Chapter 7: The Beginning of the Escape Plan

Liora stirred awake, her body comfortably warm, until she realized why. Strong arms encased her, holding her close, and a steady heartbeat thumped against her back. Her eyes snapped open. Oh, hell no.

She turned her head slowly, just enough to see Lucian Blackthorne staring down at her, completely awake. His sharp, unreadable eyes studied her like she was some rare artifact he was contemplating stealing.

She blinked. "Are you watching me sleep? That's, like, peak creepy dude behavior."

His lips twitched in amusement. "You talk in your sleep. It was... fascinating."

Liora groaned and buried her face in the pillow. "Please tell me I at least sounded poetic."

"You demanded someone bring you a pizza or suffer your wrath."

She sighed dramatically. "Ah, yes. Sounds about right."

Lucian didn't move, still watching her. She gave him a pointed look. "Okay, so, real question—why are you in my bed? I mean, I get that I'm irresistible, but this feels like a breach of personal space."

He smirked. "You were having a nightmare."

Liora paused. She hated that. Hated that he had seen her vulnerable. She shrugged it off. "So your solution was to cuddle me? Lucian, do you have attachment issues you'd like to discuss?"

He raised an eyebrow. "Do you want me to leave?"

She considered it for a second. "Yes. But also, I don't feel like getting up yet, so... give me five minutes to enjoy the free body heat."

He chuckled, a low rumble in his chest, but said nothing.

Eventually, she sighed and pushed herself up, stretching her arms. "Fine, I'll start my day like a responsible adult. Feel free to get out of my room."

Lucian, of course, did not move. He simply leaned back against the headboard, watching as she stood up and sauntered towards the bathroom.

When Liora emerged from the bathroom, steam curling out behind her, she was wrapped in a fluffy towel, her wet hair dripping onto her shoulders. And of course, Lucian was still there, sitting in her room, scrolling through his phone like this was his office.

She stared at him. "Seriously? Boundaries? Heard of them?"

Lucian glanced up. "You take too long in the shower."

"Oh, I'm sorry. Did my self-care routine interfere with your schedule?"

"Yes."

She made a frustrated noise and walked toward her vanity, muttering under her breath. "Unbelievable."

As she sat down and began applying her skincare, Lucian stood. She caught his movement in the mirror but ignored him—until he suddenly grabbed a towel and began drying her hair.

She froze. "Um. Excuse me?"

He didn't respond. He simply continued, fingers massaging her scalp as he carefully absorbed the excess water from her hair. Then he picked up a brush and ran it through her damp locks.

Liora scowled at him through the mirror. "Are you trying to groom me like I'm some kind of prize-winning show dog?"

He smirked. "You're the one letting me do it."

She opened her mouth to argue but realized he was, in fact, right. The worst part? He was good at it. His touch was surprisingly gentle, methodical, like he'd done this before. When he finished, he stepped back and examined his work like a satisfied artist.

Then he turned and walked into her closet.

Liora spun around. "Oh, absolutely not! You do NOT get to pick out my outfit—"

Lucian reappeared with a dress draped over his arm. It was elegant yet simple, a deep shade of blue that matched his own navy suit. He handed it to her with a knowing look. "Wear this."

She crossed her arms. "And if I say no?"

"Then you can walk around in just your towel."

Her glare could have melted steel. "Fine. But not because you told me to, you bastard."

Once she was dressed, she was feeling victorious—right up until Lucian pulled out the damn choker.

"Nope," she said, stepping back. "Absolutely not. I've been a good hostage today. You don't need to put me on a leash."

Lucian took a deliberate step forward. "You fought me last time, too. Didn't work then. Won't work now."

She turned to run. He grabbed her wrist.

"Oh, come on!" she shouted as he smoothly fastened the choker around her neck. She swatted at his hands, but he was faster, the chain clicking into place before she could stop him.

Lucian smirked. "There. Now you look perfect."

She huffed, tugging at it. "You have the worst fashion sense."

"And yet, you match me perfectly."

She swore under her breath as he led her toward breakfast.

After breakfast, Lucian's family came through the door, their presence filling the room with an air of authority and quiet tension. In the background, she could see maids rushing back and forth, their arms full of decorations as they hurried through a set of ornate double doors, their movements frantic yet precise.

