A Lesson in Deception

Julian stood in front of his mirror, adjusting his collar and running a hand through his hair. He wanted to look sharp for Lexi—not too formal, but just put together enough to make an impression. This was an important step in his plan, and he needed everything to go smoothly.

In the kitchen, the scent of grilled chicken filled the air. He had carefully prepared a meal—tender chicken, steamed vegetables, and a pot of fluffy white rice. He had overheard once that rice was Lexi's favorite, and he wasn't about to let that detail go to waste.

Just as he finished plating the food, his phone buzzed. Lexi.

"I'm outside," she said.

"I'll be right there," Julian replied, keeping his tone casual despite the anticipation curling in his stomach.

He stepped outside, greeted by the warm afternoon sun. Lexi stood by her car, wearing a yellow sundress that hugged her curves just right. The color made her glow, and for a brief moment, Julian almost forgot why he had invited her over in the first place.

"Hey," he said, flashing his most charming smile. "Welcome to my humble abode."

Lexi smiled back, a little shy but undeniably pleased. "Thanks, Julian. Your house is lovely."

He offered her his arm, and she hesitated before slipping her hand around it. The touch sent a small thrill through him, but he pushed the feeling aside. This was about business, not pleasure.

Inside, Julian led her to the dining room. The table was neatly set, the food arranged with just enough effort to make it seem effortless.

Lexi's eyes widened in surprise. "Wow, Julian. You didn't have to do all this."

Julian shrugged, feigning nonchalance. "I wanted you to feel welcome. Please, sit. Help yourself."

Lexi took a seat, eyeing the meal with curiosity before picking up her fork. The moment she took her first bite, her expression changed.

"This is amazing," she said, looking up at him in delight. "I didn't know you could cook like this."

Julian smirked, pleased by her reaction. "I have a few tricks up my sleeve," he said smoothly. "I wanted to make something special for you."

As they ate, the conversation flowed easily. Lexi had a way of laughing that made Julian forget, just for a second, why he was doing all of this. The way the light caught her eyes, the way she absentmindedly tucked a strand of hair behind her ear—there was something about her that made him feel like he was walking a dangerous line.

But he couldn't afford distractions.

After they finished eating, Julian led her to his studio, where a blank canvas sat waiting.

"Alright," he said, picking up a palette of paints. "Today, we're going to focus on color theory and composition."

Lexi looked at the colors laid out before her, curiosity flickering across her face. "I've never really worked with oils before," she admitted. "Can you show me how to mix them?"

Julian nodded. "Of course. Here, let me show you."

He moved closer, guiding her hand as she dipped the brush into the paint. Her skin was soft, her perfume subtle but intoxicating. Julian swallowed hard, forcing himself to stay focused.

"See how these two colors blend together?" he said, his voice steady despite the way his pulse quickened. "The trick is to balance them. Too much of one, and it overpowers everything."

Lexi nodded, biting her lip in concentration. "I think I'm getting it."

Julian watched her, a slow smile tugging at his lips. "You're a natural."

As the lesson continued, Julian found himself enjoying the moment more than he expected. Watching Lexi paint, seeing the way she experimented with colors—it was oddly satisfying.

But satisfaction wasn't the goal.

As the lesson came to an end, Julian stepped back, crossing his arms. He had successfully pulled her into his world, made her comfortable. Another step in his plan was complete.

Lexi turned to him with a bright smile. "Thanks, Julian. I had a great time."

He returned her smile, feeling an unexpected flicker of guilt. "I'm glad," he said.

As she left, Julian stood by the door, watching her go. He should have felt triumphant—his plan was working. He was drawing her in, piece by piece. But instead, something gnawed at him.

He shook it off.

This was about survival, not sentiment.

Taking a deep breath, he reminded himself of the goal. Seduce her. Win her trust. And then, use that trust to get what he wanted.

It was a ruthless plan.

But Julian had never been one to shy away from ruthless.