Morgan Shangguan froze, suddenly recalling Damien Gray’s ruthless and unscrupulous nature. If she didn’t say it, would he really stop? But using this as leverage against her, he was probably suffering more himself!
A sudden, faint sting on her lips snapped Morgan back to reality, only to see Damien’s displeased expression.
“What is Princess Consort thinking about? It’s only three words—are they so hard to say?” Even at this moment, she still had the mind to drift off!
Watching Morgan unconsciously lick her lips, Damien let out a heavy breath, inwardly marveling. Adrian, that sly old fox, truly had foresight—Morgan was indeed a beguiling enchantress!
Morgan suddenly wanted to know if he would really threaten her, so she ignored his complaints completely. Raising her head, she stared at the canopy as if lost in thought.
Damien gritted his teeth in frustration, feeling stifled. He had already conceded—he thought Morgan wouldn’t mind saying those three words aloud, but to his surprise, she still refused.
Weighing all the pros and cons in his mind, Damien decided that since he already had her heart, he could force those words out of her another time. For now, it was safer to have her by his side. If he used this as leverage, who knew if she’d be angry and not let him touch her for months?
To think he could still analyze so much at a time like this—Ghostmaster truly was one to think with his head!
Morgan paused. Such simple words, yet her nose tingled with emotion. No longer forcing herself, she smiled softly and whispered in his ear, "Damien, I love you." She wrapped her arms around him, her heart dazed—who knew one person's warmth could feel so comforting?
Damien suddenly lifted his head to look at her, his lips curving in obvious delight. He kissed her deeply, then rolled over and let her lie atop him, careful not to press her beneath. Smiling, he said, "I love hearing that. You can say it more often!" His voice was still husky with longing, magnetic and seductive, brimming with temptation.
Morgan smiled, reaching out to touch his chin and raising her brows. "What benefit does Your Highness offer me?" Her teasing gesture, so elegant, was enough to make one's heart skip a beat.
Damien’s lips curled with a wicked charm. "I will cherish my Princess Consort well."
Morgan shot him a glare, her eyes catching the faint marks on her arm. Suddenly remembering something, she asked curiously, "When we were caught, how did those marks appear on my body?"
Damien paused, his voice soft. "I’ll tell you, but you can’t get angry."
Morgan raised her brows, even more curious now. She poked his face, urging him on. Damien caught her finger and kissed it before explaining, "Although Adrian always orchestrated the operation, it was the Crown Prince who acted. He didn’t know he was just a pawn, nor did he know you belonged to Adrian. He intended to entangle you with me, so he drugged you and made you lose consciousness. Naturally, I wouldn’t sacrifice myself for a mere show, so I…"
"Hmm?" Seeing his hesitation, Morgan guessed, "So you found another man…" She slapped his hand away from her chest, looking at him with questioning eyes.
Damien’s gaze roamed over her, looking every bit the rogue. Morgan couldn’t help but laugh, "How long are you going to stare?" If he didn’t intend to become a beast, wasn’t he just tormenting himself by looking?
Damien reluctantly pulled his gaze away, afraid he might not be able to control himself if he continued. He sighed inwardly and muttered, "Luckily, I found it too troublesome and didn’t go through with it."
Back then, being in the palace, it would have been a hassle to find someone else. Besides, Damien knew Adrian only wanted everyone to see them sharing a bed, to push Morgan onto him. Adrian didn’t care if they truly had an intimate relationship. In those circumstances, Adrian wouldn’t have anyone check on ‘Morgan,’ since she was the princess sent from Cang Nation for marriage. He wouldn’t be so rude in front of the envoys. Morgan had been unconscious and wouldn’t know what happened. Even if she did, she’d keep quiet, since her real goal was to enter the Ghostmaster’s Manor, not to lose her innocence. Adrian never intended for ‘Morgan’ to live more than three days, so there was no need to worry about the aftermath.
For instance, if news got out that Damien hadn’t touched ‘Morgan’ and Ghostmaster Ying found out, he’d realize Damien never drank the Drunken Spring. That wasn’t something anyone could detect, and Ying’s suspicion would skyrocket. He might even team up with Yi to get rid of Damien. That would be a real mess—Damien always avoided unnecessary trouble. So he kept a low profile, letting people doubt him just enough to stay safe. Even if they didn’t trust him, at least they wouldn’t want to kill him immediately!
Now that he thought about it, Damien truly felt fortunate. If he had really found another man, he would have made sure it was thorough. Damien’s arms tightened around her—just imagining another man touching her made him want to kill someone. She was his, and only his!
Morgan still gazed at him with questioning eyes. Damien pressed his lips together and said, "I made those marks!" He was never one to pity beauty, and no matter how lovely Morgan was, it wouldn’t change a thing.
Morgan hugged him and let out a soft laugh, "Do you really dislike women that much?" It seemed that whenever ‘Morgan’ was involved, he suffered greatly.
Damien replied coldly, "Not exactly dislike. Women are troublesome, but as long as they don’t bother me, it’s fine."
Morgan gave a faint smile—this was pure indifference. In his eyes, women were no different from flowers, grass, or trees. Maybe even less so, for at least plants were easier on the eyes and wouldn’t bother him. Women, to him, were a synonym for trouble. Though he said he didn’t dislike them, his attitude clearly showed he found them detestable!