Liora found herself being practically dragged toward the garden by Celeste, who was entirely too excited about the day's activities. Lucian followed at a leisurely pace, hands in his pockets while holding the chains, watching with mild amusement as Liora muttered complaints under her breath.

"You do realize I was not built for early morning exercise, right?" Liora grumbled as she stumbled slightly over a loose stone in the pathway.

Celeste laughed. "Oh, don't worry, we're not throwing you into a battlefield. Just some light archery and maybe a ride."

Lucian chuckled. "I'd pay to see you on a horse."

Liora shot him a glare. "Joke's on you. I actually know how to ride."

Celeste gasped, clasping her hands together. "Perfect! We can have a race!"

Liora blinked. "Wait. No. I take it back."

It was too late. Celeste had already grabbed her by the wrist and was dragging her toward the stables, leaving Lucian smirking behind them.

The archery practice was, to Liora's mild surprise, actually enjoyable. She found herself loosening up as she pulled back the bowstring, the satisfying thrum of the release making her forget, for a moment, about the choker around her neck or the ever-watchful gaze of Lucian.

"You have good form," Lucian murmured, appearing behind her just as she released an arrow. The closeness of his voice sent a shiver down her spine.

She scoffed, trying to ignore how warm his breath felt against her ear. "Is that a rare compliment? Should I cherish this moment?"

He held her outstretched hand, his other resting firmly on her hip, guiding her posture with deliberate precision. His gaze locked onto hers, intense and unwavering, as he adjusted her stance. The moment stretched between them, charged and unspoken, until the arrow finally soared through the air and struck the bullseye with a satisfying thud.

He smirked. "Don't get used to it. Though, you might find yourself receiving more in the future little rabbit."

Celeste rolled her eyes. "Alright, lovebirds, let's move on to riding before I gag."

Liora turned to protest, but Lucian merely smirked, offering his hand as if daring her to refuse.

She sighed dramatically, placing her palm in his, thinking she needed him to trust her so she could get a chance for freedom. "Fine. But if I fall and break something, I'm blaming you."

As Lucian led her toward the waiting horses, a thought crept into Liora's mind. This ride wasn't just about competition—it was an opportunity. A perfect chance to gauge the size of the estate, map out possible escape routes, and formulate a plan before the wedding locked her fate even further. She needed to pay attention to every fence, every gate, every potential exit. If she was ever going to escape, she needed information, and this was her best chance to gather it without suspicion.

The rest of Lucian's family was already mounted, his parents sharing a dignified-looking stallion while his siblings sat astride their own sleek horses, waiting for them to select theirs. Celeste practically bounced with excitement as she eyed the horses, while Lucian remained calm, his eyes flicking between Liora and the selection of steeds.

Liora scanned the options, her gaze landing on a striking black stallion with intelligent, restless eyes that mirrored her own. "This one," she declared, stepping closer.

Lucian raised an eyebrow. "Midnight is spirited. Think you can handle him?"

Liora scoffed. "Please. I can handle you, can't I? A horse is nothing."

Celeste snickered while Lucian merely hummed in amusement. "We'll see."

Liora moved confidently, mounting Midnight with ease. She patted his neck, feeling the powerful muscles beneath her fingertips. He huffed, shifting restlessly, but she held firm, guiding him into stillness. She glanced at Lucian smugly, only to notice something new—a second lead attached to Midnight's bridle. A lead that was firmly held in Lucian's hand.

Her jaw dropped. "You have got to be kidding me."

Lucian smirked. "I told you, little rabbit. You're not running anywhere."

Liora tugged at the rein, testing his hold. "This is humiliating. What am I, a flight risk?"

Lucian's eyes gleamed with amusement. "Exactly."

His brothers chuckled, watching the exchange with clear entertainment. "Looks like Lucian doesn't trust you, Liora," one of them quipped.

Liora huffed dramatically. "Oh, I see what this is. He's just afraid I'll win."

Lucian's smirk deepened. "We'll see about that."

With that, they set off, the group riding toward a scenic picnic site, the air filled with laughter and the rhythmic sound of hooves against the ground. Liora gritted her teeth, determined to make the best of the ride while secretly studying every landmark, every path, every potential escape route.