The following morning, Thalia stepped out of her room, smoothing the front of her dress, her mind still replaying last night — the chocolates, the laughter, the warmth she didn't expect to feel. As she walked, Vicious appeared from the opposite direction, sharp in a black shirt, hair slightly messy in a way that made him look unfairly effortless. They almost collided, stopping close enough that she caught the faint scent of his cologne.
"How was your night?" he asked, voice calm but eyes holding something gentler.
"I slept well," she replied, offering a small smile. "Thank you. And you?"
"Better than I expected," he answered, watching her a heartbeat longer than necessary.
Before she could talk herself out of it, "Have a good day. I made lunch, don't forget to take it along."
She tried to walk away casually, but the stunned expression that slowly melted into a smile on his face didn't go unnoticed. After she left, Vicious exhaled a quiet laugh, running a hand through his hair as though he needed to release excitement.
I'm getting through to her, he thought, lips tilting upward. She cares. Even if she doesn't see it yet.
Later in the afternoon, Thalia found him in the study again, papers scattered like they held the world but his focus shifted immediately to her when she entered. She stood there for a moment, gathering courage.
"Sir… I want to ask for a favour." Her tone was polite but hopeful.
He raised a brow. "That depends on what you want."
"I want to go see my cousin," she said softly. "We finally spoke I was able to reach her after years. I haven't seen her in so long, and hearing her voice just reminded me of home. I miss her. Sometimes I feel alone here, even .She's the only person who truly knows me."
The words came out quietly, honest and vulnerable. She wasn't trying to manipulate him — she was simply letting him see the girl beneath the guard.
Vicious leaned back in his chair, studying her expression like it mattered more than the file in his hand. "Lonely," he echoed, as if the word bothered him.
Thalia nodded, eyes dipping. "Yes. I miss her. I just want to see her for a few hours."
He was silent for a moment, then he stood and walked toward her slowly, each step deliberate. "I'll allow it," he said, and her face brightened in relief — until he added, "but I want something in return."
Suspicion flickered across her features. "What is it?"
His gaze lowered to hers, voice dropping just enough to send warmth rushing to her cheeks. "You'll dance for me tonight."
Thalia's breath paused. Of all things he could have asked for, she didn't expect that. Not jewelry, not a task — a dance. Something intimate, vulnerable, almost personal. She blinked, recovering her composure.
"Later tonight," she agreed, trying to sound unfazed though her heart tapped against her ribs. "After I return."
A slow smirk curved his lips, not predatory, just knowing. "Good. I'll be waiting."
And as she turned to leave, she felt his eyes on her back like a touch she could almost feel.