Claude glared at Lucian, "This is your fault. She overheard everything!"
Lucian threw his hands up, exasperated, "What did I say?"
"You said she wasn't your type!" Claude shot back and ran after her, leaving Lucian alone. "Lady Bianca! Wait!" he shouted, "Don't take what Lord Arclight says seriously! I'm sure he was just teasing you like always!"
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"..." Lucian turned around to find a spot to sit down and rest.
His looks always attracted attention from the ladies. A smile, a little praise, a small compliment here and there and they would be more inclined to buy something or accept his offer.
His immunity to their charms made him wonder if he was damaged in some way. He believed that only the smell of tasty food could make his heart beat faster.
The problem with Celine was that he never tried to charm her in the first place. It was the opposite. She always caught him in the most embarrassing moments of his life, most vulnerable, most exposing. He never knew how to react properly afterwards.
Just right now.
He felt a familiar stare when he got pinned down by the knight.
He looked at the neighboring building to confirm his suspicions.
The curtains swayed slightly in the wind, and the person watching hid away. Only the raven remained, hopping towards the edge of the window, it cocked its head to the side as if mocking him.
Lucian threw his arm over his face. His ears were burning hot and he really hoped to dig a hole and bury himself there. Why did she always have to find him in such weird situations?
That damn snitch! Lucian took off his boot and threw it at the bird. 'Get here!' he hissed under his breath when the raven flew away. 'I'll pluck every feather from your body, and use it to stuff my pillow!'
Except the boot didn't land on the bird but flew through the window.
"Ah!" Celine's scream made his blood freeze. His heart dropped into his stomach and he ran to the building, climbing the brick fence like a lizard and jumping through the open window, inside the office room, knocking her down.
"It's really you," he said, looking down at her, his heart beating excitedly, "Is stalking becoming your new hobby? Are you that obsessed with me?" he teased, but his voice lacked humor.
"Obsessed?" She hissed, fisting his hair, "I'll show you what it means to be obsessed! Obsessed with seeing you suffer in pain!" she threatened, pulling on his scalp, "You nearly killed me, you imbecile!" she cried.
Lucian blew at the red spot on her forehead, cooling the burn, her grip on his hair not loosening one bit. He continued to blow, ignoring her weak attempt to pry his head away. "I can't hug you, my hands are dirty," he said, leaning down, his nose brushing against her cheek, "You'll need to take initiative if you want to do that."
She brushed her nose against his, "Blow more," she said, closing her eyes, "It's not enough." Her breath tickled the corner of his lips, "Don't stop until your lungs collapse."
"..." Lucian's gaze dropped to her lips. They were so close, he barely needed to move to...
He tilted his head to the side, his tongue peeking out.
"Why did you stop?" she asked, "It still burns a lot."
"..." His lips quickly moved back to her forehead and he blew at the sore spot again. A vein popped out on his forehead when he rubbed her forehead with his nose. The redness smudged and spread over her forehead, "..."
She tricked him. Again.
She tricked him again!
Sensing the murderous intent, Celine wormed her way out from under him. "You should have seen your expression," she cackled, "Priceless."
Lucian grabbed her ankle and dragged her towards himself, "Where are you going?"
"You need a bath," Celine said, "You reek of something foul. Like a sweaty mare in heat. Keeping her in your stable for months has finally taken its toll on you, huh?" she scoffed, "Better hope I won't catch whatever you have from her."
"Oh?" Lucian chuckled and dragged her closer. "Then what about the stud you are keeping by your side? Have you two already had your first ride?" he asked, pulling her dress up, "Let me see if you have any bruises from his saddle."
"Ah, I am so scared," she said, feigning horror, "A donkey wants to play stud with me. What shall I do? I'll be ruined!" she gasped.
"..." Lucian pulled out a handkerchief from his breast pocket, "It's a bit late for that," he said and poured some content of a glass vial into it.
Celine widened her eyes when she realized what he was about to do, "No...Mmffmm!"
Lucian put the cloth over her nose and mouth, pressing her head against his shoulder with his other arm. "Is this smell more to your liking, my Lady?" he asked quietly.
"Mmfffmm!" She struggled, but the more she inhaled, the weaker she became.
"Your expression is priceless as well." He met her gaze and held it, "Let me enjoy it a little longer." He nudged her temple with his nose, "Don't close your eyes yet. I'm not done admiring you."
Her eyes watered and the hands holding onto his wrists lost strength. No scratches were left on his skin, even as her head slumped into the crook of his neck.
╔═══ Author's note ════╗
For better imagination, their buildings share a wall. Excuse my drawing skills.
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