Chapter 191
After Lucien drives away, Claire is visibly shaken, trembling from the emotional turmoil caused by memories of her college tormentor and Liam’s betrayal. Lucien notices her distress and stops the car, offering comfort and water. Claire explains that her pain isn’t jealousy but stems from the fact that Liam chose to be with the woman who had tormented her for years, deepening her feelings of betrayal and questioning the value of her past sacrifices.
From Lucien’s perspective, he feels a painful mix of regret and protectiveness. He recalls his own harsh treatment of Claire during his early days as Alpha but is now determined to protect her from any further harm. He reassures her that the past is behind them and promises to be her shield moving forward. Their interaction grows intimate as Lucien gently initiates a kiss, trying to soothe Claire’s pain, and she responds with a mix of nervousness and vulnerability.
Their moment is interrupted by a phone call from Mr. White regarding custom furniture for Alpha Thorne. Lucien insists on going to inspect the furniture in person, which causes Claire to blush with embarrassment over their public appearance. Lucien teases her about wanting to “play the bad girl” and commit to their relationship, but Claire deflects the topic to avoid confrontation.
As they enter the company building, Lucien holds Claire’s hand firmly, enjoying her attempts to pull away. When two workers carrying the heavy custom furniture pass by, Claire tries to help but is caught off guard by the weight, nearly losing control. Lucien quickly steps in, taking the load from her and showing his concern and protectiveness, reinforcing his role as her protector.
Chapter 190: Want to Play the Bad Girl
Even after Lucien had driven away from the parking lot, my body trembled uncontrollably, as if my nerves were frayed beyond repair.
Lucien glanced at me repeatedly, his brows knitting together with concern until he could no longer ignore the distress etched across my face. Without hesitation, he pulled the car to the side of the road. Reaching into the console, he retrieved a bottle of water and handed it to me gently. His fingers tenderly brushed back the strands of hair that had fallen across my forehead, an unspoken attempt to soothe me.
“What’s wrong? You’re not seriously jealous of Liam and that woman, are you?” he asked softly.
I accepted the water, swallowing greedily before shaking my head. “It’s not jealousy,” I murmured. “That woman tormented me mercilessly for four years during college. Liam knew about it, yet he still chose to be with her. It’s like he wanted to unlock a new level of betrayal just to hurt me p>
I bit my lip hard, tasting the faint metallic tang of blood. We were broken up now—completely severed. Who Liam chose to date was no longer my concern. But the fact that he picked the one person I despised most and flaunted her in front of me as if it were some cruel joke cut deeper than I wanted to admit.
His choices made me question everything: Had all my past sacrifices meant nothing? Why did he understand me so little? Even after he rejected me, he seemed intent on finding my weakest points and tearing them open, eroding whatever goodwill I had left.
LUCIEN’S POV
Hearing Claire’s words twisted something painfully inside me. The years she spent in college coincided with my early days as Alpha of the Crown of Thornes pack, a time when I was still grappling with the heavy burden of leadership after my father’s decline. Back then, my hatred for Claire and her mother had been all-consuming. Her struggles at school had never crossed my mind—if anything, I had relished her suffering.
Now, that regret gnawed at me relentlessly. It was why I was determined to win her over, even if it had to be at her slow, cautious pace. But to learn that someone else had been tormenting her all along ignited a fierce protective instinct in me—a primal urge to shield her and destroy anyone who dared to hurt her.
Four years of bullying? And all this time, I had been the one humiliating, taunting, and intimidating her—yet there was someone else doing the same? The realization stabbed sharply at my heart.
I reached over, took her hand in mine, and pulled her close into a comforting embrace. “Enough of this for now,” I said firmly. “Like the fool who brought that b***h back into your life, it’s all behind us. Don’t dwell on it anymore. From now on, I’m the one who’ll protect you p>
My voice was low and steady, resonating just above her head. As I spoke, I guided her hand to rest against my waist.
Claire snapped out of her daze and instinctively tried to pull away, but I held her hand firmly, encouraging it to trace the line along my side.
“Um… Lucien, you can just drop me off after the next traffic light. I have a meeting this afternoon,” Claire said, attempting to sound casual, though her voice betrayed a hint of nervousness.
I responded with a low hum, my voice thickening with a different kind of emotion. Slowly, my hand slipped beneath the hem of her blouse. Before she could react, my fingers deftly began undoing the buttons one by one.
Her breathing hitched—sometimes quick and shallow, other times faint and trembling. I wanted to erase every trace of pain or worry from her mind, and judging by her response, it was working.
“Don’t—1-1,” she began, trying to protest, but the seat silently reclined, and before she could finish, my lips found hers—soft as a whisper, light as a cloud.
I already knew she was helpless against my kisses, and if this was what it took to ease the ache that prick Liam kept inflicting, then I was more than willing to kiss her all day, every day.
Claire closed her eyes fully, unable to speak another word. Neither of us noticed how much time passed until her phone suddenly rang, breaking the spell.
