Chapter 38: You own me
Later that night, at Layla’s request, the two found themselves outside a lively bar. The neon lights flickered above the door, casting colorful reflections on the wet pavement.
"But you’re not drinking. Promise me," Lucius said, his tone firm as they stood outside.
Layla raised an eyebrow, a teasing smile playing on her lips. "Not even one drink?"
Lucius sighed but smirked slightly. "Fine. You can have one, but no more than that," he relented. "Last time, I barely managed to stop myself after you seduced me with all that drunken charm. But don’t expect that to work every time." His voice was low, almost playful, though there was a warning behind it.
Layla chuckled and pushed the door open. "Just one," she promised before stepping inside.
The bar was buzzing with energy. The music thumped loudly, and the dim lights swirled above the dance floor, casting shifting patterns on the crowd below. Layla felt the familiar rush of excitement in her veins. It reminded her of her college days when she’d escape with Ruby to bars just like this, letting loose to clear her mind.
She made her way to the dance floor, blending into the throng of bodies. Though dancing had never been her strength, among the sea of people, no one would notice. It was freeing.
As she moved to the rhythm, her eyes searched for Lucius. When she spotted him, what she saw stopped her in her tracks. A group of women had already gathered around him, their flirtatious smiles directed solely at him.
Lucius, standing tall and effortlessly charming, glanced at her. But instead of pushing them away like she expected, he smiled and engaged them in conversation.