94. The Lunch

|| Lilac’s POV || The drive was quiet but comfortable, the hum of the engine and the soft music playing in the background creating a soothing rhythm. Alaric’s hand rested lightly on the gearshift, his fingers tapping in time with the music. I found myself stealing glances at him, my eyes tracing the sharp lines of his profile, the way his jaw tightened when he focused on the road, the faint smile that seemed to linger on his lips. “Done staring?” he said suddenly, his voice breaking the silence. I quickly looked away, my cheeks burning. “I wasn’t.” He chuckled, the sound sending a shiver down my spine. “It’s okay, dove. I don’t mind.” I rolled my eyes, trying to hide my embarrassment. “You’re impossible.” “You are the one cutting me out on and off and you think I'm impossible?” he said, his tone light but his words carrying a weight that made my heart skip a beat. I didn’t respond, instead turning my attention to the passing scenery. The city gradually gave way to rolling hills and den