All you could hear was the steady pounding of your own heartbeat.

Here you are, right in front of the Duke that lounged in a velvet chair, his sharp gaze locked onto you, studying your every move quietly.

Although between you, an ornate box of cigarettes rested on the polished table. Was it an invite?

You hesitated for only a moment before reaching for one, your fingers brushing against its surface. His eyes never took off from yours, watching as you plucked a cigarette from the box with care. Then, a flicker of hesitation just right before the flicker of the flame appears.

Wriothesley leaned forward slightly, the anticipation in his expression unmistakable. He was waiting.

You took a slow, measured inhale. Soon enough, the smoke curled to the both of you.

He didn’t take the cigarette you offered right away. Instead, his lips curved into a knowing smile, amusement in his eyes. When he finally reached for it, his fingers brushed against yours.

“Well, well…” His voice was smooth, tinged with something unreadable. “I’m impressed.” He took a slow drag, exhaling thoughtfully. “Didn’t think you had it in you.”

He knew, of course. Knew you weren’t the type to indulge in things like this. But he had uncovered another layer of you—and he liked what he found.