My Second Marriage with the Mafia Kingpin

[Back at the Charity Event]

As the event continued, Ashley and Lucian stood on the sidelines, watching Shyaan dance with one of her distinguished guests. More guests had taken over the center of the hall, moving gracefully to the jazz music playing in the background.

Then, Ashley and Lucian turned their heads at the same time, their eyes meeting instantly. An awkward silence settled between them until Lucian extended his hand toward her.

He didn’t say anything, but the gesture alone was enough for her to understand his invitation.

"Uh..." Ashley bit her lip slightly as hesitation flickered across her eyes. She glanced up briefly, recalling the dance lessons she had had in her previous life and even the recent ones.

She pitied the toes of her dance instructor.

Even so, she reached out and clasped his hand. Her fingers slowly wrapped around his firm, calloused palm, mirroring her own.

"I’m not really good at it," she whispered as he guided her to the middle of the hall.

"You don’t need to be," he replied as they found their spot, facing each other. His hand secured hers while the other settled on her lower back.

When his dark eyes met hers, they gleamed dangerously as he leaned forward, his breath brushing against her ear.

"Follow my lead."

Ashley lowered her head slightly, quietly doing as told.

A second later, she stepped on the tip of his shoe.

"Oh—sorry," she whispered, but he didn’t react and simply continued.

He didn’t even flinch when she stepped on his foot a second time... or a third. Meanwhile, each misstep only fueled Ashley’s determination to do better.

Fortunately, she learned quickly. Soon, she managed to follow his rhythm, adjusting to his flow and anticipating his next move based on their proximity.

Before long, only the music filled their senses as they moved in sync with each beat. Once she relaxed and got a hold of their pattern, Ashley glanced up at him.

Lucian was staring down at her, his expression as unreadable as ever.

It made her wonder what was going through his mind.

Was his foot aching?

Was he bothered by her makeup?

Was something out of place?

A flurry of questions ran through her head... until her thoughts settled on him.

Is this our first dance together? She tried to recall her previous life. I guess it is.

They had attended many events during their first marriage, but those nights always ended in arguments or her leaving in humiliation.

This... was different.

Their first real dance. And perhaps, the first time, they wouldn’t end in conflict.

A first for her to stand her ground and protect herself.

And a first for Lucian to stay longer than thirty minutes.

Ring... ring...

Ashley’s thoughts halted at the faint sound. She traced it to his watch.

"It’s ringing," she murmured, looking up at him. "Is that a call?"

"No."

"Then what is it?"

"An alarm."

She blinked. "An alarm... for what?"

"How long I’ll stay," he said simply. "I set it for an hour."

Normally, he only stayed for thirty minutes. The maximum he allowed himself unless absolutely necessary. Tonight, however, he had extended it... for her.

"Oh..." she nodded in understanding. "Should we leave then?"

Her breath hitched as his hand on her back pulled her closer. Her eyes trembled slightly, caught off guard.

"Are you done with your business?" he asked, lowering his head.

With how close he held her—secure, almost enclosing—it felt as if she was caged within his presence. Their movements slowed, his gaze dark and unreadable.

"It’s... it’s alright, I guess?" She cleared her throat, glancing away as her heart began racing again.

It pounded loudly in her ears. Her body grew warm, hyper-aware of his presence, as if even the smallest mistake would betray everything she was feeling.

"I already met the people I needed to and spoke with them," she muttered. "I achieved my goal. Besides... it’s getting late."

He didn’t respond immediately, their bodies still moving in quiet harmony.

After a full minute, he finally spoke.

"I see."

Ashley swallowed and forced a smile as she looked up at him. "Let’s finish this song first. Then we’ll say goodbye to Auntie Shyaan and everyone."

"Mhm," he nodded, his gaze fixed on her.

His hand tightened slightly on her waist, keeping her close, as if wanting to memorize her presence.

While Ashley distracted herself with small talk—pretending not to notice the subtle tension in his touch—Lucian’s thoughts spiraled elsewhere.

The longer he looked at her, the more his mind drifted into dangerous territory.

Unholy thoughts.

How was he supposed to deal with them... when he only knew one way?

How could I not want you tonight?

His eyelids lowered slightly, intoxicated by the storm of thoughts clouding his mind. His gaze lingered on her lips as she spoke, then trailed down the line of her neck, her shoulders... the stray strands of hair brushing against her skin.

He tried to stop himself, but his eyes still wandered lower.

Her appearance tonight—whether intentional or not—guided the gaze downward. And Lucian followed that path all too easily.

It wasn’t good for his health... or his sanity.

His thoughts snapped as the music came to an end, and the dancers parted for the next set.

"Oh!" Ashley perked up, glancing around before flashing him a quick smile. "I’ll go say goodbye to Auntie Shyaan and everyone!"

Then she hurried off as if escaping him.

Lucian remained where he stood, watching her approach Shyaan. A slow exhale escaped him before he reached for a passing server.

"Wine."

He took a glass without looking away from Ashley.

Lucian took a long drink, his eyes dimming slightly as he swallowed. The warmth spread down his throat, but something felt off.

His brow furrowed as he glanced at the glass. The taste was different.

Something’s in it.

He turned, scanning the crowd for the server, but the room had already become too crowded to identify them.

At that moment, Gustav, who had been nearby, noticed his expression and approached immediately.

"Yes, Master?"

"Someone spiked my drink," Lucian said quietly. "Find out who did it."

Gustav’s eyes widened. "Are you alright?"

"It’s not poison." Lucian handed him the glass. "Bring them to me once you find them."

Gustav studied his calm expression before lowering his head. "Yes, Master."

He left discreetly to carry out the order.

Lucian’s gaze followed him briefly before returning to Ashley.

"It’s not meant to kill..." he murmured, stepping toward her. "...but it’s dangerous for her."

Because Lucian recognized the drug. He had taken it before.

It was... an aphrodisiac.