---
LUCIAN'S POV
Lucian couldn't care less about Daniel, Daisy, or the dozens of other distractions in the mansion. What gnawed at him was the image of Mirabel kissing Dave. The thought alone boiled his blood. Why him? Why not me? He clenched his jaw, replaying that kiss over and over until his chest ached.
---
MIRABEL'S POV
Mirabel smiled at Tracy before turning back to Dave. She barely had time to react when he suddenly crushed his lips against hers.
"What was that for?" she asked, startled.
"I missed your lips," Dave murmured, his voice low, "and I couldn't kiss you in front of your friend."
Before she could argue, he pulled her closer, claiming her mouth with a fierceness that stole her breath. His tongue slipped past her lips, and against her will, her body betrayed her—responding to him, softening in his arms. The kiss deepened until their lungs burned and they had to part.
Dave's phone vibrated. He glanced down, his expression tightening.
"My roommate… he's in trouble," he muttered, pocketing it. "I've got to go."
He pressed a quick peck to her lips before rushing out, leaving Mirabel flushed and confused.
Minutes later, a knock echoed at her door. She opened it to see Marcello.
"The boss wants you in his room." His voice was clipped, no explanation. He turned and left without waiting.
Her heart sank. Why would he want me now? Still, she followed the summons.
---
LUCIAN'S POV
Lucian sat at his desk, laptop open, pretending to work—but in truth, he was waiting. The moment Mirabel entered, her honey-and-vanilla scent reached him. He shut the laptop and leaned back, eyes drinking her in.
"Sit," he ordered, gesturing to the chair across from him.
She obeyed, wary.
"I don't want to see you with that guard again."
"Why?" she snapped.
"Because you work for me. I own you. You're mine."
Her eyes blazed as she jabbed a finger at him. "You can't own me. I'm not an object. You don't get to decide who I talk to or who I don't. Even if you and my father made some disgusting deal, that doesn't mean you control me!"
Lucian rose so fast the chair scraped against the floor. He crossed the room in two strides and pinned her against the chair, his hands gripping the armrests, caging her in.
"I said don't speak to him again. Is that so hard?" His voice dripped frustration.
She glared up at him. "Maybe I'm your maid, but you can't dictate my life!"
"Oh, can't I?" His tone turned venomous. "With one call, I can destroy him. Fire him. Leave his sick mother without care, throw his sister out of school, strip them of their home. Do you want me to?"
Her breath caught. He's heartless. Does he even think about the weight of his words—or is this just to break me?
"You wouldn't dare," she whispered. "Why are you even doing this? What have I done to you? Is it such a crime to talk to him?"
Lucian ignored her plea. His eyes burned into hers. "One phone call. That's all it takes."
Her resolve broke. "Fine! I'll stop talking to him. Just—get off me." She pushed against his chest, but he was immovable, a wall of strength that made her feel both powerless and… something else.
Her teeth dug into her lower lip in frustration.
"Stop that," he growled.
"Doing what?" she asked, confused.
"Biting your lip. You have no idea what it does to me." His voice dropped, husky, dangerous.
Before she could reply, he lowered his head, lips hovering over hers. Mirabel clamped her mouth shut, refusing to give in.
Lucian's smirk was dark, knowing.
"Open your mouth, Mirabel. You know you want me."
His voice was velvet and venom, sweet enough to melt her defenses, yet sharp enough to make her tremble.
---