Chapter 3

The monotony of classes was a feat in itself, and Jacob's friends begging me to hear him out made it even worse. The only light amidst this dreadful day was the thought of returning home to chat with Lucien. Oh, how I thanked the heavens for that small mercy. It was the only thing that kept me sane today.

Although we had just started chatting, my attraction to Lucien was undeniable. I found myself thinking more and more about him, each time getting more and more excited to know him.

Sarah and I usually stay until the library is closed, then we head home. Once inside my room, I shed my clothing from the day, slipping into a comforting nightgown before sinking into the welcoming embrace of my bed. With a sigh of relief, I reached for my phone, eager to open the app.

"Lord, let him be online," I prayed silently while sending him a message:

Me: Hiiii.

Despite the gnawing ache of hunger in my belly, I found myself lost in laughter as I read through our messages from yesterday over and over again.

"Are you planning on eating tonight, Allison?" Sarah asked from outside my door.

"Could you whip something up for me, Sarah?" I begged.

"You wish," she retorted. "If you don't tear yourself away from that phone, you'll be dining on air tonight."

"Fine," I replied, a smirk playing at the corners of my lips. "But who's to say Lucien won't magically conjure up a feast for me?"

"Yeah. Let’s see him do that."

I was about to reply to her when Lucien sent a message.

Lucien: Do I turn you on?

Me: Where had that come from?

I typed as I bit my lip to keep from shouting, though I was blushing.

Lucien: Just answer.

Me: No.

Lucien: We both know you're lying.

Me: What are you going to do about it?

Lucien: I will find you and make you speak the truth.

Lucien: No matter what it takes.

Me: How are you going to do that? You can't find me. If you do, are you going to chain me until I'm forced to say the truth?

Lucien: Why didn't I think about that?

Lucien: It's a great idea. A perfect one.

Me: You're crazy.

Lucien: That has already been established.

Sarah barged into my room, a slice of leftover pizza dangling from her hand like a peace offering.

"I didn't realize we had pizza," I remarked, happily eyeing the greasy slice with hunger.

"I was too lazy to cook anything," she admitted, depositing the pizza on the bedside table before folding her arms across her chest. Her oversized shirt swamped her petite frame, adding to her air of casual nonchalance.

"I'll survive. Thanks, babe," I replied, reaching for the pizza with a grateful smile.

"So, you're really falling for this online guy, huh?" Sarah's tone was teasing, but there was a hint of concern laced beneath her words.

"I want to meet him," I confessed, feeling a flush of embarrassment tinge my cheeks as I met her gaze. "I think he might be the one."

Sarah's eyebrows shot up in disbelief. "You're kidding, right?"

"I'm serious," I insisted, a slight whine creeping into my voice as I pouted. "I really like him."

"I'm not saying you can't meet him," Sarah replied, her expression softening with understanding. "But maybe get to know him a bit better first, okay?"

"Of course," I promised, nodding earnestly.

"Alright, well, I'm out. Get some sleep. We've got an early start tomorrow," Sarah said, heading for the door.

"I will," I called after her, already sinking back into the comfort of my bed, thoughts of Lucien swirling through my mind as I drifted off to sleep.

Lucien: You underestimate me.

Lucien: When I want a woman, there's no corner of the earth she can run to, to hide from me. I'm like a wolf drawn to her scent, and I'll follow that scent to the ends of the world.

Me: What if I'm not lying?

Me: What if I don't want you and I'm only flirting with you because I'm bored?

Lucien: That's going to hurt like a bitch.

Me: Wow.

Me: I'm surprised at how open you are.

Me: I'm not used to men being so open about their feelings.

Lucien: What type of men are you used to, then?

Me: Emotionally unavailable men. Men who think that being vulnerable affects their masculinity.

Lucien: I hope they didn't hurt you.

Lucien: Otherwise, I just might commit murder.

Me: Easy there, big wolf.

After savoring the last delicious bite of pizza, I rose from my bed, tossing the empty carton into the trash with a flick of my wrist.

As I settled back onto my bed, my phone lit up with a message from Lucien:

Lucien: There's just something about you.

Lucien: You intrigue me.

Me: I feel the same.

Me: Let's see if you can indeed find me.

Lucien: Is that a bet?

Me: Good night, big wolf.

Me: I need to sleep now.

I yawned and wiped the corner of my eyes. I didn't know how sleepy I was until I was done eating.

Lucien: Good night, baby girl.

Me: Hopefully, you'll be here tomorrow.

With a weary sigh, I pushed myself off the bed and shuffled to the bathroom to brush my teeth before returning to my bed. As I slipped beneath the covers, a sense of anticipation lingered in the air. One thing was for certain: Lucien would find me. And deep down, I wanted him to. I drifted off to sleep with a smile on my face.

When I woke up the next day, I immediately sent Lucien a message, but he didn’t reply until I was in the library. I was just about to turn to the next page in my economics textbook when his message popped up on my screen.

Lucien: How about a date tomorrow?

Lucien: I'll give you more than a glimpse into my life if you agree to this.

I tossed my phone on the table, feeling my heart begin to race. I wasn’t expecting him to ask that we meet so soon. It's only been a week since Lucien and I started chatting. Was I ready for this? The thought sent a surge of nervous energy coursing through me. On one hand, I was eager to finally see him face-to-face, to unravel the mystery that surrounded him. But on the other hand, I was filled with a sense of apprehension. What if he wasn’t what I expected? What if it was dangerous?

Despite the doubts nagging at the back of my mind, an undeniable excitement bubbled within me. It was the ambivalence that was driving me mad—the conflicting emotions pulling me in opposite directions.

Lucien: I am more than ready to meet you.

Me: I don’t think I’m ready myself.

Lucien: Why is that, love?

Me: It's just... too soon. Must it be tomorrow?

Lucien: Whatever day and time you want. Bear in mind that I’m eager to meet you.

Lucien: We will never get to know each other deeply if we don’t let the other get a glimpse into our world. I want to see you. Feel you.

Lucien: Be near you.

Me: I want to see you too.

Lucien: So then, it’s decided.

Lucien: I’ll come pick you up tomorrow.

Lucien: I must warn you, though—what you might learn and see about me may scare you. But I must show you either way.

Lucien: Are you ready to step foot into the dark? Into a whole new world, baby girl?

I tossed my phone aside and buried my face in my book as I blushed. Oh my God. This is really happening. I'm going to meet him.

Today is Saturday, but that’s not why I’m happy. I’m excited because I know I get to meet Lucien today! When I woke up, it was already 10:00 AM. I tossed on my bed and immediately reached for my phone to text Lucien, but he had already sent me a text.

Lucien: My driver is outside your apartment...

Then, a sharp knock echoed through my room. I recognized that knock anywhere—it was distinct and deliberate. It wasn’t Lucien’s driver. It was Jacob.

Why the hell is Jacob here?!