Aria's pov
"What do you mean you invited him, Lucian?,is this to spite me or what?"
The room went dead silent as Ethan walked in.
The guests shifted uncomfortably, whispers rippling through the room like wind over water.
I stood frozen at the altar,"Why did you invite him?,to spite me?"
"Everthing does not revolve around you Aria,get a grip" Lucian replied with a fierce tone.
I looked down the aisle to see Ethan lingering near the back, still smiling, as if he'd just arrived at a casual cocktail party. My blood boiled. I wanted to march down the aisle, rip the glass from his hand, and throw it in his face.
I took one step forward.
Lucian's fingers tightened painfully. "Don't."
I whipped my head toward him. "He's here, at our wedding. You invited my enemy to my own wedding, Lucian."
"He's a potential business partner. I invited half the board and several investors. He happens to be useful right now."Lucian replied with a low tone,his voice signaling that I should probably tone it down since everyone was staring.
But I didn't care,he invited him,he knew it'd be catastrophic,yet he did.
I yanked my hand free "Useful? He stole my company. He cheated on me. He left me for dead. And you want me to smile and play happy wife while he stands there gloating?"
Lucian leaned in, lips brushing my ear. "Put your emotions aside, Aria. I know you want revenge but you'll have to let me handle it my own way. I have been meaning to deal with this bastard for a long time now. Marrying you was the first step in my plan."
I yanked my hand free. " I don't care about any fucked up reason which made you marry me but if your way means letting him breathe the same air as me on my wedding day,I'd rather end the entire contract"
His eyes darkened. "My way means he loses everything Aria, slowly and in the public space he loves so much."
I glared at him, chest heaving. The officiant cleared his throat awkwardly. Guests were watching. Phones were already out ready to record the drama.Its funny how my life turned from private to the most trending topic on the internet.
Lucian offered his arm again, expression unreadable. "Smile. We walk out together."
I hated him in that moment. But I placed my hand on his arm and forced a smile, whatever his intentions were,if it includes bringing Ethan down,then I'm in for it.
We walked past Ethan. He raised his glass again, eyes gleaming with triumph.
"Beautiful ceremony," he called. "You look stunning, Aria. Almost like you belong."
Lucian's jaw clenched, but he said nothing. We continued to the exit, the weight of every stare pressing down on me.
The reception was unbearably long and filled with champagne, forced congratulations, toasts that tasted like ash. Ethan left early, but his presence lingered like smoke.
By the time we returned to the penthouse,it was few minutes past midnight
Lucian loosened his tie the moment the elevator doors closed. "You did well tonight."
I didn't answer. I walked straight to the guest suite and slammed the door.
I stripped out of the wedding gown and went into the shower.
I stood under the shower longer than I could remember that my skin turned red from the excessive scrubbing.
I wanted to wash away the day, the humiliation and Ethan's smirk that kept appearing in my thoughts.
When I emerged in a simple black robe, Lucian was waiting in the room.
He had changed into black silk pajama pants and nothing else. His chest was bare, muscles shifting under golden skin as he poured two glasses of whiskey.
He held one out to me but I refused it.
"You invited him," I said again, voice shaking. "You let him stand there and mock me on my wedding day."
Lucian set the glass down. "I invited him because he still controls assets I want. He thinks he's winning and in games like this you have to let him think so,it makes him careless."
"You could have warned me."
"Would you have walked down that aisle if you knew?"
I looked away. "No."
"Exactly." He stepped closer. "You're angry. I understand,but tonight is not about Ethan."
His fingers caught the tie of my robe and tugged gently.
I grabbed his wrist. "Don't."
He paused, eyes searching mine. "You signed the contract."
"It's the first night Lucian, I need some rest."
Lucian's thumb brushed my collarbone.
"You're shaking."
"I'm furious."
"You're also aroused."
Heat flooded my cheeks. I hated that he was right.
He leaned in, lips grazing my temple. "Tell me to stop, and I will. Tonight."
I closed my eyes. "I hate you."
"I know."
His mouth found mine.
The kiss was slow this time,deliberate and consuming.
His tongue traced the seam of my lips until I opened for him. When I did, he groaned low in his throat, the sound vibrating through me.
He backed me toward the bedroom—his bedroom.
Putting me down,he gently slid my robe from my shoulders. I stood naked before him.
Lucian's gaze raked over "Beautiful," he breathed.
He shed his pants in one fluid motion. His body was sculpted. He stood there aroused,thick and ready.
I swallowed.
He lifted me effortlessly and laid me on the black sheets with his mouth down my throat.
His hands palmed my breasts, pinching my nipples until I gasped.
He kissed lower, tongue circling one peak, then the other, sucking deep until my back arched.
"Say my name," he demanded against my skin.
"Lucian…"
He rewarded me by sliding lower, kissing a burning trail down my stomach. When he reached the apex of my thighs, he parted me with gentle fingers.
"You're wet for me already," he murmured, voice rough. "Soaking."
I whimpered.
His tongue flicked over my clit then circled slowly and repeatedly. I bucked. He pinned my hips down with one strong forearm.
"Stay still," he ordered.
He devoured me,tongue plunging inside then returning to my clit.
My fingers tangled in his hair, hips lifting despite his command.
"Lucian—please—"
He slid two fingers inside me,stroking that perfect spot while his mouth worked my clit.
He rose over me, kissing me deeply so I tasted myself on his tongue.
Then he positioned dick close to my clit.
"Look at me," he commanded.
He pushed inside slowly, inch by inch, stretching me until his dick filled me completely.
I gasped at the fullness, the burn, the pleasure.
He groaned, forehead pressed to mine. "So tight… so perfect."
He began to make measured thrusts that hit every sensitive spot. My legs wrapped around his waist instinctively. He drove harder, faster, hips snapping, skin slapping against skin.
"Say my name bitch" he growled with each thrust. "Say it."
"Lucian," I moaned, nails digging into his back.
"Fuuuuck"he groaned as he came inside me,I could feel his semen sliding deep into my clit.
We collapsed together, breathing hard, sweat-slicked.
For a long moment, neither spoke.Then Lucian rolled to his side
drawer,opened it and brought out some pills.
It was birth control pills."Take this"he ordered as he put on his underwear.
"Are you fucking kidding me?!"