Ava woke up instantly.
No grogginess. No slow drift between sleep and reality.
Just awareness.
Because something was wrong.
Her instincts kicked in before her thoughts did.
Someone was watching her.
Her fingers twitched toward the knife under her pillow—
Golden eyes.
She froze.
Lucas Bai was sitting in the chair across the room, completely relaxed. One leg crossed over the other, arms draped casually over the chair, his expression utterly unbothered.
He smirked. "Morning, Beauty."
Ava's pulse pounded."Why—are you watching me sleep?"
Lucas chuckled. "You're in my apartment. I like knowing what's happening in my space."
Ava scowled, sitting up. "That doesn't answer the question."
Lucas tilted his head. "I was thinking."
Ava ran a hand through her hair, exhaling sharply. "Thinking. While staring at me."
Lucas grinned. "You should take it as a compliment. I don't waste time watching unimportant things."
Ava narrowed her eyes. "That's not a compliment."
