Page 45 of Sins of the Father
When he arrived hours later, the world seemed to tilt slightly on its axis. He stood at her door in a black suit and shirt, dark fabric molding perfectly to his broad frame. Dangerous. Impossibly elegant.
She wore high-waisted skinny jeans and a soft purple sweater, feeling both feminine and comfortable. A sleek Porsche gleamed under the moonlight. She couldn’t help the small gasp that escaped her lips as he opened the door.
“No bodyguards tonight?” she asked.
Luc’s gaze flicked to the empty street before he slid behind the wheel. “No one would expect me at a cinema. Even if Intel suggested it, they wouldn’t believe it. We’re safe.”
Mia nodded, glad for the normalcy. “I foundThe Princess Brideon Prime,” she said. “We could watch it when we return.”
He made a low sound—not quite agreement, not dismissal. Mia smiled. It was enough.
The drive to the cinema didn’t take long, and Mia liked the easy quiet that settled between them. It wasn’t awkward, just… comfortable. She reached forward, turned on the car’s audio, and scrolled through stations until one promisedOldies but Goodies.
“Yes!” she said whenThis Magic Momentcame on.
Out of the corner of her eye, she caught the faint curve of Luc’s mouth—a small, fleeting smile—but he didn’t comment. She sang along anyway, off-key and completely unashamed, her laughter mixing with the music as the city lights blurred past them.
When they parked, she could hear voices and laughter from the crowd entering the cinema. Luc opened her door and held her hand as they crossed the parking lot. Inside, the scent of butter, sugar, and salt wrapped around her. Posters of classic films lined the walls, curling slightly at the edges, while newer ones teased upcoming films.
She could feel Luc’s gaze scanning the crowd behind her—always aware, always calculating. The contrast between his vigilance and her wide-eyed wonder made her heart twist tighter.
They went to the concession stand, then into the theatre, taking their seats right in the center. Perfect. The lights dimmed, the crowd settled, and Mia relaxed beside him. The enormous screen flickered to life, and she glanced sideways.
Luc’s face was calm in the silver light, but she caught the faintest curve of amusement at the corner of his mouth when he noticed her stare. He wasn’t here for the movie. He was here because she wanted him to be. That quiet, fragile realization made her smile.
The familiar thrum of the opening score filled the air. Mia clutched the tub of popcorn Luc had bought, eating as the movie started. He sat beside her, one arm stretched casually along the back of her chair, his focus fixed on the screen. The story was slow but engaging; she couldn’t look away. A few times, she glanced at him, wondering if he enjoyed himself. The soft light painted his profile in silver and shadow—the hard line of his jaw, the faint curl of his lips.
So handsome… and he is mine.
The first massive dinosaur roared to life, and Mia jumped, popcorn scattering. “Oh!”
Luc chuckled. She teasingly nudged his shoulder. “Poor goat,” she whispered.
As the film went on, she watched him as much as the screen—the way his fingers tapped against his thigh, the subtle quirk of his mouth, the occasional flick of his gaze toward her.
During a tense scene, she startled again, instinctively reaching for his hand. He didn’t pull away. His palm was warm, his grip steady, and for the rest of the film, her hand stayed in his. When the credits rolled, Mia exhaled a soft sigh of pleasure. Around them, people rose, chattering and stretching.
Luc studied her. “Well?”
A slow smile spread across her face. “We’re watching every single one. You're joining me, right?”
He closed the distance between them, his gaze intense.“Count on it.”
The cool night air hit her as they stepped from the cinema into the quiet parking lot. The city hummed with life. Mia slipped her arm through his as they walked toward the car, feeling strangely light. For the first time since entering his world, she wasn’t afraid.
Just alive.
Mia froze as Luc’s body shifted. Every line of him sharpened, his hand sliding almost imperceptibly toward her back. Her steps faltered. Her stomach dropped as she followed his gaze.
Two men emerged from the shadows—one with a knife, the other with a gun.
A small sound caught in her throat. Why was this happening?
“Don’t be afraid,” Luc murmured. “I’m here. Trust me.”
Her nod was barely perceptible.
“Evening,” one of them said, grin false as the shadows. “Nice watch.”
