Selene's POV
Just as I was about to slip back into sleep, Lucian headed off to fetch some ointment for the leg injury I'd invented. I decided to amp it up, wincing and claiming my left leg throbbed from the earlier bump.
"Where did you hit it?" he asked in that soft, protective tone that always made my heart flutter.
I lifted the leg I pretended was injured, keeping my face straight even though the lie pricked my guilt. Lucian rested my calf on his warm palm, and the moment his fingers brushed my skin, something inside me softened.
He rubbed the ointment onto my ankle with slow, careful strokes, gentle enough to soothe, firm enough to comfort.
