She Was the Treasure All Along novel Chapter 362

Once Loyce found her footing, Lucian consciously released his hold.

The truck bed wasn't small, but with Lucian's large frame occupying most of it, the air suddenly felt thin.

He patted the empty space on the tarp beside him. “Sit.”

Loyce did as he said, sitting down about half an arm's length away. Without a word, Lucian picked up his military jacket and draped it over her shoulders. The heavy coat, carrying his body heat and scent, instantly chased away the chill of the night wind.

“I’m not cold,” Loyce said, instinctively trying to refuse.

“The mountain wind is harsh,” Lucian retorted curtly, his tone leaving no room for argument. He didn't look at her again, instead tilting his head back to gaze at the deep night sky.

Loyce pulled the warm jacket tighter around herself and followed his gaze.

From their high vantage point on the slope, they were far from the campfire glow of the camp below and the light pollution of the city. The entire sky was a canvas of deep blue velvet, densely studded with brilliant stars. The Milky Way was clearly visible, a breathtaking river of light splashed across the heavens like billions of diamond dust particles. Countless stars, bright and dim, clustered and scattered, seemed close enough to touch. The Big Dipper hung nearby, its handle pointing clearly into the distance. The silhouettes of the mountains looked like slumbering beasts against the starlit backdrop, accentuating the vastness and profound mystery of the cosmos.

“See?” Lucian’s voice broke the silence, low and magnetic, carrying a strange, soothing quality. “This is what you really shouldn’t have missed tonight.”

Lucian turned his head to look at Loyce. The moonlight and starlight traced the elegant profile of her face, her long lashes casting a soft shadow on her cheeks. She was gazing up at the sky, her eyes reflecting the light of a billion stars. Her usual cool detachment seemed to have melted away in the face of the immense celestial sea, leaving only pure wonder and an almost reverent tranquility.

Lucian’s gaze remained on her face. “Is it interesting?” he asked softly.

Loyce didn’t answer, her eyes still fixed on the stars.

“You had some dust on you,” Lucian said, his voice low and calm, as if stating a simple fact. The gesture was completely natural, and he withdrew his hand as soon as he was done, as if the brief, almost intimate touch had never happened.

But she stayed oddly aware of where he had touched her. She rubbed the spot with her hand.

Carried on the breeze, the faint, unobtrusive rumble of a truck could be heard from the mountain road. She could just make out the words “Refrigerated Transport” on its side.

Loyce squinted at the road. “Is someone making a delivery to Yavon Manor this late?”

Lucian glanced down as well, a frown creasing his brow. “That shouldn't be happening. Food supplies were all delivered the day before yesterday. I’ll have someone check it out.”