Chapter 133

Ariston strode From Lucette ’s apartment, his body was still shuddering from their lovemaking—but no, he couldn’t call it that. Never that.

With one abrupt movement, he lobbed the little velvet box into the nearest bin. A foolish waste, perhaps, but he couldn’t bear to look at that wretched ring for another moment. He couldn’t stand the thought of it even being in his pocket.

He drew a deep breath and raked a hand through his hair, willing back the emotion that had nearly overwhelmed him in Lucette ’s apartment. All of it. She was out of his life. He need never think of her again.

He reminded himself that it wasn’t as if he’d loved her. Lucette had been right about that. He'd liked her, yes, and they’d certainly shared an explosive sexual chemistry. She’d seemed the obvious choice when he’d decided it was time he married.

Six months ago, just after their mother’s death, his brother Antonios had resigned as CEO of Linard Enterprises, and Ariston had taken his place. It was what Aris