The Contracted Ever After (Cordelia and Ronan) novel Chapter 669

Cordelia was just about to leave when Ronan grabbed her wrist, yanking her back with such force that she fell onto the bed.

"What the hell, Ronan?" she snapped, irritation evident in her voice.

Their faces were mere inches apart, their breaths mingling. Ronan's expression was a mix of anger and frustration, tinged with disappointment.

In a heated whisper, he confessed, "He's not my kid, he means nothing to me! What's wrong with using him as a shield to protect you and Callum? You two are my everything, my world. I can't lose you!"

Cordelia’s heart softened at his declaration of eternal love, a warm current flooding her chest. It didn't change her principles, though, and her tone softened, "But he's just a child, Ronan. It's wrong. Someday, you'll have to answer for it, maybe not in this life, but in the next."

Ronan traced her cheek with his finger, his voice a low murmur, "If I'm damned, will you join me?"

Cordelia's emotions churned as she met his gaze. "Can't you just avoid doing things that'll damn you?"

"I've already done them. Will you join me or not?" he pressed, urgency in his voice.

She hesitated, then nodded gravely, "I will."

Ronan's expression softened, a surge of pleasure warming him, though he kept his composure, barely letting a smile slip.

"If you're with me, what's there to fear? I'll use whatever I have to," Ronan declared confidently. "As long as you and Callum are safe, that's all that matters."

"You're not coming home?" Ronan's voice held a tinge of suspicion when she told him she'd spend the night at school. His kind always had trust issues, and he suspected it had something to do with Jayson.

"Yeah, I'm wiped out," Cordelia stretched in her campus home, "I need to be up early tomorrow, so you should get some sleep too."

"Will you make it to Lumos Enterprises' morning meeting?" he asked.

"I’ve got a commitment here at school tomorrow; it has to come first."

"So, everyone else can let you down except your man, is that it?" Ronan bit out, his jealousy barely contained.