He Buried Me But I Painted My Own Resurrection novel Chapter 136

He offered no further explanation, his expression a mask of perfect calm. Yet, the memory of that brief connection sent a surge of heat rushing into his cheeks.

It was just a performance, he repeated silently to himself.

He admired her artistic genius and sympathized with her past. She needed leverage, and he was merely providing an assist.

Sacrificing a so-called first kiss to elevate a brilliant artist wasn't even worth a second thought.

Logically, it made perfect sense.

So why was his heart hammering violently against his ribs?

The kiss had been feather-light, a fleeting brush of lips without an ounce of force behind it.

Yet that subtle warmth, that intoxicating ghost of her breath, stubbornly lingered on his mouth like an addictive brand.

He had lived thirty years and closed a hundred times more business deals than he had relationships. He had never once lost his composure over a woman.

Staring out at the blurring neon lights of the city skyline, Lucas felt, for the very first time, that the night was dragging on far too long.

He didn't dare look at her again.

The car cruised all the way to the Westside villa.

Right before getting out, Sienna unclasped the sapphire necklace and offered it back to him.

"Your necklace."

Lucas didn't take it. "I don't take back gifts."

"Millions of dollars." Sienna raised an eyebrow. "I can't wear this."

"You can," Lucas replied, his gaze uncharacteristically intense. "A single sketch by K could buy ten of these. You just haven't realized your own worth yet."

Sensing she still might refuse, he added, "Consider it a deposit for your next masterpiece."

Sienna gripped the cool stones and didn't push the issue. She thanked him, turned around, and walked into the courtyard.

Lucas sat in the car, his eyes tracking her silhouette until it completely disappeared behind the doors.

He reached up to graze his own lips with a fingertip before letting out a low, husky chuckle. The sound carried a complex mix of emotions he couldn't quite decipher.

...

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