“I—I need to get that,” she stammered, trying to push me away.
But I made no move to stop my exploration. “Answer it,” I murmured, my voice low as it brushed against her skin.
Her cheeks flushed a deep red. “No, you—like this—I can’t talk p>
Fumbling awkwardly, she stared at the caller ID: “Mr. White p>
I paused my movements.
Claire took a shaky breath and answered, “Hello, Mr. White p>
“Claire, I stopped by your office, but you weren’t there. The custom furniture for Alpha Thorne is finished. Come to the workshop to inspect it later. We’ll send photos to Alpha Thorne for approval before delivery,” Merlin’s voice came through.
“Oh, okay, I’ll be right—” Claire began hastily.
Before she could finish, I cut in clearly, “There’s no need to send photos, Mr. White. Claire and I will come over now p>
Claire’s face tightened instantly.
On the other end, Mr. White must have been so surprised he dropped his phone, followed by the rustling sound of him picking it up again. “Alpha Thorne—you’re with Claire now p>
“That’s right, Mr. White. We just had lunch together. This works out perfectly; I’ll bring Lucien over now to see it,” Claire explained quickly, afraid of any misunderstanding, then hung up abruptly.
“What? Afraid of people finding out? Claire, I’m starting to feel like a dirty mistress,” I teased, watching her blush deepen. “Didn’t we agree not to go public p>
I hooked a finger gently under her chin and couldn’t resist leaning in for another quick kiss. “No refusals, no initiatives, and no responsibilities? You want to be a player with me, is that it p>
Claire buried her face in her hands, clearly mortified. She knew I had overheard everything she and Liyah had talked about.
“That—that was Liyah’s saying,” Claire tried desperately to shift the blame.
I pried her fingers away one by one until I could see her flushed face again. “So, that means you do want to commit to me now p>
Of course, that wasn’t exactly what she meant—not yet, anyway.
Instead of risking words that might hurt me, she quickly changed the subject. “You should start driving. Mr. White is waiting for us at the company p>
Seeing her face as red as a ripe cherry tomato, I finally held back my amusement and stopped teasing. I drove straight into the parking lot at Moonves’s entrance, then walked alongside Claire into the building.
Mr. White was already waiting in the lobby. When he saw us arrive together, a knowing smile spread across his face. He stepped forward eagerly. “Alpha Thorne, what a coincidence you’re here today. The furniture is in the workshop. Please, follow me p>
With that, he led the way.
Claire moved to follow, but suddenly, I grabbed her hand, pulling her to walk beside me.
She struggled to free her hand, but I made no move to let go. I was enjoying her adorable little squirm.
My world was often dark and filled with pain, but Claire was like a shaft of light breaking through the gloom. Everything about her inspired me.
Just then, two workers carrying a large piece of furniture passed by us—it was the custom-ordered piece I had commissioned.
Seizing the opportunity to escape my grip, Claire didn’t hesitate. She called out to the workers, “Is that heavy? Let me help p>
Without waiting for a response, she rushed forward and grabbed one corner of the furniture.
Whoosh—
Her intention had been simply to break free from my hold, but she hadn’t anticipated the actual weight.
The corner dipped sharply toward her, the heavy load knocking the wind out of her in an instant.
A surge of protectiveness flooded through me.
I lunged forward and, with steady hands, took the weight off her delicate shoulders, firmly supporting the furniture beside her.
“Got it,” I murmured, my voice thick with concern as I held the heavy piece steady.
The chapter closes on a poignant note, capturing the complex interplay of vulnerability and strength between Claire and Lucien. Despite the shadows cast by past betrayals and lingering pain, their connection deepens through moments of tenderness and mutual protection. Lucien’s determination to shield Claire from harm and her own quiet resilience in the face of emotional turmoil reveal a fragile yet growing trust, hinting at the possibility of healing and renewal.
Amidst the tension and unspoken fears, the small gestures—a touch, a kiss, the shared burden of heavy furniture—symbolize their tentative steps toward understanding and closeness. Though uncertainties remain, the chapter beautifully portrays the delicate balance of power and affection, pain and hope, as they navigate the fragile space between past wounds and future promises.
Next chapter promises to deepen the complex emotions swirling between Claire and Lucien, as the fragile trust they are building faces new tests. Lucien’s protective instincts have been ignited, but Claire’s past and present continue to cast long shadows over their fragile connection. The tension between wanting to move forward and the ghosts of old wounds will create an atmosphere thick with both vulnerability and desire.
As they navigate the challenges of their intertwined lives, unexpected moments of tenderness will clash with the lingering pain from betrayals and misunderstandings. The delicate balance between control and surrender will be tested, and both Claire and Lucien will have to confront their fears about opening up fully to one another. The next chapter hints at the possibility of breakthroughs, but also the risk of setbacks, making every interaction charged with emotional intensity and unspoken questions.
Lucia Morh
Lucia Morh is a passionate storyteller who brings emotions to life through her words. When she’s not writing, she finds peace nurturing her garden.