Lily’s POV

Lucian stood beside his car with his arms loosely crossed, watching me as if he had all the time in the world. The morning sun caught the edge of his face, but his expression was calm, almost patient.

“I was waiting for you,” he said simply. “I figured you might come out anytime.”

I stared at him for a second, still caught off guard.

“And what if I didn’t come out?”

A small, soft smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.

“Then I would keep waiting. I’ve always waited when it comes to you.”

The words landed deeper than I expected. Something warm and unguarded moved through...