The hospital visit had shifted something between us. Lucian had been quieter since we returned, but his eyes followed me everywhere. During breakfast the next morning, he didn’t sit across from me like usual. Instead, he pulled out the chair right beside his.
“Sit here tonight,” he said, voice low but firm.
I hesitated for a second before sitting down. The closeness made everything feel heavier. Mrs. Hale served the food, and for the first few minutes we ate in silence. But I could feel him watching me, his shoulder occasionally brushing mine when he reached for something. Every small contact sent a spark through me.
Finally, I couldn’t hold it in anymore. I turned to face him. “Why are you doing this, Lucian? One minute you’re cold and giving me rules, the next you’re holding my hand i
