Chapter 10 A mouse in front of a cat
Lucien was wearing just a black shirt, top buttons popped open -looking way more laid–back than yesterday’s Mr. Proper.
He cocked an eyebrow, voice all deep and smooth. “Take a seat. Thirsty? Want something to drink?”
Kaia nodded, feeling mad awkward with Lucien there.
He rolled his sleeves up casually, showing off his well–defined forearms. “Kaia, you seem a lot quieter than you used to be. Five years and you’re like a whole different person.”
Kaia’s neck started heating up like someone cranked the thermostat.
Is he clowning me about that time I confessed when I was
sixteen?
Her eyes were glued to her coffee cup like it held the secrets of the universe. “Nah, I’ve always been kinda shy.”
Watching her squirm, Lucien cracked a smile. “Relax, will you? I’m not gonna gobble you up.”
Kaia looked up suddenly, caught those intense eyes, and her heart started thumping like a jackhammer in her chest.
“Alden mentioned you’re getting married soon. He’s back from
1/6
16:58
Chapter 10 A mouse in front of a cat
20 min left
his business thing?” Lucien wasn’t letting up with that stare.
“Yeah, guess so,” Kaia mumbled.
Lucien’s hand froze mid–pour. “Kaia, if Alden ever wrongs you, just let me know.”
A lump welled up in Kaia’s throat, and she was a bit moved.
It’d been ages since anyone had said something so nice to her.
“Thanks,” she managed.
After some small talk, Kaia checked her watch. “I’ve got an appointment at the firm at two. I’d better head off now.”
She stood up, ready to dip.
But Lucien caught her wrist for a hot second before letting go. “Hold up. Let me get your WhatsApp. You know, in case there’s any trouble.”
Kaia stared at her wrist where he’d touched her. Even that quick little contact had her skin burning.
That touch hit different–like someone straight zapped her brain
empty.
“Kaia?” Lucien was already holding his phone out, QR code ready, looking all confused.
2/6
16:58
Chapter 10 A mouse in front of a cat
20 min left
Catching herself acting weird, Kaia jumped in quickly, “Oh, yeah. I’ll add you right away.”
After she scanned it, Lucien pocketed his phone. “Hmm, I’m only seven years older than you, not ancient. Don’t be so proper with me,” he said with a half–smile.
Kaia mused to herself.
Does he hate being seen as an old guy?
A moment later, a blush crept up her ears.
She was annoyed at herself.
Lucien’s like a jinx to me. Every time I’m around him, I’m as skittish as a mouse in front of a cat.
“All done. Then, I’m heading back now,” she announced.
Once Kaia settled into her car, she let out a long sigh of relief. She unlocked her phone and took a peek at Lucien’s profile picture.
It was a photo of a purple–hued starry sky.
Says he’s not old, but this profile pic is so dull.
Even my dad wouldn’t pick something this lame.
3/6
16:59
Chapter 10 A mouse in front of a cat
+3
20 min left
Just as she was about to click out, those three dots appeared. Startled, she yeeted her phone like it was on fire.
We just added each other. Is he really gonna start a small talk?
A minute later, she carefully picked up her phone. A red notification dot was staring back at her.
Opening his profile, she froze.
[User sent $14.3K. Note: Maintenance fee.]
Kaia found the amount and the note rather odd.
She typed back: [It’s alright. The repair won’t cost that much.]
His response was pure CEO energy: [Take it.]
Well, if he wants to throw cash around, I’m not going to be a stick–in–the–mud and turn it down.
Grinning like she’d won the lottery, she smashed that accept
button.
*****
At the Graves Manor, Lucien was finally having a real dinner at home after being on that business grind.
4/6
16:59
Chapter 10 A mouse in front of a cat
20 min left
Allen was making this dinner a whole thing. Everybody showed up except his little grandbaby.
Zane raised his glass. “Come on, Lucien. Welcome back home.”
Lucien clinked back. “Thanks.”
Despite all the gossip, the brothers actually got along pretty solid.
Luna was still playing Alden’s shadow, glued to his side. And he was still treating her like his princess, both of them in their own little bubble like always.
But Lucien wasn’t feeling that way.
“Alden, you locked it down with Kaia yet?” Lucien hit him with that question out of nowhere.
Alden started coughing like he choked. “We were supposed to make it official today, but Kaia’s out on business. We’ll handle it
when she’s back.”
Allen’s face went dark. “Get it done as soon as possible. Wedding’s coming up–it’s embarrassing not having the license!”
Luna was gripping that fork like it owed her money. Alden peeped that and got in his feelings again.
5/6
16:59
Chapter 10 A mouse in front of a cat
But he knew the license needed to happen.
20 min left
“Got it, Grandpa. Friday latest. Kaia should be back by then,” he replied.
Lucien shot him a cold glance. “Kaia’s on a business trip? Well, I saw her at the coffeehouse at noon.”
