Illegally His!!??

IX

Accepting my fate, I decided to explore the mansion, hoping to uncover the secrets hidden within its walls. As the sun began its descent, painting the sky with vibrant hues, I stumbled upon Lucian sitting alone on a bench in the garden, gazing quietly at the water fountain.

As I watched him closely, the golden light of the setting sun bathed his face, making him look almost ethereal.

His hazel brown eyes were deep and hypnotic, while his dark brown hair tousled messily, catching the light in a way that made it shimmer. His pointed nose, defined cheekbones, and square jawline accentuated his striking features, with a prominent Adam's apple drawing my gaze.

As I took in his physique, I noticed his veiny arms and bulging biceps straining against his shirt. A glance lower hinted at a well-defined set of abs and a V-line that could easily make anyone weak in the knees.

Gosh, now that I really looked at him, he was undeniably stunning—like a fucking Greek god come to life.

Just as I realized I had been staring for far too long, I caught myself, embarrassment flooding in as I wiped my mouth and quickly looked away.

As he approached, a dark chuckle escaped his lips. "Are you done checking me out, or do you want to see more?"

"I... um... no... nothing... I..." I stammered, my cheeks burning with embarrassment as I dashed back into the mansion, cursing myself for my earlier foolishness. I hurried into the first door I could find, slamming it shut behind me.

GURL, WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT?? WHYY???

As I pushed open the heavy door and stepped inside, the dim light enveloped me. I berated myself as I made my way deeper into the room, finding refuge behind a large table.

SHIT, SHIT, SHIT! MEERA, ARE YOU NUTS? WHY WOULD YOU STARE AT HIM LIKE THAT? GOD, WHAT WOULD HE BE THINKING RIGHT NOW?

Time slipped by as I hid there, my throat growing parched from anxiety. Finally, I mustered the courage to peek outside. Just as I cracked the door open, I spotted him downstairs, sprawled on the couch, engrossed in his phone.

No way am I facing him right now. 

I quickly stepped back into the room, heart racing. While exploring, I stumbled upon a large shelf behind the table that I hadn't noticed before. It was lined with various bottles.

What's this? Is it what I think it is?

As I approached, I realized it wasn't just any bottles—it was a collection of alcohol. Expensive wines, craft beers, scotch, whiskey—you name it.

Am I in a personal bar right now? I wondered, my gaze landing on a bottle that sat invitingly on the table. At that moment, my thirst overwhelmed my better judgment. Without a second thought, I reached for the bottle and lifted it to my lips.

The first sip hit like fire, a burning sensation coursing down my throat. But strangely, it felt right. As I gulped down more, the world around me began to spin, dizziness creeping in as I lost myself in the moment.

Lucian's POV:

Exhausted and tired, I decided to sit alone in the garden for a moment before heading inside to babysit.

As I sank into my thoughts, I noticed her. She was staring at me—whether checking me out or just lost in her own world, I couldn't tell. But one thing was clear: she was definitely looking at me.

With a smirk, I walked over, wanting to bring her back to reality. "Are you done checking me out, or do you want to see more?"

The expression on her face was priceless; she turned as red as a tomato. I couldn't help but find it amusing. Just as I was reveling in her embarrassment, she bolted back inside.

Cute.

As darkness settled in, I headed inside myself. I had barely settled onto the couch when my phone buzzed with a notification.

"Hey, handsome. Missed me?"

Of course, it was her—Dee. We'd been friends (with benefits) since that night at the club when we debated which drink was better.

Spoiler alert: whiskey always wins.

Since the whole Xavier-Meera drama unfolded, I hadn't had much time to catch up with her.

"Hey, babygirl. I missed you so much."

"Well, if that's the case, why don't we meet tonight?"

"Daddy."

Ugh, this girl knows exactly how to get to me. But sadly, I had to babysit. Then it hit me—I hadn't seen that kid in a while.

Time to get my ass at work.

Stashing my phone in my pocket, I made my way to the staircase. As I approached her room, I noticed the bar doors slightly ajar.

Wait, is she in there?

Curiosity piqued, I pushed the door open and heard someone hiccup.

Who could be in here?

Following the sound, I was stunned to find the kiddo hiding under the bar, clearly drunk.

WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCKING FUCK? Please don't tell me she drank half a bottle of Scotch all by herself.

As I took in her drunken state, she struggled to stand straight, stumbling toward me.

Woah, what is she thinking? Why is she coming closer?

"HEY YOU! YES, YOU!"

She managed to shout before toppling into my arms. Looking up at me with those big, hazy brown eyes, her small hands traced my cheeks, gliding down my jawline to my collarbone.

My heart skipped a beat. I swallowed hard, her face so close that I could feel her warm breath on my neck.

"Let's get you back to your room, kiddo," I managed to say, hoisting her up as I headed toward her room.

"Why are you so perfect? So fine?"

No way. She really just said that. It was getting harder to control my urge to pin her wrists above her head and kiss her.

Brushing those thoughts aside, I whispered, "It is what it is. Now let's get you to bed." I gently placed her on her bed.

"No, no, I mean it! You're so perfect—wayyyyy more perfect than any masterpiece by Pablo Picasso or S.H. Hussein," she slurred, weakly holding my index finger.

Lucian, you'd better leave before you do something you might regret.

Tucking her in gently, I rushed out, heading straight to my room.

Slamming the door behind me, I collapsed onto my couch, wiping sweat from my brow.

Gosh, this kid. Those big light brown eyes, her mud-colored hair cascading down her back, that cute little nose, and those plump pink lips... I wondered how they would taste. God, what the hell are you thinking, Lucian? She's Xavier's chick; she's off-limits.

Just as I tried to shake those thoughts, my eyes landed on my pants.

Shit, looks like I need to meet Dee tonight.

"On my way to your place, babygirl."