To be honest, Lucien had no real task for Ethan; he just wanted to taunt him. Now, he had to make up some random task for Ethan by tomorrow.
A small smile tugged at Lucien's lips as he watched the man across from him, completely absorbed in his meal. Ethan was so focused that he hadn't even noticed Lucien's stare.
Lucien's thoughts drifted to Isabella. He'd known her for a long time, and while she could be lovely, she was also often unpredictable. He worried that she might cause trouble for Ethan now that she seemed to understand there was something between them.
Lucien cleared his throat, breaking the silence. Ethan paused mid-bite and looked up, finally noticing Lucien. His mouth was too full to respond, so he covered it with his hand and quickly chewed, then gulped down a large sip of water from the glass on the table, clearing his throat.
"Enjoying the meal?" Lucien asked, amusement evident in his voice.
Ethan nodded, still slightly flustered. "Yes, thank you. It's delicious."
Lucien let out a chuckle, surprising himself with how natural it felt. There was something endearing about Ethan, especially now, with a bit of sauce smeared on his lips.
Ethan, noticing Lucien's laughter, scrunched his face in confusion. "What's so funny?" he mumbled.
Without thinking, Lucien leaned forward and wiped the sauce from Ethan's lips with his thumb, then cleaned it on a napkin. Ethan's eyes widened in shock, his mouth agape, a faint blush spreading across his cheeks.
"You're a bit messy," Lucien said with a soft smile, settling back into his chair.
Ethan blinked, still processing what had just happened. "Uh, thanks," he managed to say, still flustered.
Lucien acted as if nothing out of the ordinary had happened, his demeanor calm and collected. "Tell me more about yourself, Ethan. I find you... intriguing."
Lucien leaned back in his chair, studying Ethan. "You're a good man, Ethan. A bit too selfless for your own good, but good nonetheless."he continued.
Ethan shrugged, looking down at his plate. "I just do what I have to."
"And now you're doing what you have to for me," Lucien said, his tone more serious. "Do you regret it?"
Ethan looked up, meeting Lucien's gaze. "No. I mean, it's not what I expected, but if it helps my family, I'll do whatever it takes."
Lucien's smile returned, though there was a hint of something darker in his eyes. "I admire your dedication. But you should know, being in my world is not easy. It's demanding, and sometimes... dangerous."
Ethan swallowed hard. "I understand. I'll do my best."
"I'm sure you will," Lucien said, his voice softening again. "Tell me, do you have any hobbies or interests?"
Ethan hesitated, then smiled shyly. "I like to read, mostly. And sometimes I go for walks in the park. It's peaceful there."
Lucien's smile widened. "A reader, huh? Any favorite books?"
"Too many to count," Ethan said with a chuckle. "But I guess if I had to pick, it would be something classic, like 'To Kill a Mockingbird.'"
"A good choice," Lucien agreed. "We'll have to discuss literature sometime. I think I'd enjoy that."
Ethan felt a warmth spreading through him at Lucien's words. Despite the fear and uncertainty, there was something about this man that made him feel... seen.
"Why don't you eat up? The food's getting cold," Lucien said, picking up his cutlery and diving back into his meal.
Ethan glanced at Lucien from time to time, wondering why he was being so friendly, asking about his life and engaging in casual conversation. It felt strange, but he liked it.
They ate in relative silence for a few minutes, the only sounds being the clinking of utensils and the occasional sip of water. Ethan couldn't help but steal glances at Lucien, still trying to decipher the man in front of him.
"So, Ethan," Lucien said, breaking the silence. "Do you have any favorite places in the city?"
Ethan thought for a moment. "There's a small park near where I live. It's quiet and peaceful. I like to go there to clear my head."
Lucien nodded, his eyes thoughtful. "I can understand that. Sometimes, we all need a place to escape."
"What about you?" Ethan asked, feeling a bit bolder. "Do you have a favorite spot?"
Lucien paused, then smiled slightly. "There's a rooftop garden on top of a building in the city. I go there when I need to think. It's private and offers a great view of the city."
Ethan's eyes widened in surprise. "A garden on the roof? That sounds amazing."
"It is," Lucien agreed. "Maybe I'll show it to you sometime."
Ethan felt a flutter in his chest at the thought. "I'd like that."
They continued eating, the conversation flowing more easily now. Lucien asked about Ethan's favorite books, and Ethan found himself talking about the novels he loved, sharing stories and anecdotes.
"Do you ever write?" Lucien asked, his gaze curious.
Ethan shook his head. "No, not really. I mean, I used to jot down a few stories when I was younger, but nothing serious."
Lucien leaned forward, his interest piqued. "I'd like to read them sometime."
Ethan blushed, feeling embarrassed. "They're not that good. Just childish scribbles, really."
"Still, I'd like to see them," Lucien insisted, his eyes twinkling with genuine interest.
Ethan felt a warm glow inside, appreciating Lucien's attention and curiosity. It was a stark contrast to the stern, intimidating figure he had initially perceived.
As they finished their meals, Lucien leaned back in his chair, a satisfied smile on his face. "That was a good meal. Thank you for joining me, Ethan."
Ethan smiled back, feeling more at ease than he had in days. "Thank you for having me. It was nice."
Lucien's expression softened. "I'm glad you think so. We'll have to do this again sometime."
"I'd like that," Ethan said sincerely.
As they continued to talk, the initial tension began to fade, replaced by a growing sense of connection. Lucien was unlike anyone Ethan had ever met—powerful, intimidating, but also surprisingly kind in moments like this.
By the time their conversation ended, Ethan felt more at ease than he had in days. He still didn't fully trust Lucien, but for now, he was willing to see where this strange new path might lead.