CHAPTER 23 – "Stay… But Don't Get Used To It"
The penthouse felt different that night.
Not quieter—
But fuller.
Zara Valtoria wasn't used to sharing her space.
Not like this.
Not with someone who didn't leave when told.
And Lucien Valtieri?
He didn't look like he planned to leave anytime soon.
Zara stood by the glass wall, arms crossed lightly, staring at the city below.
Lights flickering endlessly.
Alive.
Untouchable.
Behind her—
Lucien moved calmly through the space.
Not intrusive.
Not uncomfortable.
Just… there.
"You're still here," she said without turning.
Lucien loosened the cuff of his shirt slightly.
"I told you I would be."
Zara exhaled softly.
"You don't listen very well," she said.
Lucien's lips curved faintly.
"I listen."
A pause.
"I just don't always agree."
That almost made her smile.
Almost.
Zara turned then.
Studying him.
"You're in my space," she said.
Lucien met her gaze.
"Then tell me to leave."
Silence.
Zara held his eyes for a second longer.
Then—
She looked away.
"Stay," she said casually.
A beat.
"But don't get used to it."
Lucien didn't respond immediately.
But something in his expression shifted.
"Noted," he said
......
Hours passed.
No music.
No guests.
No chaos.
Just the two of them—
Existing in the same space.
Zara changed into something softer.
Still expensive.
Still elegant.
A silk set that clung perfectly without trying.
When she stepped back into the living area—
Lucien noticed.
Of course he did.
But he didn't comment.
Didn't stare too long.
And somehow—
That made it more noticeable.
"You're unusually quiet," Zara said, picking up a glass of wine.
Lucien leaned back slightly against the couch.
"Observing."
Zara raised a brow.
"And what have you observed?"
Lucien's gaze held hers.
"That you don't like sharing control."
Zara took a slow sip.
"That's not an observation," she said.
"That's obvious."
Lucien didn't disagree.
"And that you left tonight because something bothered you."
That—
That made her pause.
Just slightly.
Zara set the glass down carefully.
"I don't get bothered," she said.
Lucien didn't argue.
"You left," he repeated calmly.
Zara's eyes sharpened.
"I got bored."
Lucien's lips curved faintly.
"Of me?"
Zara tilted her head.
"Don't flatter yourself."
Silence.
Lucien pushed off the couch slowly.
Walking toward her.
Not too close.
Not distant.
Balanced.
"Then why are you still thinking about it?" he asked quietly.
Zara's gaze locked onto his.
"I'm not."
Lucien didn't move.
Didn't retreat.
"Then forget it," he said.
Simple.
Zara blinked once.
Not expecting that.
"You're not going to argue?" she asked.
Lucien shook his head slightly.
"No."
A pause.
"You already know the answer."
Silence.
Zara looked away again.
Because that—
That felt too close.
........
Later—
The night stretched deeper.
Zara sat on the edge of the couch, one leg crossed over the other, scrolling through her phone.
Lucien stood near the bar, pouring himself a drink.
The distance between them wasn't far.
But it felt… intentional.
"You're not sleeping?" he asked.
Zara didn't look up.
"I don't sleep early."
Lucien took a slow sip.
"Neither do I."
Silence.
Then—
Zara stood.
Walking past him.
Close enough for him to catch the faint scent of her perfume.
She stopped just slightly ahead of him.
"You're still here," she said again.
Lucien turned slightly toward her.
"I told you—"
"I know," Zara cut in.
A pause.
Then she turned to face him fully.
Close.
Too close.
"Just don't confuse this," she said quietly.
Lucien's gaze held hers.
"Confuse what?"
Zara's voice dropped slightly.
"This," she said.
The space.
The night.
The tension.
Lucien didn't move.
"I'm not," he replied.
Zara studied him.
Trying to see if he meant it.
Trying to see if he was like everyone else.
But he wasn't.
And that—
That was the problem.
........
Zara turned to leave.
But Lucien's voice stopped her.
"You didn't answer me."
She paused.
"What?"
Lucien stepped closer.
"Why you left."
Silence.
Zara didn't turn immediately.
Then—
Slowly—
She did.
Her eyes met his.
Sharp.
But not entirely guarded anymore.
"I told you," she said.
"I got bored."
Lucien stepped closer.
Close enough now that the air shifted again.
"You're lying," he said quietly.
Zara's breath hitched—just slightly.
Barely noticeable.
But real.
"And if I am?" she asked softly.
Lucien's voice dropped.
"Then say the truth."
Silence.
Heavy.
Zara looked at him—
Long.
Deep.
Then—
She stepped back.
Breaking it.
"I don't owe you that," she said.
Lucien didn't stop her.
Didn't reach for her.
But his gaze followed.
"I'll wait," he said quietly.
Zara paused for half a second.
Then walked away.
....
Later that night—
Zara stood alone in her room.
Looking at herself in the mirror.
Calm.
Perfect.
Untouchable.
But her mind?
Not as quiet.
She exhaled slowly.
Annoying.
That's all this was.
Nothing more.
And yet—
She didn't ask him to leave.