Chapter 17: Ruining her
Layla groaned softly as she turned to her left, her head throbbing with a dull ache. Slowly blinking her eyes open, she found herself lying next to Lucius, who was sound asleep, his chest rising and falling steadily. He lay shirtless, the faint morning light highlighting the intricate dragon tattoo etched across his muscular torso.
The events of the previous night rushed through her mind, vivid and overwhelming, making her heart race. Propping herself up on her elbows, Layla’s gaze lingered on his bare chest, her throat tightening as she swallowed.
Carefully, she lifted the duvet, moving with quiet precision, and gently slid her leg out from under the covers, trying not to disturb him as she began to slip away.
Lucius, who was pretending to be asleep, instinctively grasped Layla’s wrist, pulling her onto his chest with a swift, effortless motion. One of his hands settled possessively on her thigh while the other tangled into her soft hair, his fingers weaving through the strands.
"Morning, love," he murmured with a mischievous smile, his voice deep and lazy from sleep.
Layla’s heart skipped a beat. "Good morning," she replied as she nervously bit her lower lip. "I didn’t mean to disturb you," she added, casting a fleeting glance at him before her eyes darted away. Tentatively, she placed her fingertips on his chest, attempting to pull away, but Lucius’s grip on her remained firm, preventing any escape.
"I need to use the washroom," she whispered, her voice faltering under his intense gaze.
Lucius’s eyes searched hers, a playful glint flickering in their depths. "Do you remember what happened last night?" he asked with amusement.
Layla’s cheeks flushed slight pink. "Yes, we kissed, and then I fell asleep," she admitted, a small smile tugging at her lips. "You were a gentleman last night." Her smile quickly faded as she let out a sharp gasp, startled by the sudden squeeze on her thigh.