Love's Cunning Ruse novel Chapter 341

Julie brushed off Kieran's words as if they were just a mild breeze passing through. After tucking little Ivan into bed, she was about to check on Phoebe and Camilla when Kieran's hand caught hers.

"What's up?" Julie asked, turning her head with a puzzled look. "I'm just going to see how Phoebe's doing tonight. I'm not sure who he’s bunking with."

"Grandma's got him. She's thrilled to finally get some time with Phoebe and won't let him be unhappy," Kieran reassured her, pulling her back gently.

Julie smiled, her hand softly tracing the lines of his face. "But still..."

"Between Shannon, Noah, and the plethora of staff in the Hernandez household, you're not needed," he declared with a hint of playfulness. Suddenly, he squatted down and patted his shoulder. "Hop on."

"What for?" Julie chuckled from the comfort of the couch, peering down at the gentlemanly figure before her, barely containing her amusement. "Didn't you hurt your back?"

While she was distracted, Kieran hoisted her onto his back, securing her with a steady grip.

Julie clung to his neck in surprise, afraid of falling, and chided him with a playful slap on the shoulder. "Your back's better?"

"I can still carry my wife," he teased, carrying her upstairs.

At the sight of the spiraling staircase, Julie felt a rush of sweetness. "Even if you're feeling better, don't overexert yourself. What if there's a chance to carry another lady in the future? You don't want to miss out."

"Hmm, you make a good point. Maybe I should put you down," he teased, pretending to lower her.

Julie gripped his clothes, pouted with feigned indignation. "Go ahead! Drop me and run off with some other woman, and we'll see if your back survives!"

Kieran secured her more tightly with a playful bounce. "Who was it that seemed all too eager for me to carry someone else?"

"I was testing your resistance to temptation!"

"Oh?" He feigned a revelation, then coaxed, "So, did I pass the test? How'd I do?"

"I’ll give you a pass for now," Julie said, curving her lips into a beautiful smile he couldn't see.

"How about a reward for passing? Do I get one?" he pressed.

"It's not a perfect score, no reward," she said firmly, tightening her embrace.

"I'm taking exams now?" Kieran turned his head, but before he could finish, Julie planted a bold kiss on his cheek.

Wrapped around him, she smiled radiantly, her long lashes fluttering with love. Seizing the moment, she pecked him again.

Suddenly, Kieran set her down, catching Julie off guard. Standing one step above him, her delicate face looked at him with innocence. He pulled her close, forcing her to stand on tiptoes, her elbows resting on his shoulders, her long hair partially covering her face. Just as she swept her hair behind her ear and opened her mouth to speak, his hand cradled the back of her head.

Their lips met, and her breath carried only his unique scent.

Holding her close, his hand pressing gently on the back of her head, their soft lips intertwined, stealing away her breath.

As passion mounted, Kieran lifted her from the stairs, her long legs wrapped around his waist, her arms around his neck, allowing him to carry her toward the bedroom. After that kiss, her cheeks were a deep shade of red.

Downstairs...

"Ms. Stewart, can I help you with anything?" Shannon, just leaving Amanda's room, saw Camilla leaning on her cane by the doorway and asked.

Camilla, with a smile, shook her head. "Just concerned about Phoebe. Where is him?"

"He’s in bed with his grandma. Lady Amanda thought it'd be nice for him to stick close tonight," Shannon replied.

Camilla frowned with worry. "Phoebe's always slept with me. I'm afraid he won't rest well with someone else. Perhaps I should check on him."

Taking her concern to heart, she hobbled towards Amanda's room with her cane.

Shannon didn't stop her, knowing Camilla's intentions were for the child's well-being.

Amanda greeted Camilla with a furrowed brow that soon smoothed into a welcoming smile. "You’re still up? What brings you here?"

"I'm worried about Phoebe. I wanted to check in. He’s been with me since he was little, and I'm afraid he will have trouble sleeping..."

"Children bond with whoever they spend the most time with. You've taken care of Phoebe all these years; you deserve some sound sleep. See, Phoebe isn't crying. Let him stay with me tonight, and you get some rest. If he gets fussy, I promise I'll let you know," Amanda assured her, disguising her intent to slowly get Phoebe used to her presence.