Lily's breathless smile mirrored the affection in Lucian's eyes. His gaze held a mixture of tenderness and desire as they lingered in each other's presence, their connection deepened by the shared intimacy of the night. In that moment, the world outside seemed distant and inconsequential, and their bond felt like an unbreakable tether that defied all odds.
"I want to reciprocate", she whispered, her fingers tracing a path down Lucian's chest and lower.
Lucian understood what she intended to do with just a glance, gently halting her fingers before they ventured any farther.
"You don't have to, Lily", he assured her gently.
Her gaze met his, a mixture of determination and vulnerability in her eyes. "I know I don't have to, Lucian. But I want to." Her voice carried a note of sincerity tha
