The clink of silverware echoed softly as Lila stirred her coffee. The restaurant was charming, sunlight slipping through the windows, painting warm stripes on the floor. Nico sat across from her, chin resting on his hand, eyes locked on hers like she was the only woman that existed.
"You're quiet today," he said, a small smirk playing on his lips.
"I'm just thinking," Lila replied, her voice light.
"About him?" Nico's tone was still playful, but there was a flicker of something else beneath it—something sharper.
Lila's heart stuttered. "No."
He didn't press. Instead, he leaned back, smiling as if he hadn't just read her like an open book. They talked, laughed, let the awkwardness melt into comfort. Until—
"Lila."
That voice. Smooth like velvet, deadly like a blade.
Roman Astor.
She turned, and there he stood—tall, dangerous, stunning. His eyes scanned her, then flicked to Nico with a subtle flicker of disdain.
"Roman," she greeted, barely hiding her surprise.
Astor nodded, eyes never leaving her. "Thought I'd treat you two. On me."
Nico leaned forward, casual but firm. "Appreciate it, but we've got it covered."
Astor's jaw tightened. "Of course."
They resumed eating, but the air thickened. From behind, Astor's eyes were on Lila. Only her. His stare ignited her skin like fire under silk. Nico noticed. He leaned in, fingers curling around her hand in silent claim.
Astor's expression didn't change—but inside, he burned.
Nico leaned toward Lila. "Let's go. I need some air."
They stepped into the afternoon sun, walking side by side, laughter trailing them as they explored street vendors, tasting spicy noodles and cotton candy. But Lila felt it—that pull. That dark heat watching her.
Astor never left. He waited across the street, in shadows.
"Break's almost over," Lila said.
Nico gave a half-smile. "Then I'll walk you back."
She waved him off and returned to the office. Just as she passed Maya near the break room, the girl leaned close with a smirk.
"You're caught between danger and desire," Maya murmured. "Just don't get burned."
Lila blinked, startled, but didn't answer. She walked to Astor's office—his door open.
He didn't speak at first. He just looked at her. Then he crossed the space slowly, closing the door behind her with a soft click.
"How many times do I have to tell you," Astor growled, "you're mine."
Before she could protest, his lips crushed into hers. Heat exploded as he backed her to the desk, his hands unbuttoning her shirt with ruthless precision. Her skirt hit the floor, his fingers and mouth leaving trails of fire. He sucked, touched, claimed.
A knock at the door.
Panic. Lila scrambled, running to the bathroom. She stared at her flushed reflection, breathing hard, remembering Maya's warning.
And then—his hands. On her waist. His lips on her neck.
"Didn't you call me for this," she whispered.
"I called you because I can't breathe without you," he said, voice low.
She tried to respond, but he kissed her again. Their tongues tangled, tasting like cherry and sin. She pushed him away, breathless, dressed quickly, and fled.
She worked late that evening. Alone. Everyone had gone home.
As she waited outside for a taxi, headlights pulled up.
Astor's car.
She hesitated. Then she got in.
Silence.
At her apartment, he turned to say goodbye. But she reached for him, gripping his shirt, and kissed him. Deep, desperate. She straddled his lap, biting his collar, kissing down his neck.
He was still. Calm. But inside—he was hers.
She whispered against his skin, "Mine."
He didn't answer. But he smiled.
She left him with a kiss and a quiet "Goodnight." He whispered it back.
And when their eyes met, both of them were blushing.
In her room, Lila pressed her hand to her chest.
What is this? Are these... feelings?
—
Next Morning
Routine. Work. Coffee. But her heart wasn't steady.
During lunch, she checked her inbox.
Email from Nico:
You're invited to our family's annual masquerade ball next weekend. I'd love for you to come.
She smiled, typing "I'd be honored."
Then, another ping.
Email from: Kai Monroe
Hey LaLa, meeting at the old school this weekend! Everyone's coming. Miss you, don't be a stranger ! Take Love, your favorite partner-in-crime. - Kai
LaLa. That name tugged at memories—locker room laughs, also the necklace with the 'LA' that Astor once gave her.
Nostalgia and ache twisted together.
The next day, she handed Astor a note requesting a day off.
"Planning something?" he asked casually.
"Just seeing old friends."
He raised an eyebrow. "Enjoy, Ms. Kensington."
She went shopping. Found the perfect dress. Then dressed beautifully, and met her friends at the school. Kai greeted her with open arms.
"LaLa, still the beauty queen?"
She laughed, warmth blooming in her chest.
They toured the halls, revisited old secrets, and ended the night at an amusement park.
"Ghost house time!" someone yelled.
Everyone picked a partner.
Lila was with Kai.
Darkness swallowed them as they entered.
And somewhere inside, the past was waiting... and maybe something more.