The Devil's Betrothed novel Chapter 761

Chapter 761: This Is How I Feel

Erin turned to look back. First, she glanced at the hand that was holding hers, then slowly moved her gaze to meet Lucian’s. He was looking at her steadily, his gaze unwavering and filled with something more—something different than before.

With a light tug, he pulled her closer, and she ended up colliding against his chest. Her hand rested on his chest instinctively, but before she could move away, his arms wrapped around her, holding her firmly and securely against him.

"I do understand what you mean," his low, deep voice reached her ears, sending a shiver down her spine. His gaze held hers, puzzled yet intense, as he continued. "I am not good with words and probably never will be. But know this—you are the woman my heart chose because it fell for you long ago. I didn’t understand it then, but I always knew I felt something for you that I’d never felt for anyone else. And now, I know clearly—what I feel for you is love. I truly love you, Erin, and it would be impossible to live this life without you by my side."

Erin stared at him, her wide eyes searching his face, as if trying to confirm this wasn’t a dream. His words echoed in her heart, louder than she thought possible. It felt surreal—like her wishful thinking had manifested into reality.

"I might remain the same going forward," he admitted, his voice softer now. "Words may continue to fail me, but my actions will never let you doubt what I feel for you." His gaze dropped to her lips, his intent clear. "And right now, this is how I feel."

Before she could respond, he closed the distance between their faces, his lips gently planted on hers.

For a moment, Erin froze, completely taken aback. Her mind raced, trying to process everything. This wasn’t a dream; it was happening. Lucian’s confession, his closeness, it was all real.

She could feel his warmth, the softness of his lips against hers, and the steady strength of his embrace. Her eyes widened in surprise, but the gentle press of his lips was grounding, pulling her back to the present.

He pulled back slightly, his gaze locking with hers, his own expression unreadable yet filled with quiet intensity. Her flushed face, the way her lips parted slightly, the astonishment in her eyes—it all captivated him. He wordlessly stared at her, as if taking in every detail of her beauty.

His hand moved to her cheek, his fingers brushing against her soft skin. "Erin," he murmured, her name rolling off his lips like a prayer.

The sound of her name, spoken so tenderly while he was this close, sent her heart racing faster than she thought possible. She felt vulnerable, exposed in a way she had never experienced before.

Never had she imagined she could be reduced to such a weak state, but this man... in front of him she could not help but be like this, entirely controlled by him without him truly having to do anything.

Before she could steady herself, he leaned in again, his lips capturing hers once more. This kiss was deeper, slower, and more deliberate. Erin’s mind momentarily turned blank, overwhelmed by the sensations coursing through her.

It was her first kiss, and despite all the romance novels she’d read, nothing had prepared her for the reality of it. Her body didn’t move at first, frozen in the moment. She had asked for his attention, had hoped for romance, but now that it was happening, she was utterly unprepared.

Her instincts finally took over, and she responded, letting herself be guided by him. Her hands gripped the lapels of his winter coat, anchoring herself to him as she surrendered to the passion he was showing her. She let go of everything—her doubts, her worries, her fears—and allowed herself to drown in the moment, in him.