Aurora was like that—once she made up her mind, she stuck to it. The entire way to the car, she didn’t spare Lucas a glance.

Lucas, of course, noticed her absentmindedness and asked, amused, “Rora, didn’t you just say I was good-looking? So why have you been looking everywhere but at me this whole time?”

Hearing that, a faint blush crept up Aurora’s delicate earlobes. Her mind flashed back to the awkwardness at Vanguard. And besides, that comment had just been an offhand remark—why did he have to keep bringing it up?

She shot him a mildly resentful look. “No matter how good-looking, I’ve already slept with you. Seen it enough times. Kinda losing its novelty.”

It was a flippant, slightly petulant remark, spoken without much thought. But the moment the words left her lips, Lucas stopped walking. His expression shifted into something unreadable as he turned to look at her.

Aurora, oblivious, kept walking ahead, still muttering to herself. Why must he keep bringing up my embarrassing moments? Reaching the car, she finally noticed that the man who had been trailing her wasn’t following anymore.

She turned around, frowning. “What are you doing? Weren’t you supposed to see me off?”

“We’re already at the car. If you don’t want to walk me the rest of the way, just give me my bag.” She had to get back to work—there was no time to waste. Her impatience was clear as she glared at him.

But what she didn’t notice was how Lucas’ expression had darkened, his sharp gaze locking onto her with an intensity that sent a shiver down her spine. The look in his eyes was dangerous.

Before she could process it, Lucas strode over, taking the keys from her hand. Then, in one swift motion, he opened the car door, wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her into the back seat, shutting the door behind them.

By the time Aurora realized what was happening, she was already pinned beneath him.

Aurora blinked in confusion at first. Then, realizing what was happening, she pushed at Lucas’s chest. “What are you doing? I need to get back to work.”

But Lucas only leaned in closer, his breath warm against her ear as he murmured, “Rora, you’re tired of looking at me? Hmm?”

His deep, teasing voice carried a seductive edge, like a hook reeling her in. Aurora’s heart fluttered—an infuriating sensation, like a kitten scratching at her insides.

“So, you’re mad now?” she shot back, trying to sound unaffected. “Can’t even handle the truth?”

Lucas let out a cold chuckle. “Of course, you can speak the truth.”

Before she could tell him to get off, she suddenly gasped.

“What are you—”

His hand had slipped around her waist, tracing along her spine in slow, deliberate strokes. Everywhere he touched burned, heat spreading under her skin.

With his head buried in the crook of her neck, his voice was a low rumble against her skin. “I just think my wife should always find me exciting.”

As he spoke, his thigh slid between hers, pressing lightly but deliberately. Aurora’s breath hitched, a broken sound slipping past her lips.

This man… he really couldn’t take a joke? But her own stubborn streak flared to life.

“What’s wrong?” she goaded, her voice laced with challenge. “Can’t keep your wife interested? That’s a–mmph—”

Before she could finish, Lucas stole her breath, claiming her lips in a forceful, unrelenting kiss. Her mind blanked, everything dissolving until only he remained. He kissed her as if silencing her, as if putting an end to her endless teasing. If she had so much trouble keeping her mouth shut, then he’d just have to keep it busy.

“Rora,” Lucas murmured against her lips, his voice rich with amusement. “I know I’m good-looking, but maybe now’s the time to close your eyes.”