"A guy like you…"
Claire's voice remained calm as she continued.
"…is someone I could never fall for."
She didn't notice the flicker of darkness that flashed in Lucien's eyes at her words.
As she saw how she managed to unsettle him, Claire's satisfaction was evident in the growing curve of her lips.
"What's wrong? Did that hurt your feelings?" Claire asked with mock concern, savoring her small victory over the man who had just startled her moments ago.
Lucien suppressed his irritation and gently pinched her chin.
"You're getting bolder by the day," he said with a touch of amusement, and Claire thought she caught a hint of affection in his gaze.
"You're the only one who dares speak to me this way."
A smirk tugged at his lips, his usually composed expression coming to life.
"Weren'
