Chosen By The Cursed Alpha King (Emilia) novel Chapter 179

ADELE’S POV

“Goddess, you both should get a room,” Emilia said, her voice laced with amusement as she fanned herself dramatically with one of the menu drafts.

I turned to her, blinking like I’d been caught with my hand in the cookie jar. “What?”

She smirked, leaning back in her chair with that queenly grace that made even teasing look elegant. Her hand rested on her belly bump, which seemed to grow a little every day. “That man has been looking at you like he wants to devour you. And don’t think I haven’t noticed you sneaking glances back.”

I felt my cheeks heat up instantly. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Oh yeah?” Emilia arched a perfect brow, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Sure, Adele. Keep telling yourself that.”

I tried to focus on the menu in front of me-roast venison with herb crust, wild berry tarts, some fancy wine pairings …but my gaze betrayed me.

It drifted across the royal hall to where Lucien stood with the king. The massive room was buzzing with activity: servants hanging twinkling fairy lights, florists arranging massive bouquets of roses and musicians tuning instruments in the corner.

Preparations for the ball were in full swing, and the air was filled with the scent of fresh flowers.

Lucien was deep in conversation with the king, his broad shoulders filling out that black shirt like it was painted on.

His dark hair was slightly tousled, like he’d run his fingers through it one too many times-probably thinking about me, if his heated stares were any indication. He nodded at something the king said, but then his eyes flicked my way.

Again.

Our gazes locked.

The look in his eyes was dangerous. Dark. Hungry. Like he was imagining stripping me bare right there in the middle of the hall, consequences be damned. Heat pooled low in my belly, instant and insistent. I bit my lip without thinking, memories from last night crashing over me like a wave.

Him, naked and glistening from the shower, hand wrapped around himself, stroking slow and deliberate while he moaned my name. The way his muscles had flexed, the low growl in his throat, the way he’d come undone while staring right at me.

Goddess, I’d almost jumped him then and there. Almost given in to the ache between my legs and begged him to touch me. But I hadn’t. I’d played it cool. And this morning? Straddling him, grinding against his hard length until he cursed my name… yeah, that had beenpayback. Sweet, torturous payback.

But now? Now I was the one squirming in my seat, thighs pressing tegether under the table as l imagined what he’d do if we were alone. His hands on me…rough, possessive.

His mouth trailing fire down my neck, lower, until was the one moaning.

“Adele?”

Emilia’s voice snapped me back. I blinked, realizing l’d been staring at Lucien way too long. My face burned. ” Sorry, what?”

She laughed, a soft, knowing sound. “You have that look on your face. The one that says you’re about two seconds from dragging him off to a dark corner.”

The ladder wobbled.

My heart lurched. I grabbed for the rung above, but it shook again-unstable, maybe not locked properly. A scream tore from my throat as gravity pulled me backward. Time slowed. The floor rushed up, hard and unforgiving marble that would hurt like hell.

I braced for impact.

But strong arms caught me instead.

I gasped as I landed against a solid chest, the impact knocking the air from my lungs. Familiar scent hit me.

My hands clutched at broad shoulders on instinct, fingers digging into muscle.

I looked up, heart pounding.

Definitely not who I expected.

His face was close…too close…dark eyes gleaming with concern and something else. Amusement? His lips curved into a slow smile, arms still locked around me like he hadno intention of letting go.

“Careful there, Adele,” he murmured, voice low and smooth. “Wouldn’t want you getting hurt before the ball.”