His Untamed Rose novel Chapter 71

So he had heard her, after all.

Lumina’s nerves instantly shot through the roof; her face went pale, and her heart pounded harder with each beat, drumming wildly in her chest. She swallowed, her throat dry as sandpaper.

Even that small movement didn’t escape the man’s notice.

“Thinking about having a baby?” He cupped her cheek in his palm, his fingertips gently brushing her skin. The tenderness in his eyes slowly gave way to something darker, a simmering desire.

Lumina forced a laugh, dodging his touch. “You saw how I handled Ansel just now. I’ve got a temper—definitely not the nurturing type.”

Her thoughts settled a bit. If he was asking like this, maybe he hadn’t suspected she was pregnant.

Cedric leaned back against the headboard, his hand resting lightly on her waist. He teased, half serious, “You can be the wicked mom, I’ll be the good dad. Isn’t that a perfect match?”

Lumina shot him a look, as if he’d sprouted a second head. “Did you take your meds today, Mr. Royce? Someone like me giving you a child? Doesn’t really add up.”

“And who exactly are you?” he replied, grinning as he leaned forward, his nose brushing hers before stealing a quick kiss. “Who was it just now who threatened to beat me in front of Ansel? Go ahead, let’s see you try.”

Lumina pushed him away, burrowing under the covers and muttering, “Didn’t know you had such weird kinks.”

She looked nothing like the bold, dazzling woman who’d dealt with Ansel downstairs. Now, she just seemed tired and listless.

But Cedric always preferred her unfiltered, genuine side.

He pulled her close, wrapping his arms around her over the blanket. “I called Winona earlier, had her pick up the kid. Dinner’s been made fresh. Want to come down and try some?”

“I’m not hungry. I just want to sleep.” Lumina shifted in his embrace, restless.

“All right, enough nonsense. I’ll go to the study with you!” she blurted out, a bright smile plastered across her face as she curled into his arms. “Carry me there, yeah?”

Cedric arched a brow at her sudden about-face. If he hadn’t seen that pregnancy test result with his own eyes, he might have truly believed her. He kept his doubts hidden and lifted her up, carrying her out of the room.

At the top of the stairs, Nancy caught sight of them and quickly lowered her eyes.

“Bring up dinner and the herbal tonic,” Cedric instructed, pausing at the study door. After a moment, he added, “And make sure it’s warmed up.”

“Yes, Mr. Royce.”

Pressed against his chest, Lumina listened to the steady, powerful rhythm of his heartbeat.