Luca sat back in the chair, watching Nyx with a calm, steady gaze.
He knew his principles were solid—he wouldn't compromise them, not even for someone as stunning and tempting as her.
But he also knew that some women took rejection hard.
Pride, desire, vulnerability—all tangled up.
He didn't want to hurt her feelings or make her think he wasn't interested.
So, he opened his mouth, already forming the words—I didn't mean to sound rude, or reject you personally, or anything like that.
But before a single syllable could escape, Nyx's lips suddenly curved into a bright, genuine smile.
Not the sultry, teasing one from moments ago, but something warmer. Her eyes also sparkled with what looked like relief and admiration as she gazed up at him.
"Congratulations, Hero." She said softly, voice laced with quiet pride. "You passed my test."
Luca blinked, completely thrown. "...Test?"
