Page 97 of King of Rage

Stella sat beside him, looking through the gifts scattered across the table.

Their wedding bands were simple gold rings, nearly identical except for their size. Hers was smaller and more delicate, while his was wider and distinctly masculine.

Lucius turned her hand slightly, watching the light catch against the gold.

His eyes softened.

Seeing that ring on her finger made him happier than he was willing to admit.

He slowly twisted the band around her finger, then looked at it again. A faint smile tugged at his mouth.

He still couldn't believe she was wearing his ring.

When Stella finally pulled her hand away to reach for another gift, Lucius reluctantly released it, his gaze following her fingers.

“All right, I’m going shopping with Juliet,” she said, setting one of the gifts aside. “I’ll see you this evening.”

Lucius immediately reached for her hand again.

“Why do you need to go shopping?” he asked, already sitting forward. “I’ll come with you.”

He stood, looking completely serious about the idea.

Stella smiled and let out an exasperated breath, shaking her head.

“No. You cannot come. We’re doing girly stuff.”

She rose from the couch and stepped closer to him. Then she leaned down, cupped his cheek, and pressed a soft kiss to it.

“And I’ll buy something special that you can see me in tonight.”

She pulled back, and Lucius’s expression immediately changed. A pleased smile spread across his face, softening the hard features that usually made him look so intimidating.

“All right, then. I approve.” His eyes narrowed playfully as he looked at her. “You’re promising me a surprise?”

Stella smiled. “I am.”

“Then I don’t mind letting you go.”

She laughed softly and waved her hand.

“Bye. See you tonight.”

She blew him a kiss before turning and walking away.

Lucius caught the gesture with a faint smile, his expression softening as he watched her disappear through the doorway. His eyes followed her until she was completely out of sight.

Outside the house, a driver was already waiting beside the car. As Stella stepped closer, he immediately opened the car door for her.

“Thank you,” she said with a polite smile.

She was about to settle in when she suddenly stopped.

“My phone.”

Her eyes dropped to her empty hand, and she immediately turned around.

“I forgot my phone.”