âI know you, Lucien Castle.â Too well, perhaps? âYou really think I donât know something as easy to read as your desires?â This was Katherine Pierce, a master in reading men and understanding what it is they wanted from her. Whether that be for one night, or for something more substantial. And yes, whilst there was a part of the doppelganger adamant he wanted something more intimate with her, there was still a part of her that was not willing to believe such notions. This was the man who didnât head her warnings, on multiple occasions. Did not trust her. Who stood before her, pleading for his body, instead of trusting she knew best in this situation. Despite that being proven on numerous âplansâ where he was concerned. Her lips inched closer, if that were possible, but this time, there was a soft grazing of mouths, brief and unfulfilling. Both wanted more. That was obvious, otherwise they wouldâve pulled back from the moment, disengaging from the taunting nature both were seductively treading the line with. âYou donât want me?â She toyed, a smirk present on her lips, as one hand rose, pressing against his chest, as she allowed her finger to toy with the material against his skin, teasing the idea further. And yet, here he was, resisting every urge that she pressed upon. Every button she desperately wanted to push. âForget about your body. Focus on the possibility of mine.â God, he wasnât half whining about his fucking body. Could he not allow her to keep him safe? Was she not capable of keeping him under wraps? âYouâll be back there soon enough, I assure you. But, thereâs no rush, Luc.â Not with her here, inches from him, Hell, not even that. Centimetres. Millimetres. As close as she could possibly press herself against him, without crossing the line, that they once had a hundred years ago. âFunny, it sounds like you have a specific title in mind there. Is there a particular word youâd like me to use, when it comes to you? Do tell.â Tongue brushing against her lips, as she pulled back ever so slightly, to ensure she did wet his own, for that would be too close. They were too busy with this cat and mouse effect. Battling the other for the âwinâ. âCause, wasnât that her speciality? Games. No rules. Selfish endeavours. And, Lucien? God, he was the most selfish endeavour she could possibly undertake in this moment. âYou are not a transaction. YouâŠâ She cut herself off immediately, unable to utter such complexities, swallowing her words before she could ever begin to engage in such weakness. Instead, she went back to her earlier remark, one he instantly began to question. What could she possibly need from him? Well, it was a difficult position to be in. For, it was ambiguous in every sense. Her need. âI need you. I need you to just kiss me. The rest can wait. No tricks, Lucien. No rules. Iâm not asking. Iâm telling you, to kiss me now. Right now.â But, she would allow him one thing. One soft, vulnerable, and honest moment. One phrase he could hold onto. But not enough to give him true power over her. Not until he proved he was capable of trusting her, and vice versa. âI missed you.â
âOh, you know me now? Careful, Kat. It almost sounds like you might care a little bit.â He was certain that his desire in this particular moment was blatantly obvious; he wasnât doing much to attempt to hide his desire for the woman that stood mere inches from him. The only reason for denying his impulses was standing on principle; stubbornness was a fatal flaw, one that they both possessed in spades. Besides, it was fun to watch Katherine squirm in anticipation. She was so used to being the black widow, weaving men in their trap and devouring them when they outlived their uselessness and Lucien refused to be just another fly caught in her web. However, there was absolutely no denying the growing need inside of him, the one that made his skin feel like it was alight with invisible flame where her fingers trailed. âI didnât say that,â he was quick to correct. He wouldnât be stupid enough to insult her by issuing a flat out denial of his attraction. Katherine Pierce was a lot of things, but oblivious wasnât one of them. âItâs a bit hard to focus on yours when I donât have my own for you to appreciate,â he countered, but let the subject rest with that last jib. This was a fight for another time, at the moment he had much more pressing matters to deal with. Her reassurance was enough to assuage his fears at least for one night and tomorrow was a new day. Lucien shook his head at her question, that signature smirk settled on his lips. âAh, ah, ah. Kat, youâre a brilliant girl. I think that you if you put that noggin of yours to work, youâll be able to figure it out all for yourself. And isnât the victory that much sweeter when you accomplish it on your own?â That smirk of his only widened when she had to catch herself from revealing too much, an eyebrow going up in interest. âGo ahead, love. What am I, if not a transaction? Come on, Iâm absolutely dying to know.â Probably a bit too soon for the death jokes but he secretly hoped it would get under skin to hear him joke about it. Lucien liked Katherine a bit fired up, erring towards the feisty side. His eyes gleamed with victory at Katherineâs command, knowing that this kind of vulnerability was the closest that he was going to get to the begging that he had requested. He hesitated for a moment, unsure if he should draw this out but passion won out over logic and his lips crashed down onto hers. Fervent and longing and joyous kisses pressed from him to her, one of his hands moving to her hair and grasping a handful of brunette curls. Those three words repeated over and over again in his head but remembering them wasnât enough. He wanted to hear it once more. âSay it again,â he murmured, teeth tugging teasingly at her bottom lip. âPlease.âÂ