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.

I Natalia squirmed in his embrace, trying to break free.

“If

words boomed in Natalia’s mind, leaving her petrified. His heavy breath tickled her ear, causing her body

move a muscle

numb. She made a slight movement and heard his rhythmic breathing behind her. She thought that he must have

a deep breath as he rolled over her, “What did you touch? Hmm?” His voice

She knew what she had touched.

I’m sorry. I’ll go sleep in

could hear her heart racing, beating in time with the soft patter

here.” He leaned in,

you have any other ideas or can’t sleep properly, I don’t mind

these words from the usually cold and aloof man. She shoved him away with all her might, “Magnus. I’ve told you I’m not ready

Natalia was taken aback. She jumped off the bed and tried to help

propped his hands up on the edge of the bed, and before Natalia could come to his side, he propped

movements were reminiscent of a wounded cheetah. He sat on the bed, his gaze fixed on Natalia’s pale face.

push me away? You’re my wife.” His intense gaze

I just. I’m not used to… sleeping with you.” She was shivering, whether from the cold or

who would you prefer to sleep with?” He leaned back against the bed, his gaze cold and distant towards the girl who was shivering in her

bed. Do you want to catch a cold?” His voice was filled with

head and climbed back onto the bed, tucking herself under the covers. Before she could utter a word, Magnus pulled

her