The Billionaire’s Secret Quartet (Thalassa and Elowen) novel Chapter 1206

The scorching breath tickled the edges of Thalassa's ear, carrying an invasive scent of peril.

Her body tensed, frozen in place, her pupils dilated, eyes flickering with uncertainty.

Lysander's words were eerily familiar. Weren't they the same ones she'd uttered to him not too long ago?

Back then, when little Elowen had offered Lysander some homemade cookies, Thalassa, worried that he'd refuse and hurt the child's feelings, had advised him, “Don’t reject the kindness of a child; it might break their heart.”

Now, Lysander had turned her words back on her. How could she possibly refuse?

But sitting on his lap, this way—when a child does it, it’s the sweetness of a father-daughter bond.

And her? Sitting on Lysander’s lap, it could only seem awkward, the sort of thing to set tongues wagging and minds wandering.

Thalassa squirmed uncomfortably, her body rigid, her cheeks burning, she reminded him, “Your leg is still injured. Shouldn’t you be more careful?”

His leg, after all, was still recovering from that nasty burn.

“It’s fine,” Lysander murmured in his deep, resonant voice, his hand circling her waist to pull her closer, adjusting her seating.

Just as he would with Elowen, cradling her small frame, he enveloped Thalassa, creating the image of her nestled safely in his arms.

Although Thalassa was an adult, next to Lysander, her petite form seemed childlike in his strong, broad embrace.

Feeling the masculine scent of him, being held like a child, her face turned a deeper shade of red and her breathing grew labored. But Lysander's words left her unable to struggle or protest, and she didn’t dare to.