Chapter 106

• Lucas frowns, a flicker of something unreadable passing over his features. His jaw tightens, but he eventually gives a curt nod and releases my hand. The warmth of his touch lingers even as he steps back, posture rigid, as if restraining himself from saying more. His amber eyes hold mine a second longer than necessary before he bends down, his face mere inches from mine, his breath cool and minty against my cheek.
• “I don’t know why you’re so anxious,” he says softly, voice low and threaded with concern. “And I don’t know why you won’t share it with me. But I’ll be in my office all day if you decide you want to talk.”
• I gulp and nod quickly, unable to meet the intensity of his gaze. My throat feels too tight for words. Lucas presses a small, featherlight kiss to my cheek—gentle but lingering. My skin burns where his lips touched. Without another word, he straightens and strides off down the hallway, his tall figure towering above the scattering of humans that part instinctively to make room for him. I watch him go, cheeks aflame, aware now of how tiny I must look next to him—my head barely reaching his chest.