Chapter 171: He kept secrets
Lucius stepped into the room, his boots making a soft thud against the wooden floor. By the window, Layla sat with her legs dangling over the edge, the cool night breeze playing with her hair. Her head rested lightly against the window frame, her gaze lost in the dark expanse outside. At the sound of the door closing, she turned, her eyes meeting his.
"You took your time," she said, her voice a blend of mild reproach and quiet relief.
"I was with Demitri," Lucius replied, his tone steady yet tinged with concern. He crossed the room swiftly, his eyes narrowing as he took in her precarious position. "But why are you sitting like this?"
Without waiting for a response, he leaned down, his hands bracketing her against the window frame, trapping her in place.
His face was so close that his cheek brushed against hers, the warmth of his skin a stark contrast to the cool air.
His voice dropped to a softer, more intimate timbre. "Are you trying to give me a heart attack, Layla?"
"What do you mean?" Layla asked, her sparkling eyes locking onto his intense blue gaze. She tilted her head slightly, a playful smirk curving her lips. "And did you drink? I can smell wine," she whispered, her voice soft yet teasing.
Lucius’s lips quirked in response. "Just a little," he admitted, his tone casual but his eyes never leaving hers. Before she could say another word, he slid his arms around her with ease, lifting her as though she weighed nothing. The sudden movement made her breath hitch, her hands instinctively clutching his shoulders.
"Lucius, put me down!" Layla protested, her voice a mix of embarrassment and indignation. Despite her words, her gaze remained locked with his, a faint flush spreading across her cheeks.