Chapter 196

Author's pov Outside, the summer sun blazed without mercy, making the air shimmer over the asphalt. Inside the car, even the A/C couldn't cool the heat simmering beneath Sebastian's gaze. Across from him, Cecilia's heartbeat quickened, her cheeks flushing a soft pink under the weight of his eyes. Sebastian's lips curved into an unapologetic smile--equal parts charming and dangerous. He leaned over and gave her cheek a light, teasing pinch. "Fine, fine. No eating anyone alive in broad daylight," he said with a lazy grin. "But I'm still hungry--for food, of course." With that, he turned his attention back to the road, pulling smoothly into traffic. A few minutes later, they passed a sleek Thai restaurant with minimalist décor visible through tall glass windows--urban, modern, and totally Instagrammable. "How about that place?" Cecilia asked, pointing. "Thai food's light enough for this brutal heat." "Perfect," Sebastian replied, sliding into a nearby parking space like he owned the block