Reclaimed by the Ruthless Heir

Chapter 12 – My First Kiss

Aria POV

Something changed after Lucien's mother visited the bistro.

I couldn't explain it.

Maybe it was the way she had looked at me.

Or maybe it was the feeling that I had somehow stepped into a world where I didn't belong.

Either way, I couldn't stop thinking about it.

The next evening, I found myself making mistakes at work.

Twice, I nearly mixed up orders.

Once, I accidentally poured tea into a coffee cup.

"Okay," Mia said, crossing her arms. "What's wrong with you?"

"Nothing."

"You're a terrible liar."

I sighed.

Mia lowered her voice.

"Is it because of the rich guy's mother?"

My hand froze.

So it wasn't just me.

Even Mia had noticed.

"I don't know," I admitted quietly.

"She looked at you like she was inspecting merchandise."

I almost laughed.

Almost.

Instead, I felt a strange ache in my chest.

Because deep down, I knew exactly what Beatrice Devereux saw when she looked at me.

A poor girl.

A waitress.

Someone completely unworthy of her son.

The thought followed me throughout my shift.

By closing time, I was exhausted.

Emotionally more than physically.

I was cleaning the final table when I heard familiar footsteps behind me.

"You've been avoiding me all evening."

My heart immediately recognized the voice.

Lucien.

I turned around slowly.

He stood there with his hands in his pockets, watching me carefully.

"I'm working."

"You usually find time to argue with me."

I rolled my eyes.

"There she is."

Despite myself, I smiled.

A small victory flashed in his eyes.

And somehow that made my heart beat faster.

Dangerous.

Everything about him was dangerous.

"Walk with me."

The request caught me off guard.

"It's late."

"I know."

"I should go home."

"I'll take you home."

I hesitated.

Every sensible part of me said no.

But another part—the part that felt safe around him—wanted to say yes.

Eventually, I nodded.

"Okay."

A look of satisfaction crossed his face.

The city felt different at night.

Quieter.

Softer.

Streetlights painted golden reflections across the pavement as we walked side by side.

For several minutes, neither of us spoke.

Surprisingly, the silence wasn't uncomfortable.

It felt peaceful.

Then Lucien broke it.

"My mother made you uncomfortable."

Not a question.

A statement.

I looked down.

"A little."

His jaw tightened.

"I'm sorry."

The apology surprised me.

"You didn't do anything."

"I brought you into it."

For a moment, neither of us spoke again.

Then I asked quietly,

"Does she hate me?"

Lucien stopped walking.

I immediately regretted asking.

But when I looked up, his expression had become serious.

"No."

The answer came too quickly.

I wasn't convinced.

He sighed.

"My mother cares too much about status."

There it was.

The truth.

Painful.

Honest.

Real.

I forced a smile.

"That's understandable."

"No, it isn't."

The firmness in his voice startled me.

Lucien stepped closer.

Not enough to touch me.

Just enough to make my pulse race.

"Aria."

My name sounded different when he said it.

Softer.

More personal.

"You need to stop measuring your worth through other people's opinions."

I swallowed.

Easy for him to say.

He had everything.

Power.

Money.

Respect.

A family name people admired.

What did I have?

Before I could respond, Lucien reached out and gently tucked a loose strand of hair behind my ear.

The simple gesture stole my breath.

His fingers lingered for a second.

Then another.

The world suddenly felt very small.

Just him.

Just me.

Just this moment.

"Lucien..."

His eyes lowered briefly to my lips.

Then returned to my eyes.

The air between us changed.

I felt it instantly.

The tension.

The anticipation.

The awareness.

Every heartbeat seemed louder than the last.

"If you want me to stop," he said quietly, "tell me now."

My breath caught.

I should.

I really should.

But the truth was...

I didn't want him to stop.

Not anymore.

Slowly, I shook my head.

Something vulnerable flashed across his face.

Gone almost immediately.

Then he stepped closer.

And kissed me.

Gently.

Carefully.

As though he was afraid I'd disappear.

For one stunned second, I forgot how to breathe.

Then my eyes closed.

The kiss deepened slightly.

Warm.

Tender.

Everything I never knew a kiss could be.

When we finally pulled apart, my heart was beating so hard I thought it might burst.

Neither of us spoke.

Neither of us needed to.

Because for the first time since meeting Lucien Devereux...

I knew I was in trouble.

And the terrifying part?

I wasn't sure I wanted to be saved.