Chapter 74

Serena's POV

The usual warmth in Lucas's grey eyes had been replaced by something darker, more intense. When he finally spoke, his low voice carried an edge I'd never heard before.

"So this is why you've been keeping me at arm's length all this time?" The formal address stung more than it should have. "This is why you've repeatedly pushed me away? Why you didn't even prepare a birthday gift for me today?"

The hurt underlying his controlled tone made my chest tighten. I opened my mouth to respond, but what could I say? That I'd let my insecurities and past experiences color my perception of him? That I'd been so afraid of being hurt again that I'd created problems where none existed?

"I..." My voice wavered, and I forced myself to meet his gaze. "I made assumptions without..."

"Never mind," he interrupted, his shoulders suddenly relaxing as he let out a quiet sigh. "The misunderstanding has been cleared up. That's enough."

The abrupt shift in his demeanor caught me off guard. I found myself lost in thought about Lucas's inexplicable indulgence - or perhaps "doting" was a better word. Every time I expected him to draw a line, to finally show some limit to his patience, he simply... didn't.

What could have possibly sparked such intense feelings as we first meet? There was nothing special about that encounter that would warrant this level of affection.

Yet here he was, showing a degree of tolerance that seemed to know no bounds. The more I thought about it, the more puzzled I became. What exactly had drawn him to me? What mysterious element had kindled these emotions that seemed so disproportionate to our brief acquaintance?

I stole a glance at his profile against the city lights. The question nagged at me, like a puzzle piece that refused to fit.

A small smile tugged at the corner of his mouth, softening his features. "Besides," he added, his voice taking on a warmer tone, "today hasn't been without its pleasant surprises."

I stared at him, trying to decipher the meaning behind his words and that enigmatic expression. "What do you mean?" I finally asked, my curiosity getting the better of me.

I found myself puzzled by his statement. Was it because we'd finally cleared up our misunderstanding? Because he no longer had to guess at the reason behind my sudden emotional distance? I could sense it - Lucas's cautious approach with me, like walking on eggshells.

Lucas's grey eyes held a glimmer of something that made me want to look away. His satisfaction was practically radiating off him as he spoke, his voice carrying an unmistakable note of masculine pride.

"You and Ian... there was nothing between you."

I had been feeling guilty, but his words suddenly sparked a flash of exasperated embarrassment. Men really were all the same - such... fixated

virginity desires!

"Let's go. I'll take you home," he said, reaching for my hand with casual confidence, as if it was the most natural thing in the world.

My first instinct was to pull away, but the memory of my earlier accusations stayed my hand. Then it struck me - was this why he wouldn't let me apologize? Making me feel too guilty to refuse his sudden familiarity? The more I thought about it, the more convinced I became that this calculating man was using the situation to his advantage.

Truly, successful businessmen were always calculating, weren't they?

His fingers were warm against mine, and I found myself reluctantly allowing the contact.

I glanced through the glass walls toward the main area where the birthday celebration was still in full swing. Making a decision I hoped I wouldn't regret, I said, "Let's stay a bit longer. They don't seem done celebrating yet. And I don't have work tomorrow anyway."

"Mm." Just one syllable, but the satisfaction in his voice was unmistakable. The slight upturn of his lips told me everything I needed to know about how pleased he was with my suggestion.