Lucian's POV
Alina leaned back against the pillows, her sharp eyes studying the tense line of my jaw. "Do you know him, Lucian? You look like you just saw a ghost."
I forced the muscles in my face to relax, plastering a tight, awkward smile over my panic. "No. No, I don't know him."
My chest burned. I couldn't fucking believe that name still existed.
"Listen to me, Alina," I said, my voice dropping into a firm, unyielding tone as I leaned closer to her. "You don't need to go anywhere near him ever again. Do you understand?"
Confusion knitted her brows, and she shook her head. "Why? Why would you say that?"
"No reason," I deflected quickly, looking away from her intense gaze. "It will just be much better that way."
Alina let out a small, breathless laugh, her eyes filled with utter bewilderment. "Lucian, you aren't giving me a valid reason at all."
"Just do as I say, please," I pleaded, my voice softening as I took her hands in mine, practically begging her with my eyes.
