The ballroom's vibrant energy was beginning to fade as the night wore on. Lucas, the first son of the Kandell family, leaned casually against one of the grand room's marble columns, his sharp eyes scanning the crowd. The music had slowed, and couples filled the dance floor, moving with practiced grace. But Lucas's focus wasn't on the dancers or the politics that permeated every interaction in the room. No, his attention was drawn to her.
She wasn't like the other women in attendance, draped in jewels and lace, their smiles polished but hollow. No, this woman held herself differently—an air of quiet confidence, her movements unhurried as if she wasn't trying to impress anyone. Her dark hair caught the soft glow of the chandeliers, and the deep green of her gown shimmered like the forest under moonlight.
Lucas had noticed her earlier, lingering near the edges of the ballroom, exchanging polite conversation but never fully engaging. Now, as her gaze met his across the room, there was a spark—brief but unmistakable. A silent challenge, perhaps.
He pushed off the column and moved through the crowd, his steps sure but unhurried, like a hunter who knew his prey wouldn't run. As he approached, she turned slightly, her lips curving into a small, knowing smile.
"Enjoying the ball?" Lucas asked, his tone light, but his eyes sharp as they met hers.
"More now than I was before," she replied smoothly, her voice low and inviting.
Lucas chuckled, tilting his head. "A diplomatic answer. Are you always this careful with your words?"
She raised an eyebrow, her smile widening just slightly. "Are you always this forward with strangers?"
He grinned, his charm effortless. "Only the intriguing ones. May I have the pleasure of knowing your name?"
"Serena," she said after a pause, her tone unreadable. "And you are…?"
"Lucas Kandell," he said, inclining his head. "Though I'd much rather hear you call me Lucas."
Serena laughed softly, the sound warm and genuine. "Is that so? Well, Lucas, what brings you away from your admirers tonight? Surely a prince of this house has better things to do than entertain a stranger."
Lucas stepped closer, lowering his voice so only she could hear. "Better? No. More pressing? Perhaps. But something tells me spending time with you will be far more rewarding."
The air between them grew charged, the noise of the ballroom fading into the background. Serena met his gaze steadily, the corner of her lips twitching as though she were suppressing a laugh. "You're bold, I'll give you that. But words only go so far, Lucas. I hope you have more to offer than just charm."
He smirked, his confidence unwavering. "Why don't we find out?"
Serena didn't reply immediately. Instead, she tilted her head, studying him for a moment before extending her hand. "Lead the way."
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Lucas guided Serena out of the ballroom and into one of the castle's quieter hallways. The distant hum of music faded as they moved further away, replaced by the soft echo of their footsteps against the polished floors. Lucas opened a door that led to a small, private lounge—a room rarely used but perfect for a moment away from prying eyes.
The room was dimly lit, a single candelabra casting flickering shadows across the dark wooden furniture. A plush velvet chaise stood by the fireplace, where embers glowed faintly, adding warmth to the otherwise cool space.
Serena stepped inside, her eyes taking in the surroundings before settling back on Lucas. "A bit dramatic, don't you think?"
Lucas leaned against the doorframe, his arms crossed. "You don't strike me as someone who minds a bit of drama."
She laughed again, shaking her head. "Fair enough."
He moved toward her then, his steps slow, deliberate. When he stopped just a breath away, he searched her face for any hint of hesitation. Finding none, he reached out, his fingers brushing a loose strand of hair from her cheek.
"You're full of surprises," he murmured.
Serena's breath hitched, but she held his gaze. "So are you."
Lucas leaned in, his lips hovering just above hers. "Then let's see what other surprises the night holds."
Their connection ignited like a spark catching fire, the tension between them breaking as their lips met in a heated, passionate kiss.
Lucas's hand slides to Serena's wasit, pulling her closer as their kiss deepened. The warmth of his touch sent shiver down her spine, and for a moment, the world outside the room ceased to exist, her hands rested on his chest, fingers curling into the fabric of his tunic, as if anchoring herself in the storm of sensations.
He broke the kiss just enough to meet her gaze, his breath mingling with hers. "Tell me if you want me to stop," he said, his voice low and unsteady, though his eyes burned with intent.
Serena's heart raced, but she didn't look away. Instead, she smiled, her fingers tracing the edge of his collar. "If i wanted you to stop, i wouldn't be here ."
That was all the confirmation Lucas needed. He guided her backward toward the chaise, his movement deliberate but unhurried. Serena let herself be led, her pulse quickening as the back of her knees met the velvet seat. She sat, looking up at him with a mix of anticipation and challenge.
"You act like you've done this before," she teased, her voice light but tinged with heat.
Lucas smirked, kneeling in front of her. "Would you believe me if i said i haven't?"
"No," she said, laughing softly.
"Good," he replied, his hands trailing along the fabric of the gown, his touch sending sparks through her skin.
Serena leaned forward, capturing his lips again, her fingers threading through his hair as she pulled him closer, the weight of his body against hers was grounding, yet it did nothing to quell the fire building between them.
The kiss deepened, turning hungrier, as Lucas's hand roamed, finding the intricate laces at the back of her gown. His fingers worked deftly, and Serena gasped as the fabric loosened, exposing her skin to the cool air.
"You're beautiful, " he murmured against her neck, his lips grazing the sensitive skin there.
Serena's breath hitched as she tilted her head, granting him better access. "You're not so bad yourself," she managed to reply, though her voice was breathless.
The intensity between them grew as the moment stretched, the world outside their private escape fading further into irrelevance.
An Hour later
The embers in the fireplace has dimmed to a faint glow, casting the room in soft shadows. Serena lay draped against Lucas on the chaise, her head resting of his chest. The steady rhythm of his heartbeat was a comforting counterpoint to the lingering heat between them.
"You're trouble, Lucas kandell," she murmured, a faint smile playing on her lips.
He chuckled softly, his fingers tracing lazy patterns along her bare shoulder. "I could say the same about you, Serena. But i think we both like a little trouble."
Serena tilted her head to look at him, her expression thoughtful. "Do you ever get tired of all this?"
"All what?"
"The expectation. The mask we wear in there," she said, gesturing faintly towards the ballroom.
Lucas expression darken slighty, his gaze distant for a moment. "Serena, sleep!" he said calmly, Obviously avoiding the question.
Serena studied him, her hand resting against his chest. "Maybe you can't escape," she said softly, "but for tonight, at least, you can let it go."
He looked down at her, his smile returning. "And what about you? What are you running from, Serena?"
Her smile faltered, but she quickly masked it. "Who says I'm running?"
Lucas didn't press her, he sensed the walls she has erected around herself. Instead, he leaned down, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. "Fair enough, now sleep we need to go back to the ball."
The room fell into a comfortable silence, broken only by the distant sound of music and the quiet crackle of the dying fire.
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