The Billionaire's Maid Bride novel Chapter 688

“I was down to my last grand when sophomore year hit, and that's when I struck gold with a little piece of software I cooked up. During my junior year, I landed a gig at BritainLindberg Corp, starting as a regular code monkey in R&D. Within six months, I was leading the team; a year and a half later, I was the assistant manager. I kept climbing that ladder, one rung at a time. The old man always said we had to earn our stripes. Spent a good chunk of years over in Britain, worked my way up to executive vice-president, then I came back stateside to manage the family business at Lindberg Corp.”

Allison couldn't believe how strict an old-money family could be.

Cut off from the trust fund in college? That's just...

"I had this picture in my head, you know? That you guys lived the life. Never worrying about clothes or food, snapping your fingers and getting whatever your heart desired. Designer bags, fancy threads, and an allowance that's more than most people make in a year."

Lucian nodded, "That's true for some, but not for me."

He pulled out a napkin, gently wiping a spot of sauce from Allison's lips. "Easy there, you've got a little something," he said, his long fingers moving delicately, his eyes fixed on her as if she were a masterpiece.

Allison suddenly grabbed his hand and leaned in, planting a quick kiss on his cheek, sauce and all. "What's wrong with a little sauce? Are you grossed out by me?"

Lucian's eyes darkened, the teasing kiss lighting a fire within him that he struggled to control.

His body felt ablaze.

When Allison saw him staring without a word, she thought he was upset about the sauce and acted on impulse, giving him a stealthy peck. "I... I didn't mean to, let me clean that up for you," she said, reaching for a napkin to wipe his cheek, her touch as light as a feather.

Lucian captured her hand, his voice husky, "I was just thinking you might need a break, but it seems you can't wait."

The couch, though fit for two, was a tight squeeze. As Allison shifted, she nearly slipped off, but Lucian held her close, his arms firm around her waist. "Should we take this to the bedroom?" she suggested, her grip tightening on his arm.

"So eager?" he teased as his fingers tilted her chin upward. "Allison, do you even know how tempting you are?"

He watched her cheeks flush, this woman who had been with him for so long, yet still blushed at the slightest provocation. She was conservative in some ways but irresistibly alluring in others. Her amber eyes met his with a mix of innocence and desire that made Lucian want to give her the world.

By the time Allison woke up the next morning, it was late. She wondered if the man ever slept, and as exhaustion took over, she'd fallen into a deep slumber.

Sitting up, she noticed she was dressed in a clean, soft nightgown. It must have been his doing.