown slipped off, revealing sculpted muscles. As she traced down his abs to the lower half of his body, it twitched at her touch.
“My body. My heart. Everything I feel right now—I’m offering it to one woman for the first time.”
So, please let me in. He licked his lips sensually. A man too alluring to resist.
An achingly beautiful man wanted her.
Now it was Milena who trembled with primal tension down her spine. The unfamiliar sensation, the raw desire in his eyes, made her dizzy.
Her first time. She had only vaguely imagined it might happen someday.
Will I be okay?
The fear of stepping into the unknown vanished quickly.
“Milena.”
He started from her toes, kissing his way up with gentle care. His movements were smooth, like he was floating, but his burning gaze stayed locked on her.
I only see you.
His red eyes spoke volumes, tempting her with silent passion.
“Milena.”
A seduction so dizzying, it could remain in her memory forever. Overwhelmed by his fervor, she crossed the line.
Sensing her small signals, he made his move without hesitation.
His strong hands gripped her waist, and his towering desire took her breath away.
“Milena Silbert.”
My wife.
His rough whisper seeped into her ear, seizing her entire being. The stimulation was so intense that she couldn’t stop the tears from falling. He kissed even those away, unwilling to waste a drop.
Her pale magic thickened, surging through his body. A shiver unlike anything she had felt gripped her. His intensity grew, as though he meant to devour her whole.
The heated room showed no signs of cooling. Their magic tangled and flared, refusing to dissipate. It felt like they’d burn to ashes together.
From head to toe, pleasure coursed through her. Overflowing satisfaction and joy.
In the heart of this new experience, Lexion’s desire had no end.
Was it his magic boiling, or his heart? He didn’t know. His wild gestures were a raw reflection of his unstoppable love for his wife.
“Ah—Lexion!”
A clap of thunder rang out, and her vision turned pure white.
After a torrential downpour, peace returned to the cozy bedroom, where a thoroughly satisfied beast now lay sleeping.
In a hazy state, Lexion reached out to pull his wife into his arms… but found nothing.
His eyes snapped open.
“Huh?! Y-you’re awake?”
He locked eyes with Jenny, who was picking up clothes from the floor.
“Who said you could come in?”
The murderous air around him made her pale as she trembled.
“T-the lady said she wanted a bath, so she called for me!”
“Sigh. Where’s Milena?”
“She just went into the bath. Didn’t you hear her?”
He hadn’t. A man so sensitive that even the slightest sound disturbed his sleep… had heard nothing.
It was clear—her white magic had completely subdued his own.
And strangely, he didn’t mind. In fact, he wanted to kiss her feet in gratitude.
“Is someone else helping her bathe?”
“Huh? No, my lady doesn’t like help with bathing, so she’s alone.”
“I see. Keep my nephew out of this room for a while. Send up a light breakfast. And don’t come back in until I say so.”
Startled by his bare chest as the blanket slid down, Jenny spun around quickly.
“B-but it’s not morning anymore!”
“What?”
“It’s lunchtime! And Madam Dowager said you must join her for lunch.”
Lexion froze, shocked to learn he’d slept till midday.
“I-I’ll be going then! Call me when the lady needs help getting dressed. Oh, and my brother said—”
“What about Gerard?”
“He said ever since you got married, you seem even crazier, and asked me to check if you were still sane.”
“Jenny.”
“Yes, sir!”
“Leave.”
“Yes, sir!”
Jenny fled as if running for her life. In the silence, the soft splash of water echoed from the bath.
Throwing on a robe, Lexion stood before the bathroom door.
Knock knock.
“Jenny? It’s okay, I can do it myself.”
Strangely, hearing her voice soothed the emptiness he felt from not seeing her in bed.
“Honey, can I come in?”
“……”
“Sweetheart, I’m coming in.”
I asked for permission, so it’s fine. A convenient justification.
As the door opened, steam filled the room—and there she was, enveloped in his scent.
“You—you didn’t get permission!”
She shrieked, hastily covering herself. Her skin was flushed and still bore his marks.
Lexion had no idea.
That he was smiling in a way he never had for anyone else.
That he didn’t even know what ruled his emotions anymore—
Only that, under his curved lashes, a dangerous thirst lingered.
Thank you very much
I’m in love too!!!! 😍😍😍