Chapter 23: For our honeymoon
"Why are you still awake?" Lucius asked, stepping into the bedroom, his voice carrying a hint of curiosity. His eyes flickered with amusement. "Don’t tell me you’ve been waiting for me like a devoted wife."
Layla glanced up from her spot, her lips curving into a soft, almost secretive smile. "I couldn’t sleep, so I figured I’d wait for you. I have a lot to talk about," she replied, her tone gentle, though there was something in her expression that caught his attention. She then slowly got down from the bed.
Lucius shrugged off his blazer, tossing it onto the nearby chair as he loosened his tie. "Did you have dinner?" he asked, his gaze briefly lingering on her.
Layla shook her head, the smile never quite leaving her face. "Freshen up and meet me downstairs," she said as she moved past him, but before she could leave, his hand shot out, gently gripping her wrist.
With a quick tug, he pulled her close, his towering figure casting a shadow over her. "Why don’t you help me with this shirt?" he murmured, his voice taking on a lower, more intimate tone.
Layla raised an eyebrow, her lips quivering in amusement. "You have your own hands, don’t you?"
He leaned in slightly, his eyes locking onto hers. "But I’m tired," he said, the faintest hint of a smirk playing on his lips.
Sighing, Layla brought her hands to his collar, her fingers brushing against his skin as she deftly loosened his tie before moving to unbutton his shirt.
She slid the shirt down his shoulders, her fingers briefly brushing against his skin, and her gaze involuntarily flicked to the intricate dragon tattoo etched across his chest.
A sharp intake of breath followed, and Layla quickly shook her head, handing the shirt back to him. "I’ll be waiting for you at the dinner table," she muttered, turning to leave.
"Layla," Lucius called out, amusement lacing his tone. Before she could take another step, he gently tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, his arm already snaking around her waist. He pulled her close, their bodies now pressed together, the warmth of his touch impossible to ignore.