Back at the penthouse, Ava tried to focus on her memories, but her mind kept drifting to Lucien. Every movement, every glance, every accidental brush of his hand… it was intoxicating.
She found him standing by the window, the city lights casting shadows across his face. He looked at her, his dark eyes filled with something raw, unspoken.
"You shouldn't be thinking about me like that," he said quietly, moving closer.
Ava's heartbeat raced. "I can't help it."
His hand lifted, tracing the line of her jaw softly. "You shouldn't. It's dangerous—for both of us."
Her breath caught, warmth spreading through her chest. "But I do," she admitted.
Lucien stepped even closer, closing the distance. His voice dropped, magnetic. "And I… I shouldn't want this. But I do."
The tension between them was palpable, charged, almost unbearable. Ava's mind screamed caution, but her body betrayed her, leaning instinctively toward him.