For all his mocking, Lucas found himself slowing as they moved along the cases. His steps grew quieter, less resistant, as jeweled beetles gleamed under the lanterns like enameled pins and butterflies unfurled frozen wings of impossible color.
He leaned closer to one display, his breath catching as light fractured through delicate scales that shimmered from violet to indigo. The crooked smile that had been his armor softened into something smaller, unguarded. "They don't even look real," he murmured.
Trevor stayed just behind him, his hand still at Lucas's waist, his expensive cologne clinging to the air around him. "That's what makes them valuable."
Lucas tilted his head toward him, eyes catching the glow of soft lights. "Would you pin me to a display too? I'm rare." He joked with mischief in his eyes.
