"There is nothing left ladylike about me."
Luca turned sharply, his black eyes glinting with curiosity as he tilted his head. "Did you say something?"
Aeliana stiffened, her lips pressing into a tight line. Her gaze darted toward him briefly before snapping away, her cheeks flushed with a mix of embarrassment and frustration.
"I didn't say anything, you bastard," she snapped, her voice sharp and defensive.
Luca's brows arched slightly, a knowing smile tugging at his lips. "Alright, alright," he said, his tone placating but playful. He turned back toward the fire, his attention seemingly absorbed by the flickering flames.
'Why does he always have that look? Like he knows something I don't.' Aeliana glared at the back of his head, her chest still heaving from her earlier outburst. 'Smug bastard. Acting like he's better than everyone just because he can swing a sword.'