Lucian took a sip of his coffee, his expression masking his displeasure. He wanted Roxanne to thank him, or at least compensate him, not sit silently before him. He'd used the business's failure as an excuse, but did she really think a cup of coffee was sufficient compensation?
Roxanne set down her cup and gazed out the window. She had no intention of speaking. First, she believed there was nothing left to say. Second, she wanted to avoid further involvement with him. The coffee had been a gesture of reconciliation, nothing more.
She was still feeling the effects of the alcohol she'd consumed earlier. Periodically, she lowered her head to sip her coffee, secretly observing how much Lucian had drunk. All she wanted was for him to finish so she could leave.
However, Lucian's coffee remained almost untouched.
Left with no choice, Roxanne looked at him and asked, "Mr. Farwell, why aren't you drinking?"
A dark glint flashed in Lucian's eyes. He pursed his lips enigmatically and said, "I don't like my coffee this way. It tastes bland."
Roxanne frowned. "How do you like your coffee, then?" she asked, rubbing her throbbing temples.
Her head began to spin again. She closed her eyes, then forced them open, trying to maintain eye contact with Lucian as if nothing was amiss.
Lucian was about to speak when he saw her expression. "Are you feeling unwell?"
Roxanne bit her lip. "I drank a bit too much, but I'm all right. Just tell me how you want me to compensate you, Mr. Farwell. You handle large transactions; I'm afraid this isn't sufficient."
Lucian's face darkened slightly at her pale face and mocking tone, but he said nothing. Instead, he asked the waitress for the bill.
Roxanne was about to protest that she should pay, but Lucian had already swiped his card.
The waitress was the same one from earlier. Her look at Roxanne seemed to question their earlier denial of a relationship. Roxanne felt even more troubled by the waitress's knowing gaze.
"Where are you staying? I'll drop you off," Lucian said, walking to her side. His face was grim, but his manner remained gentle.
Before Roxanne could refuse, he helped her to her feet. Immediately, dizziness overcame her, preventing her from pushing him away.
By the time she recovered, Lucian had already guided her to the cafรฉ's exit. Almost everyone was watching as he supported her with his arm around her.
Feeling extremely weak and self-conscious under their scrutiny, Roxanne allowed Lucian to help her to his car. Cayden, already seated, asked, "Mr. Farwell, where to?"
Lucian turned to Roxanne. Still rubbing her temples, she murmured, "There's no need to trouble yourselves. Many colleagues are waiting for me upstairs. I must return."
She started to open the car door.
Lucian swiftly grabbed her wrist. "Either I take you back, or you rest at my hotel. Choose. It's nearby."
Roxanne frowned and leaned back. She told Cayden the name of her hotel.
Cayden nodded and started the engine.
"Drive slowly," Lucian instructed.
Cayden nodded eagerly and drove cautiously. The two in the backseat remained silent.