Chapter 42

Alistair’s POV

“Why?” she asked just when I thought she finally understood.

I took a breath before replying, determined to be honest. “Because I want to give my wife complete sexual satisfaction, and someday I hope to father our children. It only makes sense that I protect both her and our future family, doesn’t it?”

Lyra’s POV

His answer left me utterly speechless. I’d never considered that angle. Was our marriage really as serious as I thought? What had driven him to wed someone he barely knew? From the moment we exchanged vows, I struggled to grasp the true depth of our relationship.

Distracted by my swirling thoughts, I glanced away and caught sight of a brightly painted fried-chicken truck across the street. The scent of sizzling bird drifted over, irresistible. Without thinking, I turned back to Alistair.

“Let’s get some chicken, please,” I said, grabbing his hand and tugging him toward the truck.

Alistair’s POV