Divorce Failed My Wife's Secret Identities Shock the World novel Chapter 36

If Hans had been the one driving, he probably would've found something to smooth the mood.

Compared to Hans's people skills, Murray was all muscle and good looks, with the social finesse of a kindergartener.

Anya tried more than once to start a conversation, to get closer to Andres.

Every attempt died on impact.

By the time the van reached the White estate, the rain had eased into a light drizzle.

Anya stepped out reluctantly. "Mr. Andres… thank you for bringing me home."

Andres left her with a curt "Get some rest," then told Murray to drive.

When they returned to Azure Bay, it was nearly midnight.

Andres pushed open the double doors to the third-floor master bedroom, and the sight inside sent heat rushing through him.

Maeve's long, slender body lay sprawled across the king-size bed, the silk duvet gleaming faintly in the low light. As usual, she wore a black satin slip.

In her sleep she'd gone unguarded, the hem ridden up and her legs left bare in the dark.

And there—like some living, impossible ornament—Lucifer's blue body, nearly six feet long, was coiled around her like a vine.

A ridiculous image flashed through Andres's mind: a forest nymph trapped by an evil serpent, waiting for a prince to rescue her.

The beauty-and-the-beast contrast hit him hard enough to make his chest tighten.

Then the practical thought landed, late but sharp.

"Is she… dead?"

Not bitten. Not poisoned.

Scared to death.

Lucifer wasn't venomous, but he was still a massive snake—beautiful, yes, but terrifying up close. Temperamental, too. Even Hans and Murray gave him a wide berth.

Maeve stroked Lucifer's head. "He's gorgeous. What's there to be afraid of?"

The Azure Serpent was rare—prized, exotic, the kind of creature collectors would pay obscene money to own. Having one was like having a limited-edition supercar in your garage.

Lucifer, being treated like a darling pet, wriggled happily around Maeve's arm, soft and almost playful.

If Andres hadn't seen it with his own eyes, he wouldn't have believed his usually cold, irritable pet could look this… harmless.

Maeve yawned, wiping the corner of one eye. "Out partying this late, Mr. White? Your private life is pretty colorful."

Andres arched a brow. "Already using your role as Mrs. White to check up on me?"

Maeve yawned again. "Waking people up and acting righteous about it—bold. Not everyone wakes up sweet and sunny."

"This is my room."

Maeve rolled her eyes. "If I could find a second bed anywhere in this mansion, you think I'd be sleeping in here?"