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.

trying to break free. She could feel the heat radiating from

hoarse and low. “If you

Natalia’s mind, leaving her petrified. His heavy breath tickled her ear,

move a muscle

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

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

on her abdomen. She knew what she had touched. She wasnt the naive girl she used to

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 to

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

other rooms. You’re sleeping here.” He leaned in, his warm

may not work well, but everything else does. So if you have any other ideas or can’t

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 to share a room with you. I don’t want to consummate

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

and before Natalia could come to his side, he propped himself up and climbed onto the

on the bed, his gaze fixed on Natalia’s pale face. “Get back in bed.” He commanded, clearly

because of my legs? Why did you push me away? You’re my wife.” His

to… sleeping with you.” She was shivering, whether from the cold or fear, she didn’t know.

with?” He leaned back against the bed, his gaze

catch a cold?” His voice

climbed back onto the bed, tucking herself under the covers. Before she could utter a

her