After being saved by him, she had unknowingly grown dependent on Lucien, trusting him without even realizing it herself.
Lucien clicked his tongue when she slapped his hand, though there was no real annoyance in his eyes. Instead, there was amusement, mixed with something darker that he did not bother to hide.
"Serious, huh?" he muttered. "You say that, but you are not really stopping me."
Lilith stiffened slightly at his words, finally realizing what she had unconsciously allowed. Her cheeks flushed faintly as she stepped back half a pace, creating just enough distance to breathe.
"Don't misunderstand," she said quickly. "I am only… used to it now. That's all."
Lucien raised an eyebrow. "Used to what?"
"Used to you being shameless," she replied flatly, though her voice lacked its usual sharpness.
He laughed, low and relaxed, as if the desert around them did not exist at all. The sound echoed faintly in the empty expanse, swallowed by the endless dunes.
