His Untamed Rose novel Chapter 9

Lumina’s steps faltered, her body going rigid all at once.

Meeting his piercing, judgmental gaze, her heartbeat seemed to stop for a split second.

But she quickly masked her panic, forcing a breezy smile. “Is there something else you need, Mr. Royce? Or did you come all the way to the ladies’ room just to tell me?”

He ignored her teasing, his voice grave. “Was that you throwing up just now?”

She shrugged, arching a brow with feigned nonchalance. “No idea. Maybe it was another woman from the office.”

Cedric’s eyes were cold and sharp. He was about to say something more when his phone suddenly rang.

Lumina could hear the bright, sweet voice of Stella on the other end.

Cedric’s tone softened for a few brief sentences before he hung up and strode away without another word.

As she watched his tall figure disappear down the hall, the forced smile slipped from Lumina’s lips.

...

After work, Lumina headed to the parking garage, only to find one of her tires was flat.

A car horn blared behind her.

She turned and saw Jurgen grinning at her from his window, his expression sly.

“Car trouble, Ms. Jardin? Looks like we’re headed the same way anyway. Hop in.”

Lumina’s expression shifted, her fingers curling tightly into her palm.

What a sleaze, she thought bitterly. He’d stooped to this just to get to her.

She knew there was no dodging him tonight. So back at the office, she’d borrowed sleeping pills from Quinty and bought a bottle of pepper spray online.

A mother’s strength, she reminded herself. For her children’s safety, she’d do anything.

She got into the car, shooting Jurgen a frosty look. “This is my only ride. Do me a favor, Mr. Harding, and have someone fix my tire.”

Jurgen’s hands played idly with the steering wheel, his eyes roving lewdly over her fitted skirt.

His gaze lingered on her slender, pale legs, and he let out a crude laugh. “Of course. If you treat me right tonight, I’ll buy you a hundred new cars.”

...

...

Night had fallen.

In a private dining lounge, candlelight flickered softly.

Stella wore a cream-colored dress and had pinned up her hair, wispy bangs swept aside.

She’d been working hard to mimic Lumina’s sophisticated poise, even copying her style down to the last detail.

The only difference was that Stella, newly graduated and short on cash, couldn’t afford the designer originals Lumina wore, only cheaper imitations.

But she was confident. Outfits were superficial. With her own sweet nature and charm, she was sure she could win Cedric’s heart.

She stood and poured him a glass of wine, her voice gentle and coaxing. “Cedric, you seem distracted tonight. Is something on your mind? Will you tell me?”

Cedric frowned slightly. “What did you just call me?”

His tone was cold and distant, jarring against the romantic atmosphere of the room.