Chapter 77

Serena's POV

The dim interior of Lucas's car was silent except for his steady breathing. I stole a glance at his sleeping form - head tilted back against the headrest, features relaxed in what appeared to be alcohol-induced slumber. As we pulled up to my building, I carefully unbuckled my seatbelt, trying not to wake him.

"Thank you for the ride," I whispered, reaching for the door handle.

His hand shot out, wrapping around my wrist. My breath caught at the sudden contact. For someone supposedly passed out drunk, his grip was remarkably precise.

"Let me walk you up," he murmured, his voice low and steady. A hint of sandalwood cut through the lingering scent of whiskey as he leaned closer.

"That's really not necessary," I protested, but he was already opening his door. I watched with growing suspicion as he walked around the car - his steps far too even for someone who'd had as much to drink as he'd claimed.

The elevator ride up was a study in contained tension. Lucas stood close enough that I could feel the warmth radiating from him, but maintained just enough distance to be proper. I found myself hyperaware of every slight movement, every quiet breath.

"Well, this is me," I announced when we reached my door, turning to face him. "You should head home and get some rest."

"Mm," he agreed, making no move to leave.

"It's late," I tried again.

"It is," he nodded, still not budging.

"Weren't you leaving?"

"I was," he said, the corner of his mouth twitching slightly. "But I just remembered something important."

"What?"

His eyes met mine, surprisingly clear for someone supposedly intoxicated. "You haven't given me my birthday present yet."

I stared at Lucas, still lingering in my doorway with that expectant look. His earlier façade of drunkenness had completely vanished, replaced by an alertness that made my pulse quicken.

"A birthday present? Now?" I tried to keep my voice steady. "Most people wait for a reasonable hour."

"I can be quite reasonable," he said, his deep voice carrying a hint of amusement. "A small gesture would suffice."

The way he looked at me made it hard to think straight. His eyes held mine with an intensity that sent warmth creeping up my neck. I knew I should just wish him happy birthday and close the door, but something in his gaze made me hesitate.

"Just a gesture?" The words came out softer than I intended.

"Mm." His slight nod was accompanied by the barest curve of his lips.

Maybe it was the late hour making me reckless. Maybe it was the lingering effects of our evening together. Before I could second-guess myself, I rose on my tiptoes and pressed a quick kiss to his cheek.

The moment my lips touched his skin, I felt his sharp intake of breath. Time seemed to suspend itself for that brief contact. When I pulled back, the look in his eyes had transformed into something darker, more intense.

"I hadn't expected Serena Sinclair to be so... generous with her gifts," he murmured, his voice dropping to a low timber that made my stomach flutter.

"I thought a simple 'happy birthday' would suffice," I managed to say, fighting the blush I could feel spreading across my face.

"Oh no," he stepped closer, just slightly. "I much prefer your choice of delivery."

My heart was thundering so loudly I was sure he could hear it. "You got your present. You should go home now."

"As you wish." But he lingered for another moment, his eyes holding mine with an expression that made my knees weak. "Sweet dreams, Serena."