But the black plumage between his brows doesn't change at all. It looks like having him use his ability doesn't work. What did he do yesterday that made the plumage between his brows change? "Emma?" Lucien leaned over and set the fork down near her. "Why are you staring at me like that? Aren't you hungry?" "Because you're cute." Emma didn't even think. The words just slipped out. She took the fork from him, speared a piece of beast meat, and dropped it into his bowl. "My Lucien is so good-looking. Just looking at you makes me want to eat two extra bowls." Lucien felt a slight heat rise in his handsome face at her words. "Then keep looking at me and eat a little more." Do I really look that good right now? Good enough that Emma can just sit there, watch me, and somehow eat two extra bowls because of it? "You should eat too." Emma kept picking at her food while her mind drifted back to what she had been worrying about earlier. It feels like Lucien and I only did one thing yesterday. Could it be…Emma glanced up at him. Maybe try it later? After they finished eating, Emma pushed Lucien toward the bathroom and told him to go shower. Lucien checked the time and gave her a small smile. "Why are you in such a hurry? I heard nights here get pretty lively. Do you wanna go walk around for a bit?" Emma lifted her wrist and showed him the chain. "You want me to go out like this?" Lucien fell silent. The smile on his face froze in place. The chain around her wrist caught the light and gave off a cold gleam. It felt like a line neither of them could cross, sitting right between them. It reminded him every second how low he had stooped just to keep her close and away from everyone else. Guilt wrapped around his chest like a snake sinking its fangs into him. The pain spread through him in tight, prickling waves. But… if I let her go?That thought flickered through Lucien's mind for barely a heartbeat before his possessiveness swallowed it whole. No. Absolutely not. He lowered his gaze, and his lashes dipped just enough to hide the storm building in his eyes. "Sorry, Emma." Lucien's voice dropped low. It came out rough, like he was holding something back. Emma watched the way he reacted. I know he's not going to unlock the chain on my wrist that easily. But it's fine. I've been studying this thing all day, and I've already figured out how to open it. Emma stepped forward and pressed Lucien firmly into the chair. She lifted her hand and, with her fingertips, gently hooked under his chin, forcing him to look up at her. "I don't want an apology." Her warm fingers traced along his perfect jawline, slowly moving upward until they hovered over his lips. She lightly outlined the shape of his mouth. "Apologies are boring. I want you to… make it up to me." Lucien's breath hitched. His dark eyes locked onto hers, and his Adam's apple bobbed as he swallowed hard. "You… want me to make it up how?" His voice was huskier than before, rasping from deep in his throat. Emma leaned closer, closing the space between them. Her warm lips nearly brushed the shell of his ear. "Go take a shower now. When you come out, you'll know." Is Emma actually inviting me? Lucien slowly lifted his hand, almost greedily, and wrapped it around Emma's hand that had been lingering near his lips. His fingertips were ice cold, but the palm of his hand burned like fire. He tilted his head back, letting his gaze drift from Emma's eyes down to her soft, red lips. The heat in his eyes felt like it could melt her. "Emma… do you even know what's going to happen once I go?" His voice carried a hint of danger, but underneath it was this trembling, barely contained anticipation. I actually… don't feel like doing anything tonight. Taking her out like this is already way too much. Yesterday, I really couldn't control my emotions, and that's why I… Emma watched his Adam's apple bob up and down, then slowly lifted the wrist shackled in chains. The golden links clinked sharply with her movement, echoing in the quiet room.She traced Lucien's face with her fingers, following the mark between his brows. "Of course I… know." Her voice hit a pause as her fingertip brushed lightly along his tense jaw. "And I also know you want it too, don't you?" Lucien stared at her, stunned. He hadn't expected this bold side of her. Thud! His Adam's apple rolled again as Lucien reached out, gripping Emma's waist and pulling her into his arms, holding her tight. "Emma, you always find a way to make me lose control." I want nothing more than to turn into the fiercest beast right now and devour her on this chair. But I don't dare. I can't be that rough. Emma would hate it. "Are you actually going to take a shower or what?" Emma nudged him lightly. "If you don't move soon, I'm seriously gonna change my mind." This guy is rambling on and on.