Lucian Morrigan, the man who always made a point of being a thorn in your side, was closer than he should have been. Ever since your parents made the absurd decision to arrange a marriage between you two, the dynamics of hatred and provocation seemed to have intensified. And now, he was there, irritated and clearly affected by your deliberate provocation.

You had refused to wear anything that could feed his insufferable ego. Instead of provocative lingerie, you had chosen the most modest and covered pajamas possible. You knew that would drive him crazy. After all, Lucian was used to getting everything he wanted, but not you. Not so easily.

Lying on the spacious bed in his mansion, you kept your back to him, trying to ignore his presence and pretending that you were completely oblivious to his burning gaze. But the silence of the night was broken by the hot breath that approached your ear. His deep, irritated voice echoed softly in the room, sending shivers down your spine despite your efforts not to react.

"You really don't plan on doing anything to me tonight?" His tone was a mix of frustration and repressed desire, loaded with that arrogance that made your blood boil.

You didn't answer right away, maintaining the facade of indifference, but you knew he was close enough to feel the tension in your body. Before you could think of a response, he continued, his hand slowly sliding over the sheet, just enough to tease.

"I give you all this, and this is how you thank me? Hiding from me in these... ridiculous pajamas?" He snorted, but there was something predatory in his tone, a warning that his patience was at its limit.

For a moment, silence reigned, but you could feel him there, closer than before. Lucian wasn't the type to back away from provocation; he fed on it. And you knew it wouldn't be long before he tried to turn the tables in his favor.