Defying the Lycan King (Kira and Derek) novel Chapter 23

Chapter 23: Not My Type

When Kira got back to her room, she found Mara and another maid moving her belongings from her bedroom into the next room, which was Derek’s bedroom.

"Excuse me," Kira said slowly, brows knitting in confusion. "What’s going on?"

The maids bowed. "Your Highness, the King ordered that your belongings be moved into his room," Mara explained.

"Why?"

Mara shrugged. "He doesn’t usually explain himself."

Kira watched in disbelief as her things disappeared into Derek’s bedroom. Why on earth would he want her in the same room?

She had just finished bathing in her bedroom, refusing to move into Derek’s room, and pulled on jeans and a tee when the door flew open and Derek strode in, bare-chested and still damp from training but looking way calmer than she had seen him in the training ground. His citrus scent mixed with sweat filled the room instantly, and she quickly looked away.

"Have you ever heard of knocking?" she snapped, trying to sound fearless, even though her heart pounded from the memories of his fury minutes ago.

"It’s my house," he replied coolly. "I go where I want."

"What do you want, and why are you shirtless in my room?"

"If my lack of a shirt offends your delicate sensibilities, you’re welcome to leave the room," he said. "We need to talk."

"I’ve got nothing to say to you."

"Too bad. I have a lot to say," he replied. "In my bedroom."

"I’m not moving in with you."

"Yes, you are. You’re my wife."

"On paper!" she shot back. "Whatever happened to separate lives when we’re alone? How does that work if we share a room?"

"Nana is coming here," he said flatly. "We need to act."

Kira looked up at him and blinked. "As in here in this mansion?"

"No, at the Council hall," he replied sarcastically.

Kira eyed him, her nose scrunched up, wondering why he was so adamant about making Nana believe in this marriage. But whatever this was, it mattered to him.

"Fine," she muttered. "Lead the way."

"Follow me. Now."

It wasn’t a suggestion. It was a command. He opened the adjoining door and walked in without looking back.

The moment Kira stepped inside, Derek shoved a piece of laminated paper towards her. Kira eyed it with a scowl before snatching it from his hand.

"These are rules to follow. Our marriage is official now," Derek said, his voice low and clipped. "My coronation comes in six months. In the house, we stay out of each other’s way, but in public, I expect you to act affectionate towards me."

Kira’s eyes narrowed as she skimmed the list on the paper. "Are you sure you can handle my affection for that long, Your Grace?"

He let out a sound that sounded like a scoff. "You are not my type of woman," he replied without hesitation. "So that won’t be a problem."

She looked up sharply, her face twisting in irritation. His words didn’t hurt exactly, but a sharp twinge shot through her chest anyway. She chalked it up to a bruised ego. Still, the thought annoyed her. Was he implying she wasn’t attractive?

She opened her mouth to fire back, something sharp and cutting, something that would dent his pride too, but her gaze dropped to his chiselled abs instead. Firm. Ridiculous. Infuriatingly distracting.

She had deliberately avoided looking at him after he handed over his dumb rules. If she wasn’t so pissed off, she might actually find him hot.

She released a small breath before she could stop herself. "I see the feeling is mutual."

"Read the rules out loud," he said flatly, brushing her off.

Kira rolled her eyes and started.

"Rule one: we must present a united front in public. Rule two: if we must see anyone else, it should be done in secret and never let the public find out."

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