Lucian sat in the dimly lit bar, nursing his third glass of whiskey as the low hum of jazz music played in the background.
The heavy oak counter was cool beneath his forearms, and the rich, smoky scent of alcohol mingled with the faint aroma of cigars that lingered in the air.
Around him, the familiar banter of his closest friends filled the space, pulling him momentarily from his thoughts.
"You know," Carter started, swirling the amber liquid in his glass as he leaned back in his chair.
"Word on the street is that you've finally settled down, Lucian. Is it true, or is it just one of those ridiculous rumors?"
Lucian's grip on his glass tightened for a moment before he raised it to his lips, taking a slow sip.
"Who told you that?" he asked, his voice calm but edged with curiosity.
Carter smirked, his sharp gray eyes glinting with mischief. "Oh, come on. Don't be so naive. You know we have our ways."
