Don’t Fall for the Billionaire Lover

Earlier that afternoon, he'd already checked in with Aaron on the sly.

Aaron had told him straight up-his parents had never once slept in the same room together.

That's exactly why he'd convinced Lucas to let Chloe stay. It was time for Chloe to see who Lucas really was.

Still, even knowing all that, Connor couldn't help the sour feeling in his chest at the thought of those two being alone together. Why was that thief allowed to act so open and bold, while he, Chloe's actual husband, had to tiptoe around like he was the one doing something wrong?

Meanwhile, in the master bedroom, Chloe was making up a bed on the floor for Lucas. He was sitting stiffly on the couch, while the kids played out on the balcony, their laughter drifting in.

As Chloe spread out the blanket, she glanced over her shoulder. "What happened to your face?"

Lucas's jaw clenched. "Just bumped into something," he muttered, not meeting

her eyes.

Chloe wasn't done. "And what exactly is going on between us and this Mr. Connor?"

Lucas's heart skipped a beat. "Did he say something to you?"

She raised an eyebrow. "What do you think he should've said?"

He stared at her, voice low. "No matter what he says, you can't believe him."

Without warning, Lucas stood up and came up behind Chloe, wrapping his arms around her. "Rose, let's have another baby, okay? Aaron really wants a little brother."noveldrama

Chloe froze, then twisted, trying to break free. "Grayson, are you out of your mind? The kids are right outside!"

But Lucas held on tighter, desperation leaking from every word. "We're married, Rose. This is what couples do. I've waited for you for two years—I can't wait anymore."

He leaned in, aiming to kiss her ear.

The next second, pain exploded in his chest.

Chloe's elbow had jabbed him hard. Before either of them really knew what was happening, she caught his arm and, in one fluid motion, flipped him right over her shoulder.

Lucas hit the floor with a heavy thud, the world spinning. He could barely see straight.

Chloe stood frozen, staring down at her hands in shock. She hadn't even thought her body had just moved.

When had she learned to do that? And where had that strength come from? ,

им

Lucas just lay there, stunned and hurting all over. His back screamed, his ribszached-he'd only just recovered from Connor's beating a few days before, and now it felt like everything was busted up again.

While they both stood there, stuck in that stunned silence, a pounding started at the door.

Bang, bang, bang. It wouldn't stop.

Chloe was still trying to process what she'd just done. Lucas couldn't even get up.

As Chloe finally started toward the door, still in a daze, it suddenly burst open.

Connor kicked it in and strode inside, taking everything in at a

glance Lucas sprawled on the floor, not moving; Chloe looking pale, her brow furrowed, lost somewhere

between shock and confusion.