The Imposter Bride by Sallie Woods

d have her forever, in this life and the next.

Chapter 26

At the thought of this, he lowered his head and stared at the girl in his arms. She was sleeping restlessly, furrowing her brow as if she had encountered something unpleasant

He gently lifted her chin and lowered his head to kiss her, he didn’t dare to exert any force for fear that she would wake up. As his lips danced upon hers, he savored the inherent sweetness they offered. His kisses gradually grew more fervent, his hands beginning to lift the hem of her nightgown

A soft whimper escaped from the girl, rousing her from her slumber

Natalia wes gagged in her sleep and couldn’t breathe. She gasped for air and opened her eyes, only to see someone on her again. “Ah!” Her scream echoed in the room. With a force born of fear, she shoved him away, her mind racing back to the other night

“Don’t be afraid. It’s me! The man tightened his grip on her trembling hands, realizing how genuinely scared she had been

“Magnus?” Natalia couldn’t believe her own eyes. She rubbed her eyes, making sure the man on her bed was indeed Magnus

“Yes, it’s me. From now on, we will share a room. The man reached out and pulled her into his arms and tucked her in

“Share a room? Her drowsiness vanished, replaced by sheer surprise.

“Magnus, I’m not ready to share a room with you yet. I’m not used to it. The faint smell of his soap, mingled with his natural scent, filled her nostrils. Her body was taut with tension.

“What do you need to prepare for? You’re my wife, it’s normal for us to sleep in the same room. You’ll get used to it.” Magnus said, pulling her closer and closing his eyes, ready to fall asleep.

free. She could feel the

still His voice was hoarse and low. “If you keep moving, I might do something

leaving her petrified. His heavy breath tickled her ear, causing her

move a muscle

breathing behind her. She thought that he must have fallen asleep. As she bent her legs, she felt something scorching. Even through

he rolled over her, “What did you touch? Hmm?” His voice was husky and

hard–on on her abdomen. She knew what she had touched. She

She pushed against his chest, “I… i didn’t mean to. I’m sorry. I’ll go sleep in another room. I tend to move a lot in my sleep. I don’t want

her heart racing, beating in time with the soft patter of rain outside.

here.” He leaned in, his warm

does. So if you have any other ideas

all her might, “Magnus. I’ve told you I’m not ready

She jumped off the bed and tried to help him up. “I’m sorry. I didn’t

slowly propped his hands up on the edge of the bed, and before Natalia could come

bed, his gaze fixed

you push me away?

She was shivering, whether from

against the

catch a cold?”

onto the bed, tucking herself under the covers. Before she could utter a word, Magnus pulled her close, “Just sleep”

Even her sleep was being dictated.