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Lucian didn't give her time to retreat. He pulled her close and pressed his lips to hers—soft at first, then deeper, claiming her mouth in a way that made her melt. She kissed him back, matching his passion, losing herself in the heat of it.
Minutes slipped by before they finally pulled apart, breathless. Mirabel's chest rose and fell rapidly as she stared at him, everything else—Dave, the party, the noise outside—already forgotten.
Lucian's gaze lingered on her lips. Slowly, he brushed his thumb across her lower lip, teasing, before slipping the pad just inside her mouth. Mirabel's body shivered at the intimate gesture. Without thinking, she licked his thumb.
Lucian's composure faltered; a faint blush touched his cheeks. He pulled his hand away quickly, only to capture her lips again, kissing her with deeper hunger. She moaned softly against him, fingers curling into his collar as if she couldn't bear to let him go.
He responded instantly, one hand sliding around her waist while the other roamed freely. Her legs felt weak beneath her as he pressed her closer, his lips trailing down to her neck.
"Hng—" she gasped, shuddering as his tongue traced her sensitive skin. His hand slid upward, grazing the swell of her breast—then froze.
Reality slammed into him. He drew back, breathing heavily, forcing himself to stop before he crossed the line.
Mirabel's eyes fluttered open, wide with questions. Why did you stop? her gaze seemed to demand. But before either of them could speak, she looked away and whispered, "I… I'll leave now."
"Okay," Lucian said softly, though his chest ached.
She straightened her clothes quickly and slipped out, disappearing back into the noise of the party. Lucian lingered for a moment, smiling faintly. He had kissed her again—he had tasted what he'd lost. And he knew now, more than ever, he would win her back.
But the moment he stepped into the party, Clara appeared at his side, immediately wrapping herself around his arm.
"Lucian, I want you to meet someone," she said brightly, tugging him forward.
Mirabel turned, forcing a polite smile. "Hello."
"Hi." Clara's lips curled in triumph. "My name is Clara Lorenzo. And this…" She squeezed his arm tighter. "…is my fiancé, Lucian Lorenzo."
The words hit Mirabel like a dagger.
"Oh. Nice to meet you," she said, her voice sweet but trembling at the edges. Inside, she was screaming. So he has a fiancée? I should be happy… so why am I so sad? So disappointed?
Her eyes dropped to their hands—Clara clinging possessively to him. Mirabel's forced smile wavered, but Lucian, noticing, gently slipped his hand free of Clara's grip.
Still, the damage was done. The air between them felt unbearably awkward.
"I'm a big fan of yours," Clara gushed, turning to Mirabel. "Can I take a picture with you?"
"Sure," Mirabel said, masking her storm with a professional smile.
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