Rooftop Whispers and Stolen Glances

Ever since their impromptu dinner, something had changed between Lucian and Saraphina. It wasn't drastic or loud—it was in the subtle ways they gravitated toward each other. A passing touch when he handed her coffee, the way she lingered a little longer in his office when she visited the precinct, or how he always seemed to "accidentally" show up at the fabric store when she was there.

Their connection was magnetic, but neither spoke about it.

Tonight, however, Lucian had taken it a step further. He had planned a special dinner for her—a surprise.

Saraphina had been working all day, finalizing the last piece of her collection. So when Lucian called, casually telling her to "wear something pretty" and meet him at an address he texted, she had no reason to refuse.

Curious and slightly nervous, she slipped into an elegant yet simple emerald green dress that hugged her figure gracefully, letting her silvery-blonde hair cascade down her back. She applied soft makeup, nothing too dramatic, but enough to feel like she had made an effort.

When she arrived, the sight before her stole her breath.

The exclusive restaurant was known for being impossible to get a reservation at, but that wasn't what shocked her. It was the private rooftop setting, decorated with warm fairy lights, a candlelit table set for two, and the breathtaking view of the city's skyline stretching behind it.

Lucian stood near the railing, his hands casually tucked into his pockets, but his eyes—those piercing, soul-searching eyes—lit up the moment he saw her.

"You're staring," Saraphina teased as she approached him, a knowing smile playing on her lips.

Lucian smirked, pulling out a chair for her. "Can you blame me?"

She rolled her eyes, but there was no hiding the way her cheeks heated. "How did you even pull this off? This place is usually booked for months."

Lucian took his seat across from her, leaning forward slightly. "Perks of knowing the right people."

"Or abusing your power as an officer of the law?" she teased, raising a brow.

Lucian chuckled. "I like to think of it as strategic negotiation."

Saraphina shook her head with a soft laugh. She picked up the menu, eyes skimming the options, but before she could decide, Lucian spoke up again.

"By the way, I took the liberty of choosing a theme for tonight's dinner."

Saraphina narrowed her eyes suspiciously. "Oh? And what might that be?"

Lucian leaned back confidently. "Fashion and fabrics."

She blinked. "…What?"

He grinned. "Since you're a designer, I figured I should impress you with my extensive knowledge of fabrics."

Saraphina held back a laugh, amused. "Alright, let's hear it, Detective Drax. What do you know about fabrics?"

Lucian cleared his throat dramatically. "First of all, there's… uh… cotton. It's soft."

Saraphina snorted. "Wow. Revolutionary."

Lucian shot her a look before continuing. "And then, there's silk—expensive, smooth, perfect for… romantic settings." He held her gaze meaningfully.

Saraphina arched a brow but didn't look away. "Go on."

Lucian leaned in slightly, his smirk widening. "And then there's… chiffon. Which I think is just fancy mosquito net."

That was it. Saraphina burst into laughter, shaking her head. "Lucian, I swear—if you ever become a designer, the fashion industry will collapse."

Lucian chuckled, watching her with amusement. "Then I guess it's a good thing I'm a detective."

Their food arrived, breaking the playful banter, but the warmth in the air remained.

As they ate, their conversation drifted to lighter topics—memories from childhood, embarrassing moments, and strange encounters Lucian had had on cases.

At one point, Saraphina leaned back in her chair, tilting her head at him. "Why are you doing all this?"

Lucian set his fork down, studying her carefully. "What do you mean?"

"Taking me out, showing up at my work, looking at me like…" she trailed off, unable to finish her sentence.

Lucian's jaw tensed slightly, as if debating how much to say. Finally, he exhaled, leaning closer. "Because I want to."

Her breath hitched slightly. "That's not an answer."

Lucian smirked. "It's the best answer you're getting tonight."

Saraphina sighed but didn't push further. Maybe she didn't want to hear the real answer just yet.

The evening continued, filled with stolen glances, teasing remarks, and an undeniable chemistry neither of them could ignore.

By the time they left the restaurant, the city lights twinkling around them, Saraphina found herself smiling more than she had in years.

Lucian walked her to her car, his hands casually in his pockets. "Tonight was fun."

"It was." She hesitated before adding, "Thank you."

Lucian smirked. "For the dinner or the fabric lesson?"

She rolled her eyes. "Definitely not the fabric lesson."

Lucian chuckled, but before she could turn to open her car door, he reached out, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. The touch was brief, but it sent shivers down her spine.

For a second, neither of them moved.

Then, Lucian took a small step back, stuffing his hands in his pockets again. "Drive safe, Saraphina."

She nodded, quickly getting into her car before she did something reckless.

As she drove away, she realized something—Lucian Drax was dangerous. Not because of his job. Not because of his past.

But because he was making her feel things she wasn't sure she was ready for.

And for the first time in years, she wasn't sure if she wanted to resist