Chapter 5

Me: You did way too much.

i text Lucien still crying.

Lucien: I always aim to outperform rather than underperform. Now quit crying and get dressed.

His words catch me off guard, sending a jolt of shock coursing through my veins. My heart pounds in my chest as I struggle to process how he knew I was crying.

Was it just a guess, a casual remark, or did he genuinely know?

I sniff and wipe my cheeks, inhaling deeply as I type. There's so much mystery surrounding him, and it keeps me hooked. I wish I could unravel all his secrets at once.

Me: How did you know I was crying?

Lucien: I know all things. Just call me the all-knowing Lucien.

Me: Yeah, right. You wish you were that perceptive.

i replied smiling.

Lucien: Baby girl, I'm waiting. i want you here by 4;00pm.

Me: Alright. Alright. I'm going to get ready now.

I charge my phone and retreat to the bathroom to prepare for the evening ahead. I shave, wash my hair and deep soak. I'm aiming to impress him so bad he looses his breath. I want to catch him off guard with my beauty the way he shocked me with his extravagant gestures.

He buys it and I stun in it. thats how its gonna be. period!

by 2;00pm i was finally ready to start my makeup. I styled my hair curling it up, and did a full but very light make up with killer contour to highlight more my cheekbones while trying not to hide the freckles on my nose.

Throughout the entire process, the driver remained patiently waiting outside, as I could see him from my window. I wish he left and came back when I was ready but he looked like he was asked to wait. So as I dressed there was the internal struggle between guilt for keeping him waiting and the desire to make a lasting impression on Lucien. the latter won.

i was done bt 4;00pm and when I finally emerged from my room, adorned like a queen, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of guilt for keeping the driver waiting.

But, any lingering doubts about if Lucien would like what he sees when we meet were quickly dispelled by the awe that washed over his drivers features at the sight of me. In that moment, I knew my mission to stun had been accomplished, and my guild disapeared.

When I got into the car I offered to compensate him for his time with a generous tip, but he shook his head adamantly, refusing my gesture looking like I had insulted him by even suggesting it.

"I'm just doing my job," he insisted, and assured me that Lucien would more than adequately compensate him for the wait, leaving me feeling relieved at last.

As he started driving the excitement in my stomach grew more and more to busting bubbles. I could not wait to tell Sarah every detail of today. I want to see the look on her face when I tell her she was wrong about Lucien. But will be when she comes back from the social club meeting this evening.

As the driver navigated through the road the excitement bubbling within me threatened to consume my every thought, leaving me barely able to contain my anticipation. Until he entered unfamiliar streets, leading us to a part of town I had never ventured into before, and suddenly a wave of sleepiness washed over me. As if there's was a siren blowing me to sleep. I didn't know when I slept off only to wake up when the driver stopped in front of a

a massive black gate.

I blinked twice when I saw the man standing patiently beside my door.

He opened the door for me and when I got down his scent filled my nose. Coupled with the fact that I had just woken up and I knew i was finally in front of Lucien and how high my heels were I almost lost my balance.

But the man I think is Lucien grips my elbows preventing me from falling, steadying me with an unexpected strength.

"Lucien?"

"Allison." He replied with a smile. When my gaze met him. I'm immediately struck by his presence. Lucien is the most beautiful man I've ever seen. His features are like something out of a dream - his eyes, the lightest shade of brown, like his shoulder length hair sparkle with an intensity that seems bare me open. His impeccably groomed beard frames his jawline, adding a rugged charm to him. His skin radiates with a subtle sheen, as if lit from within, and his nose and lips are perfectly proportioned. And he's staring at my lips.

My heart races uncontrollably as an overwhelming desire floods through me, rendering me breathless. He pulls me even closer sending shivers down my spine, and I find myself drawn into his gaze as if under a spell. Our eyes are locked, and it feels like we are in another universe entirely. One made for just the both of us.

His gaze intensifies, and there's a soft growl in his throat. and when his eyes shift to my lips again, I notice a subtle glimmer in his eyes. My heart

quickens its pace in response just as the light in his eyes disappear.

"What's wrong with your eyes?" I blurt out, unable to contain my curiosity.

"How do you mean?" Lucien replies, sounding genuinely surprised by my question, his voice is so silky on my skin.

"Your eyes were glowing just a second ago," I said, my voice tinged with uncertainty as I exhale.

I think I'm going mad.