As I opened my eyes, the gentle light of the morning sun filtering through the window and casting a warm glow across the room greeted my vision.


    I stretched my limbs and let out a contented sigh. However, as I turned my head to the side, I felt a sudden jolt of surprise. Lucas was still asleep next to me, his arms wrapped tightly around my body.


    A blush crept up my cheeks as I realized the intimacy of our position. But before I could even process my emotions, Lucas stirred and opened his eyes.


    "Good morning, beautiful," he whispered, his voice still husky with sleep.


    I couldn''t help but smile at his words, feeling a flutter in my stomach at the way he looked at me.


    "Good morning," I replied, my own voice soft and warm.


    "I trust you slept well?"


    My smile widened "Yes, thank you. And you?"


    "Like a baby," he replied with a grin. "I slept with a goddess so no wonder."


    "Enough with your sweet talk. I have to make Niall''s breakfast." I untangled his arms and I got up but Lucas yfully pulled me back and pinned me down.


    My attempts to escape his yful grip were futile, so I gave in andy still as I felt his breath on my neck.


    "How about we start with dessert?" He whispered in my ears, making the hair on my nape stand on ends.


    I felt as heat crept on my cheeks. I opened my mouth but no words emerged from my lips.


    Mirt danced in his eyes as he chuckled. "Just kidding… Although I would love to, the time won''t permit me."


    After a moment, he released me and sat up, stretching his arms above his head. "What do you have nned for today?" he asked, his eyes sparkling with curiosity.


    I sat up too, propping myself up with my elbow.


    "Well, I have to be in the office this afternoon to sign documents, but other than that, nothing much." I replied as I got up from bed.


    Lucas nodded, "Well, could I take you out for dinner after work?


    I turned to Lucas and weighed my decisions. We haven''t had dinner together in a restaurant before and thinking about going out with him sent a funny quiver down my spine.


    "Sure. " I replied and something that resembled relief crossed his face.


    "Where would you like to go?"


    Lucas paused for a moment, pondering the options. "How about that new fancy Italian ce that just opened up downtown? I''ve heard their pasta is to die for."


    I nodded in agreement. "I hear they have a wine selection that is simply divine."


    "Alright. I''ll pick you up at the office around six pm after work." He got out of the bed andnded a swift kiss on my temples. "I''m runningte for work… You go prepare breakfast for Niall." He added, making a beeline straight to the bathroom.


    I could hear the water sshing against the tile as Lucas began his morning routine. I smiled to myself, grabbing a robe before going to the kitchen.


    As I prepared breakfast, I couldn''t help but think about our dinner date. Like a teenager on her first date,  I felt giddy and excited.


    ***


    At work all I could think about was the date. The day was like the longest hour of my life and the time seems to drag longer than usual.


    After almost waiting forever, I checked the time on myputer screen - 5:30 pm. Only half an hour  left until Lucas arrives to pick me up.


    With the remaining time, I brushed my long hair into submission and pulled it into an updo. There was something missing as I stared at my reflection in the hand mirror.


    I looked a bit pale with the absence of make up. I rummage through my bag until I found my lipstick and thinly applied some to my lips.


    Onest nce in the mirror, I was finally satisfied with how I look.


    I proceeded to  and log out of myputer


    As I rose from my swivel chair, I smoothened the hem of my slightly wrinkled dress with my palms. When I''m done, I made sure everything''s fine before leaving my office.


    Lucas was already there when I arrived at the parking area. He was standing by his car. He looked utterly dashing, with his sharp ck suit perfectly tailored to his frame and his hair slicked back in a stylish yet understated manner.


    There was something about the way he held himself that exuded confidence and sophistication, and I couldn''t help but feel a little envious of his effortless charm.


    As I approached him, he turned to face me and shed a warm smile. "Hello there," he said, his voice smooth and velvety.


    "Hi." I responded shyly.


    "Shall we?" He opened the car door.


    Lucas waited until I settled on my seat before he climbed into the driver''s seat.


    As he drove to the restaurant, he asked about my day.


    I told him exactly how it went, excluding how I was not able to focus at work because I''ve been looking forward to our date.


    "How was yours?" I asked back when I finished.


    "Nothing much… Doing paper work all day."


    I found myself rxing and enjoying our conversation as we jumped from one topic to another.


    However our conversation was cut short when we arrived at the restaurant.


    Lucas opened the car door for me and then led me inside, his hand protectively on my back.


    A butler weed us at the door and led us to the table on the balcony.


    Lucas pulled a chair for me, a gesture that made me blush and feel special all at once.


    The butler handed us the menu.


    As we perused the contents our conversation resumed.


    Everthing was doing well until a familiar tall figure walked into the door apanied by a woman.


    Cold dread rush through my spine and I couldn''t move in fear. Terror rendered me paralyze at my ce.


    He was here... I would never forget that face.


    How would I ever forget the face of the man who tried to kill me twice?