Vittori ✔️

THIRTEEN

DANIEL HARPER

I kept my boundaries up with Lucien after our second date. Him kissing me could've been a signal for him to keep going and push further.

Despite that, I was glad I managed to impress Sylvester. It was easy, really. I remembered in US History class in high school about how Al Capone managed to sneak bootleg alcohol into cities without being questioned.

"Don't forget to type up your proposition and send it to my dad. I'm sure he's going to want to implement it as soon as possible." Lucien told me. He turned onto the street that leads to NYU.

"I was so terrified when he called on me. It reminded me of high school when teachers used to call on me in class." I said.

"Expect more of that. My dad likes to call on people out of nowhere to scare them. You were just lucky that you had a good idea." Lucien said.

"You thought it was good?" I asked him. He smirked and looked at me, taking his eyes off the road.

"Oh, of course. I've never seen someone impress me that much. The look on everyone's faces was priceless." He said.

Lucien, before dropping me off, took a slight turn into a quieter street. He stopped and opened his door.

"Want a quick treat?" He asked.

I got out the car and saw him approach a cart on the street. A man was selling hot chocolate. It was a perfect treat for a chilly night.

He ordered two and handed one to me. I sipped and and heard him chuckle.

"What?" I said.

"Oh, nothing. There's a bit of foam on your lips."

I licked it off and saw he too had foam on his lips, though I didn't bother to tell him.

I was busy with sipping my drink when Lucien put a hand on my face. It was a quick touch but left a warm impression on me.

"You had some dust on you." He told me.

I cleared my throat and shivered when a gust of wind blew past us. A coat was then put over me. Lucien had removed his and given it to me.

"Thank you, Lucien."

His face turned red a bit but he looked away.

I think I can tell that Lucien had never had these types of moments with another person before. While I might be assuming, Lucien has always approached affection through sex.

But after I essentially demanded him to not treat me as such, he seems to be taking a steadier pace. Small actions, like putting his coat on me and relishing in small treats, were foreign to Lucien Vittori.

"How was I today?" Lucien asked.

Now was the time I gave him an exit interview.

I went over everything today. A calm date at a place Lucien feels close to. He wasn't... rash. But the kiss was unexpected. That would dock a few points from him.

"I'd say a seven out of ten." I replied.

"Seven? Can I know why a seven?"

"Well, the whole mafia meeting certainly didn't help. And you kissing me without asking as also wrong of you."

"Ah, sorry about that. I just got--"

"No excuses, Lucien. Next time, ask me."

He didn't seem happy with his score. "Will you say yes?"

"We'll see."

He smiled for a second before returning to his stoic expression.

"Let's get you back. I don't want to keep you to myself all night." Though he'd probably like that.

The ride home was livelier. Lucien made short comments about stores he drove by and I added a few things here and there. By the time I got back, the awkward atmosphere that was once there during our first date was gone.

Lucien seemed to have opened up, though just a bit.

"Uh, thanks for today. I had fun."

"You're welcome, Danny."

He looked like he had something else to say.

"So, another date?" He asked.

He asked this time. No threats or promises of sex and money. Just a simple question.

"Fine, another one."

"Good... good." He muttered.

I unlocked the door and quickly got out and closed it shut.

I did one final turn and saw Lucien sitting in his car, window rolled down, staring at me. He gave me a final wink and wave before driving off.

Later that night, Lucien sent me a text.

'Good night, Danny.'

------

<3