Later that evening, Ava insisted on leaving the hotel.
"I can't stay locked in here forever," she argued.
Lucien leaned against the window, arms crossed.
"You can," he replied calmly.
She rolled her eyes. "You're not my jailer."
"No," he said quietly.
His gaze locked with hers.
"I'm the reason you're still alive."
The words silenced her.
Still, she grabbed her jacket.
"I just need air."
Lucien watched her carefully for a long moment.
Then he sighed.
"Fine. Five minutes."
They stepped outside together.
The night air was cool, the city alive with lights and distant traffic.
For the first time since waking up, Ava felt almost normal.
Until she noticed something.
A black car parked across the street.
The engine was running.
And two men inside were staring directly at her.
Her stomach dropped.
"Lucien…"
His hand immediately wrapped around her wrist.
His grip was firm.
Protective.
"I see them," he said quietly.
The car door opened.
One of the men stepped out.
Lucien's jaw hardened.
"Inside. Now."
"But—"
"Now, Ava."
She obeyed.
They rushed back into the building.
The elevator doors slid shut just as the man reached the entrance.
Ava's heart pounded wildly.
"They found me," she whispered.
Lucien pulled her closer.
Too close.
His hand rested on her waist, steadying her trembling body.
"They won't touch you," he said softly.
His thumb brushed lightly against her hip.
The simple contact sent a spark through her.
Her breathing quickened.
Lucien noticed.
His gaze dropped to her lips.
For a moment, neither of them moved.
The elevator felt suddenly too small.
Too warm.
"Ava…" he murmured.
Her pulse raced.
"Yes?"
His hand tightened slightly on her waist.
"We are standing on a very dangerous line."
She whispered, "What line?"
Lucien leaned closer.
So close she could feel his breath against her lips.
"The line between protection…"
His voice lowered.
"And temptation."