CAROLINE'S POV
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Valerie and I babble all the way, but I do notice the longing looks Millard sends her way, but she's oblivious to his gaze, focusing on me. I can tell she's nervous by the way she's playing with her hair. "Do you mind if I talk to Lucian for a sec?" I side-eye Millard, who's clearly listening. "Go ahead," Valerie smiles warmly, and Millard immediately takes my place as I jog up toward Lucian, linking my arm with his. "Careless," he breathes, smiling down at me, and the smile remains as he faces forward. The sun shines from above, and the glow on Lucian's face makes him seem more normal, more carefree. He looks like a boy, careless and stress free as we walk through the woods.
"Lucien," I taunt. Lucian laughs darkly, shaking his head, "That's a new one," He grins, "Just
