enne

s, I felt it, that tight pull in my chest, the one I always got when the house felt

was not even cold, but I still changed into something softer and lighter. My father's room was just down the hall, a

paused on the staircase, listening. H

hrough options like it was any normal night. His jacket was gone, boots left near the rug. He

said without turning. "So I figure

ve, but on the edge of the one closest to him. My dress slid against th

warm. Or maybe

ything,"

andomly. I had not meant to. My mouth ju

h. But instead, his eyes drifted back to me slowly. From my face, down my neck, to my legs. He

o myself. So I was not t

brushed the back of the sofa, his leg almost touched mine. Every brea

e this is a goo

loser. Not touching. Just close enough for me to feel it. "

gripping the cushion. I could not look at him no

ld be bored here,"

n, with that same low tone, he added

. There was something in his gaze I could not explain. It was not just an attraction. It wa

nd quiet. "You alw

"Only when

ughts somewhere else entirely. I could feel him there, right beside me, not touching but close en

I was just a very young lady, confused, lonely, and maybe a

heart beat faster with each second, caught between the

sband like she might drown without him. I tried not to react. I told myself I was an adult. Going t

bloomed low in my belly. Every movement on the screen pulled my thoughts somewhere they should not go, imagining Lucian in place of that man. I

lt. My cheeks burned. I glanced at Lucian. He had leaned away slightly, putting dist

it hurt? I stared at my lap, fingers tangled together, wishing the

umbled, walking off befo

he heat still swirling in my chest. I poured a glass of water, but it stayed u

's what you're

g up my spine. I did not turn around. I could feel him, stand

d. "Yes. I just

his breath brushing my neck. "Bu

hated how easily he read me

id quietly, but even

m

full of tension. My skin lit up with every stroke. I tur

you the

gently, just enough to make me gasp. My hand f

e said, voice like a g

ed with the straps of my nightdress, sliding them down jus

nne," he muttered. "You hav

ers still, his breathing louder now. I was ready. I wanted him. My heart pounded so hard

voice was cold, all business. I stood there like a statue, the glass

e turned to me wit

some sleep," he said. "I'll

guard by his new rea

the living room, I forced my voice to sound normal. "Th

" he replied quickly,

behind me, locking it out of habit. But no lock could shut out the tho

rung, would I have stopped him? Or would I have let myself be