Addicted To Her The Alpha'S Irresistible Contract Mate novel Chapter 54

54 Chapter 54 It felt right

Lucy’s pov :

The private lounge at Kingsley Enterprises felt like a world apart from the chaotic pack lands.

I perched on the edge of the couch, my hands clasped tightly in my lap, skirt smoothed over my knees as if that could hide how out of place I felt. Carla had left us with a polite smile and a quiet click of the door, sealing Ronan and me in this intimate

space.

My poor heart pounded erratically; this was the alpha I’d barely met, the one Grandpa had thrust upon me in that disastrous engagement announcement, the one I’d run from in a panic. Now, here we were, alone, and I had no idea what to expect.

Ronan eased into the seat across from me, his tall, broad–shouldered frame making the

couch seem almost too small for him. He wore a tailored suit that accentuated his

athletic build, dark hair neatly styled, and those striking blue eyes that seemed to see right through my nerves.

His scent was alpha–strong but not overwhelming, like he was holding back to put me at ease. He leaned back casually, one arm draped over the backrest, watching me with a gentle curiosity that made my cheeks warm.

“Thanks for coming in here with me, Lucy,” he said, his voice deep and smooth,

carrying that gentle undertone that contrasted his commanding presence. “I know this might feel awkward after… well, everything.”

I nodded quickly, my fingers fidgeting with the edge of my sleeve. Awkward didn’t even cover it, I’d bolted from the engagement like a scared rabbit, leaving everyone stunned.

“Yeah, um… about that. Running away like that… I’m really sorry. It was impulsive. I just… panicked.”

He chuckled softly, the sound warm and disarming, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “Panicked? I’d say it was more like a strategic retreat. Smart move though, it leaves the enemy guessing”

He teased lightly, tilting his head with a playful glint, but there was no mockery, just a gentle nudge that caught me off guard.

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54 Chapter 54 It felt right

I blinked, stunned for a moment. “You’re not… mad?”

“Mad?” He raised an eyebrow, leaning forward slightly, elbows on his knees now. “Lucy, if I got mad every time someone ran from an arranged engagement, I’d never leave my den. Besides, it gave me a story to tell. ‘The one that got away, literally.””

Heat rushed to my face, a mix of embarrassment and surprise at how he turned my mortifying escape into a joke. I opened my mouth to protest, but a small laugh escaped instead.

“That’s not fair. I didn’t mean to make it a spectacle.”

“Fair?” He grinned, eyes twinkling with mischief. “Life’s not fair, especially when grandpas play matchmaker. But seriously, no hard feelings. I wanted to talk because… well, I need to clear something up.”

My throat tightened, the anxiety creeping back. “Clear what up?”

He held my gaze steadily, his alpha sincerity shining through,earnest, unwavering, without a hint of the duty–bound formality I’d expected. “I like you, Lucy. Not because of some alliance or Grandpa’s decree. When he sent your photo, I didn’t agree out of obligation. I agreed because I fell for you at the first sight. It’s not just dutiful; it’s genuine.”

The words hit me like a sudden gust of wind, knocking the breath from my lungs. Shocked, I stared at him, my mind reeling. I’d assumed it was all politics, borders, packs, strategic unions. But here he was, confessing with that raw honesty, his voice gentle yet firm, eyes locked on mine as if willing me to believe.

Affection? Real affection, not just a nod to tradition? For me, the girl who’d run away in tears? “You… you really mean that? It’s not just… because you have to say it?”

He laughed gently, shaking his head, the teasing returning with a soft edge. “Have to? Lucy, alphas don’t ‘have to‘ say anything. But if I must prove it, maybe I should run away next time, see how you like chasing.”

He winked, lightening the moment, but his sincerity lingered, leaving me stunned and flustered.

“I… I don’t know what to say,” I admitted. How could he be so straightforward yet playful? It left me off–balance, foolishly charmed despite myself.

“Then don’t say anything yet,” he replied kindly, pouring us both coffee from the pot on

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54 Chapter 54 It felt right

the table, his movements steady and unhurried,alpha grace that made even simple acts seem confident. He handed me a cup, our fingers brushing briefly, sending an unexpected tingle up my arm. “Tell me about you instead. Hobbies? What do you do when you’re not making dramatic exits from engagements?”

I took the cup, grateful for the distraction, but his teasing grin made my pulse skip. “Um, well… I like painting. Landscapes, mostly, the woods, the lake under the moon. It’s calming.”

He sipped his coffee, eyes lighting up with amusement over the rim. “Painting? That’s interestingly calm for your not so calm personality.”

Stunned again, I sputtered a laugh, caught off guard by how spot–on yet playful it was. “Hey! No, I’m calm… usually. Okay, fine, I’ve had a few accidents. Blue hair once, it washed out eventually.”

“Blue hair?” He leaned back, chuckling deeply, the sound vibrating through the room like a warm wave. “Now that’s a look I’d pay to see. Artistic rebellion suits you, better than running from engagements, anyway.”

The tease was gentle, referencing my escape without judgment, but it left me flushing deeper, stunned at how he wove humor into everything.

“It’s not rebellion,” I protested weakly, but smiling now. “Just… messy creativity.”

“I like that,” he said, his tone approving yet playful. “What else? Books? Sports? Secret talents like juggling fire or something equally dangerous?”

I hesitated, then admitted, “Reading, mostly. Fantasy books, where omegas can be heroes, fight dragons, that sort of thing.”

“Ah, fantasy,” he echoed, nodding sagely before grinning. “So you’re the one dreaming of slaying beasts? Bet you’d charm the dragon into submission first, though, no need for swords when you’ve got that smile.” He teased softly, eyes twinkling, leaning in as if sharing a secret.

My mouth fell open slightly, stunned once more,how did he guess that? “I… maybe. Befriending sounds better than fighting”

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