Lucius cast a glance toward the door and he stepped away to close it. He returned to the couch while fixing his gaze on Layla. Without a word, he extended his hand toward her.
She hesitated for only a moment before placing her hand in his, her fingers brushing against his calloused palm. With a gentle but firm tug, he pulled her to her feet.
"What are you—" Layla began, but her voice faltered as Lucius pressed a finger against her lips, silencing her.
His voice dropped to a low murmur, warm and teasing, as he leaned closer. "Didn't you say you wanted me to impress you?" he asked, his free hand tucking a loose strand of her hair behind her ear.
Layla's lips curled into a playful smile, and she tilted her head, her eyes gleaming with mischief. She kissed the tip of his finger before gently lowering his hand.
"And this is how you plan to do it?" she teased, her tone light but challenging. "I thought you'd have something more... Unique in your mind."
