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Chapter Eight:The lines we crossed
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2026-01-27 21:42:03Lucas didn’t look away from Amara’s phone.
The glow of the screen cast faint shadows across his face, but it was his expression that unsettled her—alert, focused, protective in a way she hadn’t expected.
“The past,” he repeated. “Explain.”
Amara locked her phone and placed it face down on the bed. “It’s nothing I can’t handle.”
“That’s not an answer,” Lucas said.
She exhaled slowly. “Selene doesn’t like being ignored.”
A muscle tightened in his jaw. “I told her to stay away from you.”
“She rarely listens,” Amara replied.
Lucas took a step closer. “If she’s threatening you—”
“She’s provoking me,” Amara interrupted gently. “There’s a difference.”
His gaze sharpened. “I don’t tolerate interference.”
Amara held his eyes. “Then don’t. But don’t turn this into something it doesn’t need to be.”
Silence settled between them, heavy but not hostile.
Lucas finally nodded. “If she contacts you again, tell me.”
“I will,” Amara said, surprised to find she meant it.
He turned to leave, then paused at the doorway. “You handled my mother well.”
“That seems to be a recurring theme,” Amara said quietly.
Lucas almost smiled. Almost.
The next morning brought rain.
Amara stood by the window, watching the city blur beneath gray clouds. The apartment felt different today—less tense, less hollow. It wasn’t comfort, but it wasn’t hostility either.
She had just finished breakfast when Lucas entered the room, phone pressed to his ear.
“Yes,” he said sharply. “I’ll handle it.”
He ended the call and looked at her. “We’re attending a charity gala tonight.”
Her heart skipped. “Tonight?”
“Short notice,” he said. “But appearances matter.”
Amara nodded. “What kind of gala?”
“The kind where everyone watches,” Lucas replied.
That evening, the ballroom shimmered with crystal lights and polished smiles. Amara moved beside Lucas, her hand resting lightly on his arm, aware of every glance cast their way.
She felt it again—that unspoken assessment.
Lucas leaned closer. “You’re doing fine.”
“High praise,” she murmured.
His lips curved faintly.
They were halfway through the room when Selene appeared.
Elegant. Confident. Unapologetic.
Her smile widened when she saw them together. “Lucas.”
He stopped. “Selene.”
She turned to Amara, eyes cool. “I didn’t expect to see you here.”
Amara met her gaze. “Neither did I. Yet here we are.”
Selene laughed softly. “You wear the title well. For now.”
Lucas stepped forward. “That’s enough.”
Selene tilted her head. “Protective already?”
“Yes,” he said without hesitation.
Something flickered across Selene’s face—surprise, then irritation.
“I’ll see you around,” she said, turning away.
Amara released a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding.
Later, as music filled the room, Lucas offered his hand. “Dance with me.”
She blinked. “Is that an order?”
“It’s a request,” he said.
She placed her hand in his.
They moved together across the floor, careful and measured. For a moment, the world faded—the whispers, the politics, the expectations.
“You don’t like crowds,” Amara said quietly.
“No,” Lucas replied. “But I tolerate them.”
“Why?”
“Because sometimes visibility is protection,” he said.
She looked up at him. “From what?”
“From being underestimated.”
The music slowed.
As the dance ended, Lucas’s phone vibrated. He glanced at the screen, expression darkening.
“What is it?” Amara asked.
“Business,” he said. “Something I need to handle.”
She nodded. “I’ll wait.”
“No,” Lucas said. “Go home. I’ll follow.”
She hesitated. “Are you sure?”
“Yes.”
The drive home was quiet, rain tapping against the windows.
When Amara reached the apartment, she found the lights already on.
A note lay on the table.
You think you’re safe because he’s watching. You’re not.
Her breath caught.
Footsteps sounded behind her.
Lucas.
He took one look at her face and then at the note.
“Pack a bag,” he said sharply.
“Lucas—”
“Now,” he insisted. “This isn’t a warning anymore.”
Amara’s heart raced. “What’s happening?”
Lucas met her gaze, his voice low and controlled.
“Someone’s testing us,” he said. “And I don’t intend to let them win.”
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