She Was the Treasure All Along novel Chapter 516

With no one speaking, the motion-sensor light timed out after a few seconds, plunging the hallway into total darkness. It perfectly concealed the sheer, earth-shattering shock that dilated Lucian's pupils.

He realized the girl he loved had absolutely no idea the kind of absolute power she held over him.

His control snapped instantly. He shoved her backward against the door, one large arm wrapping like a vice around her waist while his other hand tangled into the hair at the nape of her neck, tilting her head to ensure she couldn't escape the deep, consuming intensity of his kiss.

The snowy night raged outside.

Loyce’s fingers, still gripping his collar, started to go numb.

It wasn't until a light flickered on at the bottom of the stairwell—a soldier returning from a late shift—that Lucian finally pulled himself out of the intoxicating sweetness. He broke the kiss, chest heaving as he released her lips.

That was dangerously over the line.

Lucian's eyes were so dark they were practically pitch black, a massive, unquenchable fire raging within them. Using every ounce of restraint he possessed, he brushed his thumb across the corner of her swollen lips. "That," he said, his voice a raw rasp, "is the greatest birthday gift I have ever received."

Loyce blindly reached behind her and pushed her door open, taking a swift step backward into the safety of her apartment. Her breathing was chaotic, her eyelashes fluttering wildly. "I'm going to sleep."

"Goodnight." He didn't try to follow her inside. He just stood quietly in the hallway, watching as she shut the door.

A moment later, the soldier reached their landing and saluted.

Lucian turned and gave a sharp nod. "Good work today. Get some rest."

It wasn't until the heavy thud of Lucian's footsteps faded away that Loyce leaned against her closed door, waiting for her violently racing heart to slow down. But with the calm came deep confusion.

It felt like her brain had simply short-circuited. Overwhelmed by an intense wave of empathy for the broken man in front of her, her body had acted on its own, taking the initiative to kiss him.

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