Night grew deeper. After finishing dinner, Luzen invited Luca to sit with him on the balcony of their shared bedroom.
Of course, that request came entirely from Luzen. As long as Luca was his kept lover, they had to share a bed and act like a couple at home—cooking meals, preparing his work clothes, the whole routine.
Luca didn't complain. In fact, it worked in his favor. Staying close to Luzen made it easier to gather the information he needed—especially the kind only Luzen possessed.
Luca quietly sipped the warm chamomile tea in front of him, while Luzen stared outward, eyes clouded with complicated thoughts. It was obvious something weighed heavily on his mind.
"Don't overthink things. It doesn't suit you," Luca finally said, breaking the silence.
Luzen shifted his gaze toward the sweet-looking man across from him and curved a faint smile.
"Are you trying to comfort me?"
"No. Just reminding you that you tend to complicate things that aren't actually complicated. In short—petty things."
Luzen chuckled at Luca's indifferent tone—indifferent, yet somehow still caring. He lifted his coffee cup and took a sip.
"Sometimes what seems petty to some people can be complicated to others. Do you think I'm cold-hearted like you, treating everything as if it doesn't matter?"
"I wouldn't know. I don't think the same way you do," Luca replied, eyes lifting to the night sky as he set his teacup down.
"My head is already full of complicated things. If I could, I'd erase them all and pretend everything is fine." Luca's voice softened, almost too quiet. Luzen wasn't sure if he had meant for it to be heard.
For a brief moment, Luzen caught a glimpse of Luca's bitter smile—one that hid anger, sorrow, and resignation beneath its sweetness. It only added to Luca's beauty, making him look fragile, someone who needed to be protected no matter what.
"You hide your secrets too well, Luca. How much of the real you can people actually see?"
"Don't try to read my feelings. It won't do you any good," Luca turned away, unwilling to meet the eyes that slowly grew more tender toward him. Once again, it pierced something deep inside him.
"You're too cold. Next time, don't say that to me—especially when we're still supposed to be lovers."
"Everyone has secrets and problems they don't want others to know. I'm realistic. To the public, I'm nothing more than your kept man. So remember your boundaries, Mr. Luzen!"
Luzen didn't like that. It felt as if he was the only one who thought they were getting closer.
Luca… how long will you keep suppressing yourself like this?
His fist tightened unconsciously.
He stood, walked toward Luca, and pulled him in until Luca's slender frame fell right against his chest.
Before Luca could pull away, Luzen locked him in a tight embrace and kissed him—forcefully—those cherry-sweet lips he had grown addicted to lately.
Sweet. That was the only word Luzen could think of. Sweet and intoxicating like expensive wine.
But the kiss didn't last long. Luca pushed him away, wiping his lips harshly.
With a strong shove, he sent Luzen falling back into his chair.
"Hey! I know you're having issues with your wife, but that doesn't mean you can take it out on me!" Luca glared, just like an angry cat whose tail had been stepped on.
"Don't be mad, sweetheart. I was trying to cheer you up. You're too serious, too aloof—not fitting for that cute face of yours. And one more thing—this has nothing to do with Rebecca. Don't mention her when it's just the two of us."
"Stop teasing me! It won't work! And remember, our relationship is nothing but a mutually beneficial arrangement. I hope you don't overstep, Mr. Luzen!"
Damn.
Luca's face heated—whether from anger or embarrassment, he didn't know. He was ready to leave, but Luzen's next words stopped him cold.
"I'm not overstepping. You're the one not doing your part. You're my lover. I pay you well. Is this how you work?"
A vein throbbed on Luca's temple.
God, how he wanted to punch that handsome face.
But he remembered—this handsome bastard was his source of wealth.
Calm down, Luca… breathe… finish draining him dry, then destroy him later.
Luca let out a long, exhausted sigh. Arguing with Luzen would never end.
Why is loving money this hard?
He forced a smile. "So, what do you want?"
Luzen smirked, grabbed Luca's wrist, and pulled him onto his lap.
"Next time, be a good boy and act like a real lover even when we're alone. And… try to show affection naturally."
He said it while caressing Luca's thigh through his slacks, sending a faint shiver up Luca's spine.
"So you're saying I don't look like someone in love with you?"
"Exactly. You're too stiff, darling."
"Oh, really?"
Luca leaned in, giving him a perfect view of the sculpted face that seduced both women and men alike.
His fingers traced Luzen's sharp jawline.
"And what's the problem? I'm a homewrecker, in case you forgot, Mr. Luzen. Homewreckers don't naturally fall in love with their sugar daddies."
"Then be the first one who does. Make the public favor me."
"So you really want to get rid of your wife quickly. Aren't you worried it'll affect your company?"
Luca pressed a soft kiss to Luzen's tempting lips. A little skinship never hurt—and it helped them look more natural.
"Hm, seems like my naughty kitten is finally taking initiative. You really know how to coax me."
Luzen's lips trailed down to Luca's neck, inhaling the scent he had become addicted to.
Without warning, he bit down right where Luca's neck met his shoulder, leaving a dark mark.
Luca jerked, eyes wide, and slapped him instinctively.
"You did that on purpose!"
"Of course. A mark to show you're mine. You're too pretty to walk around without one. I won't let wandering eyes touch what's mine."
"Shit!"
Luca rubbed the fresh hickey harshly, but Luzen caught his wrist.
"Don't even think about covering it.
As for Rebecca—you don't need to worry. I have my own way of dealing with her."
"It's late. Let go. I'm going to sleep."
Luzen finally released him.
Luca stood. Before leaving the balcony, he spoke,
"Winston Revano Agler. Be careful with him. In a few days, he'll make a move—attacks from inside and outside."
"You're certain? Where does the Agler family's confidence come from?"
"They have strong backing. And with Rebecca supporting them—God knows how much data about you and your company has landed in their hands. Prepare for a counterattack."
"My wife must really love her dear Winston, going this far for him."
"Maybe she does. Are you jealous, Mr. Luzen?" Luca teased, glancing over.
"No. It was a business marriage. Something arranged by both sides of the family. I only agreed to my father's request."
"Then who do you love?"
"You're still asking? Isn't it obvious? You really need to sharpen your intuition, darling." Luzen smirked.
Luca scoffed. "Tch. Forget I asked. I'm going to bed."
He turned and left, abandoning Luzen alone on the balcony.
"Luca… you're making me more and more drawn to you. Who are you really, sweetheart?"
A smirk tugged at Luzen's lips, ambition flashing faintly in his eyes—hidden beneath the shadows of the night.