Under the Veil I Rule novel Chapter 22

"Why should I thank you?" Amara asked calmly. "Hogan’s part of your family, and he was the one who bullied me. It’s only right for you to stand up for me. Besides, we're married. If he insults me, it reflects poorly on you too. Defending me is in your best interest as well."

After saying that, Amara felt a bit tense inside. She believed her logic was sound, but people from Finnian’s social circle often didn't play by the rules. Like when he defended Liliana without much reason. Would he be upset with her?

Finnian watched Amara, his curiosity piqued by the mix of conviction and apprehension in her eyes. Somewhere in her assertive words, he saw a flicker of unease and a frown, and he was intrigued by what she was thinking.

He lifted her chin slightly to see the look in her eyes, a gesture that took them both by surprise. In that fleeting moment of contact, Amara froze, her wide eyes locked onto Finnian's, wondering about his intentions when, in truth, she was simply startled.

Finnian, on the other hand, quickly realized how inappropriate his action was. They were only married on paper, so why was he acting so intimately? He withdrew his hand immediately.

"You were right about earlier," Finnian said, his expression unchanged as he turned away. "I should have stood up for you."

"Okay."

Amara tried to maintain her composure, even as her heart violently raced. Her fingers, hidden in her sleeves, were clenched tightly. How could such a small gesture from Finnian make her react so strongly? “Amara,” she screeched to herself, “get a grip.”

"Can I see what you look like?"

Amara dropped her gaze again. With their height difference, Finnian could only see the top of her head, missing the chance of observing her gaze, which made him wonder even more about what was going on in her mind.

It was better to avoid complications since they were going to part ways soon.

Finnian felt a twinge of disappointment at her refusal, but he said nothing, only growing more curious about Amara.

Later, Peter and Bess had arranged for them to share a bedroom. After showering, Amara looked at the king-sized bed in the center of the room and said awkwardly, "Maybe I should take the couch."

Finnian glanced at the bed as well, which could easily fit three or four people. "No need," he replied. "The bed's big enough. We can manage for a night."

Since he said so, Amara didn’t protest. She moved to the side near the window, slipped under the covers, and turned off her bedside lamp. She was wearing a set of long-sleeve, long-pants cotton pajamas—modest yet appropriate.