Chapter 9: Brewing Storm

Their figures were cloaked in shadows, leaving only the press of his lips, the faint rustle of fabric, and the heat pooling between them.

Neither of them paid attention to the faint light from the phone in the dark room, letting it ring.

They deepened their kiss once more, this time, rougher, lips parting and meeting again in a rhythm neither of them tried to control. It was a little jerky–uncertain yet urgent. 

But the caller was persistent. The phone buzzed again and again, unwilling to be ignored.

Liliana sighed against his lips before biting down softly, just enough to break them apart.

Nolan pulled back, his breath heavy as he sat up, running a hand through his hair.

Liliana didn't rush. She leaned into him, her hands instinctively reaching out for his arm. She pressed a featherlight peck on his cheek before pulling away to search for her phone, picking it up, and answering the speaker.

"Where the hell are you?" Evelyn asked impatiently, her voice echoing through the room. "We're leaving soon. Get down here right now."

Liliana, her attention fixed on the man next to her, paid little heed to Evelyn's outburst. She tilted her head, pressing slow, open-mouthed kisses along the column of his throat, trailing down in teasing nibbles.

He remained still, letting her do as she pleased. His fingers skimmed along her side, his touch was lazy and unhurried though his eyes held a distant, unshaken calm.

On the other end, 

Evelyn exhaled, clearly losing patience without hearing any response. "Liliana? If you don't answer in five seconds, I'm sending someone to drag you out."

Liliana lazily pushed her hair back, finally picking up the phone. "I see." Her tone was smooth and effortless. "I got lost. I'll meet you outside."

A lie. But one that came naturally.

As she hung up, she met Nolan's gaze. The way he looked at her made her pause, his eyes were like a riddle she couldn't solve.

She got up, smoothing out her dress.

"Leaving?" He asked in a low rumble. He wasn't stopping her, yet something about the way he said it felt like an invitation to stay.

Liliana nodded, unsure how to respond.

Nolan didn't stop her. Instead, he moved with casual ease, reaching out for her phone.

Liliana looked up, slightly startled.

Shortly, a simple system ringtone sounded from his overcoat, which was still scattered on the bed.

Her eyes flickered to him.

Nolan smirked faintly as he handed her phone back.

Liliana met his gaze before slipping the device into her bag. As she did, her eyes scanned the screen–her call log was still open.

Nolan.

She hadn't known his name before.

She glanced up at him, but he remained detached, adjusting his cufflink as if he hadn't just branded himself into her life.

Liliana let out a soft hum, tucking the thought away. "Until we meet again."

Then, without looking back, she turned and walked out.

As soon as she stepped out of the room, she was met with a heavily guarded front, men in black stood sideways in solemn and attentive postures. She paused–but only for a fraction of a second, pretending not to care as she continued smoothly down the hall.

Moments later, in the room, Harley, Nolan's life assistant, stepped in.

"Second Master."

Nolan sat on the edge of the bed, adjusting his tie neatly as he stood up, shrugging his overcoat back on.

"Find out who she is." His tone was calm, but the order was absolute.

Harley nodded impassively. "Understood."

After all, this property was an Alchys holding it wouldn't take much effort.

Without another word, Nolan stepped out with long strides. Harley followed behind, among the silent circle of bodyguards.

The reflection in the small mirror showed the flush on her skin and revealed her slightly swollen lips, a faint trace of recklessness from earlier. Liliana stared at her reflection. She devoured the heart of a lion, didn't she?

She pressed a finger against her lower lip. She chided herself for her impulsiveness.

Impulse had never been her ally.

But before she could dwell on it, a loud, slurred voice interrupted her thoughts.

"I can still drink more...Let me go!"

Seraphina.

Liliana snapped the compact mirror shut, her face instantly shifting into that of an innocent and harmless look. The sound of approaching footsteps reached her ears, and she turned just in time.

"Brother Hillary!" she struck first, her tone soft and tinged with helplessness as if trying to hide the little fear in her heart. "This place is so huge, I was afraid I couldn't find my way back."

It was a plausible excuse.

In their eyes, she was just a girl raised behind walls, someone with no capability to navigate a place like this on her own. Though, it was partly true.

Hillary, playing the role of a dependable older cousin, patted her head reassuringly. "Okay, okay. Don't worry. We're here now."

Theodore, standing nearby, let out a small chuckle before his gaze shifted, and directed a subtle reprimand towards Evelyn.

"Why didn't you accompany Liliana when you were sobered up?" He was gentle yet reproachful with his words. "You know she's not familiar with this place."

Evelyn pointed at herself in disbelief, utterly incredulous. "Why is it my fault?" She retorted. "I'm the most innocent one here, okay?"

Liliana lowered her lashes, feigning remorse.

Hillary sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Alright, what's all the fuss?" He turned to Liliana. "Go on, get inside. We're heading home."

Liliana offered apologetic glances towards Evelyn and Theodore, her gaze soft, as though she truly felt bad for stirring trouble. Then, without another word, she stepped into the car.

Seraphina, too intoxicated to stand, was half supported by their cousins as they followed.

The night had faded. Yet in the faint reflection of the car window, Liliana could still see the remnants of tonight–her lips still carrying the taste of something forbidden.