Page 110 of The Quiet Witness

He raised his eyebrows in question. “Never smoked some?”

Kate peered at the burning joint with suspicion, her nose crinkling from the smell. “Euhm, no. It wasn’t exactly welcomed.” She leaned back against the pillows, creating a bit of distance from the smoke. “It was rather frowned upon.”

Lucien snorted loudly. “Ridiculous, beating up kids is fine, but oh…” He waved around in mock horror. “Beware of the rolled up plant.” Rolling his eyes, he inched closer. Holding it up for the skeptical woman in front of him. “Wanna try?”

He saw her bite the inside of her lip. The supposed common sense of her abusive foster family warring with the urge to just give it a go.

“Wanna feel light for once?” He winked at her teasingly. “Don’t worry, I’ll keep you from doing anything stupid… probably.”

She sighed. “Comforting words as always.” Rolling her shoulders back and forth, she asked. “You’re not letting this go, huh?”

“If you don’t want to try it, that’s your choice, sweetheart. No pressure.”

None but the pressure building in her body, her mind. It grew a little day by day. He bet she didn’t even consciously notice it anymore. The stress resting on those strong shoulders which was poisoning her fighting body.

How was he supposed to break the news of Isabel? After seeing how the shock had held her in its grip after the fight. It had to wait, however long was necessary.

“That’s not what I meant, I mean this.” Kate gestured between the two of them. “Standing up for me in front of that man. Noticing how the cameras were disturbing me.” She tugged on her lip, cheeks reddening. “Now this… wanting me to feel lighter?”

He bent forward, tapping her lightly on her socked foot. “Now we’ve established I’m quite the catch—,”

A light hearted laugh escaped her while she shook her head. “Gods, you’re so full of yourself. And,” she shook her finger accusingly. “Twisting around to evade my questions. Again. It’s an expert skill of yours.”

He smirked painfully. “Right?” And took in the way her blue eyes sparkled, how her hair, with a tangle still trapped in its strands, caught the light. So similar to Isabel that his gut clenched even tighter.

It could have been her, would have been her. If the situation had gone down differently, if he’d given her the spiked water bottle.

I could use a puff myself. If only to quiet the voices for a little bit.

But not tonight. Tonight was for her.

He would take a chance, and maybe… she would too. He lit the joint again, just a mini puff to get it flaring to life. Leaning forward, he rested his elbows on his knees. “Trust me?”

She has literally no reason to do so.

Kate pulled in a deep breath, slouching deeper between the cream pillows. “Let me think about that one.”

Precious seconds ticked by, increasing the tightness in his gut, like a fist closing around it. She shifted, resting her chin on a delicate hand. “I do trust you.” She shot him a side-eye. “To a degree.”

Figures. “I appreciate your honesty.” He grinned like a wolf. “I can work with that.”

Taking a deep puff of the joint, he leaned closer to blow the smoke toward her. She waved a hand around, parting the grey tendrils. “What was that for?”

“To see if that trust of yours is working.”

She sighed. “Here goes to taking chances.” Her fingers skimmed over his palm as she took the offered butt.

Lucien winked. “And risks.”

Her mind, the strength of her stubborn brain… clear as day when she sparred with him, when she slid that key card out of his pockets. That was about to change. Lucien hid his smirk. First time touching weed. This will prove to be interesting.

Perhaps she could resist its strong effects, stubborn as she was. He’d have the answer soon enough.

Kate rolled it between her fingers with care. And pouted, trying to imitate an actual smoker’s hold over a cigarette.

He chuckled at the sight, shaking his head. “Try it already before I blow another one of those in your direction.”

“Okay, okay.” She set it to her lips, about to take a breath when she raised her eyebrows at him. “Why aren’t you smoking though?”