Chapter 4

Outside the window was a rainy night.

Inside was a tiny rented apartment.

The sound of rain pounded relentlessly on my heart.

I leaned weakly against the wall, eyes downcast, lashes trembling slightly.

"Lucas, calm down."

I tried to keep my voice steady.

But Lucas's scent was making my thoughts chaotic.

The smell of citrus body wash mixed with a faint tobacco scent enveloped me, along with waves of scorching heat.

Hearing my words, Lucas's tightly gripping fingers trembled slightly, as if trying to restrain himself, then loosened a bit.

In that brief moment of withdrawal, the temperature and scent nearly dissipated.

I instinctively grabbed the front of his shirt.

Lucas froze, then his eyes darkened.

I quickly pulled my hand back, avoiding his gaze.

"I...

"I need to go."

I pushed Lucas away, but he caught my wrist with one hand.

He propped his right elbow on the wall above me, looking down.

"Look at me."

A shadow loomed over me as my chin was gently tilted up, suddenly meeting Lucas's dark eyes.

"Say you like me."