Lucian let out a soft sigh, closing the distance between them. Before Isla could step back, he reached out, his large hand gently cupping her cheek. The warmth of his touch made her freeze, her breath hitching as her eyes darted back to his face.
“Look at me,” he said quietly, his tone softer than she expected. His fingers were firm yet tender, tilting her face upward so their eyes met. She tried to look away, to pull back, but his gaze held her in place, as if he could see right through her.
Lucian’s sharp eyes searched hers, and for a moment, the rest of the world seemed to fade away. Her tears shimmered in the dim light, the vulnerability she was trying so hard to hide now laid bare before him. He studied her, not just her face but something deeper, something she felt exposed under.
