Run: 2026-02-19-01KHSZ1X0W5P29Q72PV7NPN444

The door swung open and there he stood, filling the doorway with his broad shoulders and confident smirk. Aurora's heart skipped a beat at the sight of him. She hadn't expected to see Lucien again, especially after the way they had last parted. But here he was, looking as dapper as ever in one of his tailored suits, the amber eye glaring under his blond quiff. The scent of his cologne wafted towards her, a familiar mix of sandalwood and musk. "Well, well, Carter. Long time no see." His deep voice echoed through the dimly lit corridor. Aurora's hand gripped the doorknob tightly, her knuckles turning white. She had to remind herself to breathe. Seeing Lucien again stirred up a whirlwind of emotions she thought she had buried long ago. "What do you want, Moreau?" Her voice came out sharper than she intended, a clear sign of the turmoil within. Lucien raised an eyebrow at the use of his surname. He stepped into the flat, his cane clicking against the wooden floor. Ptolemy, her tabby cat, rubbed against his leg, unbothered by the intrusion. "I thought we were past formalities, ma chère. After all, we've shared things that friends don't tell each other." Aurora bit her lip, remembering the intimacy they had once shared. It had been a whirlwind of passion and secrets, until it all came crashing down. She stepped aside, allowing him entry. "This is a surprise. Thought you'd be busy collecting debts or brokering deals in the underworld." He chuckled, his gaze taking in the chaos of her living room. "I saw an opportunity to deal with a certain fiery redhead and thought, 'Why not?' Besides, I'm here for a social call, not business. For once." Her heart fluttered at the implication, but she kept her features carefully neutral. "Right. A social call." Aurora shut the door, ensuring all three deadbolts were secured. She turned to face him, crossing her arms. "What brings you here, then? Decided to catch up on old times?" Lucien sauntered towards her, his dark eyes glittering with an unreadable emotion. "Something like that. I couldn't stay away, especially after hearing certain... interesting tidbits about your recent adventures." He pulled out a slim silver cigarette case and offered her one. Aurora declined with a shake of her head, not wanting to be drawn into his web of charm and seduction. "I don't smoke." "Ah, yes. A healthy lifestyle. Admirable." He lit his own cigarette with an antique lighter, the flame reflecting in his eyes. "So, tell me, Rory, how's life treating you? Still making deliveries for Cheung?" "Mostly. I've been keeping busy. You know, making an honest living." She gestured around the modest flat, littered with books and notes, a stark contrast to Lucien's luxurious tastes. "Hmm, quite the contrast to my world." He exhaled a stream of smoke, his gaze turning smoky. "But I must admit, I prefer the rogue to the law-abiding citizen. It suits you, this life on the edge." Aurora's cheeks warmed at the compliment, or perhaps it was the cigarette smoke curling around them. "I don't remember asking for your opinion on my lifestyle choices." "Maybe you should. We both know you're not the law-abiding type, Rory. You've got a wild streak, and I've always admired that about you." He took a step closer, his proximity making her aware of her rapid heartbeat. "We shouldn't..." Aurora trailed off, feeling the pull of attraction between them, the same force that had brought them together and torn them apart. Lucien's hand reached up, gently brushing a stray lock of hair from her face. "There's something between us, Aurora. A connection forged in secrets and shared dangers. We've never addressed it." She caught his hand in midair, their fingers twining together. "What are you asking me, Lucien?" He leaned in, his breath tickling her earlobe. "I'm not running this time. From you, from us. I want to know what you feel, mon ange." Aurora's body buzzed with electricity, the air crackling with unspoken desire. She released his hand and took a cautious step back. "I... I can't do this. Not now. Too much has happened, and I..." Lucien's eyes narrowed, his features turning sharp. "Afraid?" She shook her head, her straight black hair sliding across her shoulders. "No, not afraid. Just... cautious. You don't stay in one place, and I've got roots growing here." He took a deep drag on his cigarette, his amber eye studying her intently. "Think you can tame me, Rory?" Aurora's heart hammered in her chest. "I'm not trying to tame you, Luc. I just... I want to know you're not going to disappear again." "I'm here, aren't I? Standing in your flat, in front of you." He dropped the cigarette on the floor and stubbed it out with his shoe. "I came back. That's gotta count for something." She could feel her resolve weakening, the memories of their past pulling at her like a gravitational force. "What do you want from me, Lucien?" His voice lowered to a husky whisper. "I want you. All of you, Rory—the passion, the secrets, the demons. Everything." Aurora's mind raced, grappling with the intensity of his words. "I..." Before she could finish, Lucien closed the gap between them, his lips meeting hers in a kiss that was both fierce and desperate. His taste was familiar, the scent of spice and temptation. Aurora's arms slid around his neck, and she surrendered to the moment, to the rush of emotions that consumed her.