Chapter 2

I hadn’t felt this giddy in ages. Maybe it was just the thrill of talking to someone new—I couldn’t be sure—but the butterflies in my chest told me I definitely liked this stranger.

Lucien: I’m pleasantly surprised by you.

Me: Why? Did you expect me to be boring?

Me: You do look like a businessman in your profile picture.

Lucien: And?

Me: That means you should be used to negotiations… the dirty kind too.

Lucien: So you’ve accepted that you’re playing dirty.

Me: I didn’t say that.

Lucien: But you implied it.

Me: So do we end the negotiations then?

Lucien: No. I want that picture of your lips so badly. I’ll compromise.

Me: Good. I’m waiting. Tell me something.

Lucien: I want to see the picture first.

Me: And how do I know you’ll keep your word?

Lucien: You’ll just have to trust me. I’m a man of my word.

Lucien and I balanced on a thin line between flirtation and negotiation, each word heavy with temptation. The tension spiked until I couldn’t resist anymore. With a burst of energy, I leapt off the couch and dashed to my room.

“Allison, where on earth are you off to in such a hurry?” Sarah’s voice followed after me.

“Just grabbing my lip gloss!” I called back, shutting my door with a decisive click.

In a frenzy, I rummaged through my makeup box until my hand closed around my Fenty pink gloss. I coated my lips in quick, steady strokes until they gleamed—plump, glossy, irresistible. Confidence surged through me. One look, and he’d be dying to kiss them.

Racing back to the living room, I flung the curtains wide, inviting sunlight to flood the space.

“You’re acting strangely, Alli,” Sarah said from the couch, giving me a suspicious look.

“Ah, it’s nothing,” I replied, though my heart was still performing acrobatics.

I snapped photo after photo of my freshly glossed lips, too absorbed in the shimmer on my screen to notice Sarah moving. Suddenly, she was right behind me.

I nearly jumped as she leaned over my shoulder. “That one’s gorgeous! Your skin looks flawless.” Then, with a smirk, she added, “But why just your lips? Is he trying to recruit you for a lip gloss campaign?”

I burst out laughing. “What the hell? No!”

Still, my focus went back to the third picture. “You’re sure this is really good?” I asked, scrutinizing every detail.

“Absolutely. Send it before you start nitpicking,” she said, nudging me.

“You’re probably right,” I murmured, my stomach fluttering as I hit send. Then I leaned back against the wall, nerves tingling.

“Off to get ready for class,” Sarah announced, grabbing her things.

“Alright, see you later,” I called as she disappeared into the kitchen.

“Don’t you have a lecture this morning?” she asked over her shoulder.

“Not until eleven,” I answered, though my mind was nowhere near the clock. My teeth worried at my lip as I stared at my phone, pulse racing. The silence stretched unbearably long. Finally, I caved and typed:

Me: Do you like it?

Lucien: It’s perfect. The most exotic picture I’ve ever seen.

His reply was instant. I squealed, bouncing into a little victory dance.

Me: You’re making me blush. Now it’s time to keep your end of the bargain.

Minutes dragged on, each one scraping at my nerves. I bit my lip—an old nervous habit I thought I’d outgrown. Finally, his message appeared.

Lucien: Sorry, I’m still caught up staring at your picture.

I squealed again, twirling in delight.

Lucien: Alright, one fact about me: I run my own business.

Me: I kind of figured that. Your AI profile pic screams dangerous billionaire.

“Girl, Jacob’s calling again,” Sarah interrupted, reappearing in camo jeans and a baggy shirt, her long blonde hair flowing freely. She slung her bag over her shoulder, clearly ready for class. “He’s not giving up on you yet.”

Jacob. My ex. The one who ghosted me for over a week until I finally ended things with a text. Unfortunately, since he’s in the architecture department, we still cross paths too often—another reason I sometimes dread classes.

“Well, block him. We’re so done. I told you,” I said, irritation bubbling up.

“He swears he had a good reason for—”

“I don’t care,” I cut in sharply.

Sarah raised her hands in surrender. “Okay, fine. I hear you. I’m off to class.”

“See you at school,” I said, forcing a smile and blowing her a kiss as she left.

I locked the door behind her and collapsed back on the couch, phone in hand.

Lucien: Can I get another picture of your lips? But this time with red gloss.

Me: You’re insane.

Lucien: See? You’ve already figured something out about me.

Me: That you’re crazy?

Lucien: Exactly.

Me: Well, everyone’s a little crazy these days.

Lucien: You sound pretty level-headed to me.

Me: Do I now? Anyway, I need to eat and finish an assignment. Class starts at eleven. If you’re a good boy when I’m back… I might send that picture.

Lucien: I’ll be a good boy.

I squealed, dropping my phone and pressing my hands to my face. Finally, I tore myself away long enough to shower, straighten up the living room, and wash the dishes.

Back in my room—tidy as always—I eyed the sticky notes scattered on my desk, the textbooks stacked beside my laptop, and my neatly arranged dressing table. I smoothed the bed again before diving into my closet for an outfit.

Today, I wanted to dress sexy. Not for Lucien. Not even for me. But to show Jacob exactly what he’d lost.