Chapter 78

• Lucas extends his hand toward me, fingers waggling in silent invitation. He’s waiting for me to take it, his gaze steady, expectant. I hesitate, the briefest moment of defiance flickering inside me, but my body betrays me before my mind can catch up. My fingers slide into his, warm and strong, his palm swallowing mine completely as he helps me down from the barstool. My feet touch the cool stone floor, yet the heat of his touch lingers.
• We haven’t spoken much since the night he rejected me. The sting of it still clings to me, bruising my pride, knotting itself deep in my chest. A part of me knows I should be grateful he didn’t accept my reckless, desperate offer. But another part of me—one I loathe to acknowledge—feels offended, wounded even. He was supposed to want me. And yet, despite the sharp edges of my anger, despite the betrayal that festers beneath my skin, I can’t stop wanting him.
• “What are you and your human going to do today?” Lucas asks, his voice neutral as he gathers our plates and carries them to the sink.