Married To The Villain
Chapter 58: A Night Of Distraction

Chapter 58: A Night Of Distraction

Chapter 58: A Night of Distraction

Lirian paced her chambers, tracing her fingers against the silk of her nightgown.

She had spent far too long thinking about the kiss in the carriage, about the heat of Gabriel’s lips on hers and the way his hands had felt on her skin.

She glanced at the mirror, adjusting her hair and giving herself a small, determined nod.

’I can do this, she thought. It’s just Gabriel. He’s already kissed you. This is the next step.’

Her insides were crashing from the butterflies of excitement and nerves as she heard the knock on her door.

"Come in," she called, confidently despite her racing heart.

Gabriel stepped inside, composed shoulders faltering slightly as his eyes took in her appearance.

The silk of her nightgown clung to her figure, and her loose hair framed her face in soft waves.

"Lirian," he began in a cautious tone. "You wanted to sleep with me?"

She gave him a coy smile, stepping closer. "Yes. I thought we should... talk tonight, and you could sleep with me."

His brow furrowed slightly, but he didn’t back away as she closed the distance between them. "About what?"

"Us," she replied softly and teasingly.

"You seemed so confident in the carriage earlier. I thought maybe we could... explore that confidence a little more."

Gabriel’s lips twitched into a faint smile, though his golden eyes remained guarded.

"Are you teasing me, Lirian?"

"Maybe," she admitted, reaching out to brush an invisible speck of lint from his shirt.

"Do you mind?"

"Not yet," he said, his voice lowering as his eyes locked on hers. "But I might if you don’t tell me what you’re really up to."

Lirian lifted her head. "What do you mean? I’m just inviting you to relax with me. Is that so suspicious?"

"Very," Gabriel replied, though the corner of his mouth quirked up. "You’re not exactly known for your subtlety."

She laughed softly. "Touching."

Before she could say more, Gabriel reached out, his hand touched her arm.

It was gentle but deliberate, and it sent a shiver down her spine.

"Lirian," he murmured. "Are you sure about this?"

She hesitated for only a moment before nodding. "Yes."

Gabriel’s hand slid up to cup her cheek, his thumb brushing her skin as he leaned in closer.

Their breaths mingled, the space between them disappeared as Lirian felt her heart pounding in anticipation.

But just as their lips were about to meet, a loud squawk shattered the moment.

"Enemy approaching!" Pedro screeched from his perch in the corner of the room. "Enemy! Danger!"

Gabriel pulled back instantly, his expression sharpened as he turned toward the parrot. "What did you say?"

"Enemy! Danger!" Pedro repeated, flapping his wings dramatically.

Lirian’s jaw tightened, her cheeks heated from embarrassment and frustration. ’Of all the times...’

"Gabriel," Lirian addressed, while her left eye twitched with annoyance, "it’s just Pedro. He’s probably bored."

But Gabriel didn’t seem convinced.

He strode toward the bird, his eyes narrowed.

"Pedro doesn’t say things like that without reason," he said firmly.

"Pedro also doesn’t make sense half the time," Lirian muttered under her breath, crossing her arms.

"Enemy approaching!" Pedro squawked again, hopping in place.

Gabriel turned back to Lirian, looking serious. "We need to check the perimeter."

"Gabriel, it’s the middle of the night," Lirian protested, though she knew it was useless.

"And it’s better to be cautious," he replied, already moving toward the door.

Lirian sighed, throwing her hands up in the air.

"Fine. Go chase imaginary enemies. I’ll just... wait here."

Gabriel paused, turning back to her with a small, apologetic smile. "I’m sorry, Lirian. I’ll make it up to you."

She raised an eyebrow, her tone seemed dry. "You’d better."

With that, he disappeared into the hallway, leaving her alone with Pedro, who was now preening his feathers as though he hadn’t just ruined her night.

Lirian glared at the bird. "You’re lucky I can’t strangle you," she muttered.

Pedro squawked in response, tilting his head as if mocking her.

She flopped onto the bed with a groan, staring up at the ceiling.

’Next time,’ she thought, ’I’m locking that damn bird out.’

Meanwhile, Gabriel made his way to the castle’s outer walls, searching the surrounding area for any sign of danger.

The cool night air bit at his skin, but he barely noticed as he focused on the task at hand.

He knew Lirian was frustrated with him, but he couldn’t ignore Pedro’s warnings—not when so much was at stake.

As he reached the gates, one of his guards approached. "Duke Gabriel, everything seems quiet."

Gabriel nodded, though his unease didn’t fade.

"Keep a close watch. Let me know if you see anything unusual."

"Yes, Your Grace," the guard replied, bowing before returning to his post.

Gabriel stayed for a moment longer, drifting back to Lirian.

He couldn’t shake the image of her standing in her chambers, her teasing smile and the way her eyes had sparkled with mischief.

He let out a soft sigh, running a hand through his hair.

’She’s going to kill me for this,’ he thought wryly before turning back toward the castle.

When Gabriel returned to Lirian’s chambers, she was sitting on the edge of the bed, her arms crossed and her expression looked unimpressed.

"Well?" she asked, arching an eyebrow. "Did you save the world?"

Gabriel chuckled, closing the door behind him. "The perimeter is secure. No sign of enemies."

"Shocking," she said dryly, though her irritation was already fading as she watched him approach.

He stopped in front of her, softening his face. "I know you’re mad, but I had to be sure."

Lirian sighed, shaking her head. "You’re lucky you’re charming, Gabriel."

"Am I?" he asked, a teasing smile formed at his lips.

She stood, stepping closer until they were inches apart. "Yes. But don’t think I’m letting you off the hook that easily."

Gabriel’s smile widened, and he reached out to brush a strand of hair from her face.

"What can I do to make it up to you?"

Lirian pretended to think.

"For starters, you can promise not to let Pedro ruin the mood again."

"Deal...so, shall we?"