*~Gabrielle's POV~*
"Reject you? What are you saying, wife?" Lucien's voice dripped with mock surprise, but his eyes gleamed. "Did I ever say no?" The evil smile crept back onto his lips.
My blood ran cold. He was right. He had never said yes, but neither had he said no. He had only returned me to Leon and the guards, insulting me for daring to propose to a stranger.
"That still means nothing," I spat, rage spilling out. "You didn't accept my proposal. You have no right to call me your wife."
"So it was a rejected proposal," Damien said, relief threading his voice. He faced Lucien, his posture tightening with authority. "She's right. You have no claim. Save yourself the humiliation—or I'll take you out personally."
Lucien's face shifted at those words, but Damien pressed on. "Let's end this once and for all." He turned to me, softer. "If we marry now, this bastard will never bother you again."
