Page 93 of King of Rage

She rose onto her tiptoes again and leaned toward him, kissing one cheek and then the other.

A smile immediately brightened Lucius's face.

As she pulled away, he lifted both hands and held her face between his palms. His eyes moved over her features, lingering on her face as though he wanted to take in every detail, his thumbs resting against her cheeks.

“I love you, Stella,” he said, his voice low and sincere. “More than you’ll ever understand. There isn’t a single thing I wouldn’t do for you. Even if you asked me to lay down my life for you, I would do it without a single regret.”

Stella froze.

It was the first time he had ever said 'I love you’ to her.

Her heart seemed to stumble in her chest, and for a moment, she could barely breathe.

“I love you, darling,” he repeated.

Her eyes softened.

“I love you too,” she whispered.

Lucius leaned forward and kissed her.

This time, it wasn't the light kiss she had given him. His kiss was warmer, deeper, and far more intense than she had expected. He drew her closer, his hands holding her securely as his mouth moved over hers again and again until she was left breathless.

When she could no longer catch her breath, Stella finally pulled away.

“Let’s go home,” she whispered.

Lucius didn't look pleased by the suggestion. His expression made it clear that he wanted nothing more than to keep kissing her.

But Stella stepped back and glanced around the corridor.

There was no privacy. The sounds of waiters moving through the restaurant echoed nearby, and the thought of someone walking in on them made her uncomfortable.

Lucius noticed the change in her expression.

For once, he didn't argue.

He bent his head and pressed a soft kiss to the corner of her mouth.

“Okay,” he murmured. “Then let’s go home.”

Before she could respond, he kissed her once more, as though he couldn't resist stealing one last kiss before taking her hand.

He led her out of the restaurant.

They had barely reached the entrance when Nial, who was waiting outside, saw them approaching. He immediately stepped forward and opened the car door for Stella.

She climbed inside, followed by Lucius.

The ride home was quiet, but Lucius never released her hand. His fingers remained intertwined with hers the entire way, his grip secure and possessive, as though he still couldn't quite believe she was beside him again.

When they arrived home, he released her hand only long enough to step out first. He then turned and offered her his hand, helping her from the car before following her inside.

The moment the front door closed behind them, Lucius moved toward her.

Stella barely had time to turn before her back met the door.

The house was dimly lit by a few lamps, their soft glow stretching across the quiet rooms. With no maids around, the entire house was silent, leaving only the two of them in the stillness.