too late for a second chance novel (Lila and Dorian)

Kieran looked down at Lila, and she lifted her head slightly to meet his gaze. Her soft, moonlit eyes were filled with quiet concern, and after a brief moment of eye contact, she smiled.

Lila reached out, taking his wrist and pulling him closer. She wrapped her arms around him, her hand lightly patting his back. Her voice, tender and warm with a hint of playfulness, slipped into the air. "Rough day?"

Kieran dipped his head, burying his face into the curve of her neck. His voice came slow and low. "A little."

"Why's that?"

Landon watched the affectionate scene between the two and felt like a total third wheel. "Hey, you two, if you want to get all lovey-dovey, take it home, yeah? You're blocking the entrance and scaring off my customers."

The teasing shot a flush of color to Lila's ears. She pulled back from Kieran and gave Landon a quick nod of thanks. Then, slipping her hand into Kieran's, she led him to the car, helping him into the passenger seat and fastening his seatbelt.

Kieran refused to let go of her hand. Lila had no choice but to coax him. "Be good now. You can hold me all you want-after we get home, okay?"

The soft coaxing seemed to work. Slowly, reluctantly, he let go of her hand. The smile on her face widened. "You're such a good boy, Kieran."

The drive to Vermilion Estate was quiet. Kieran, leaning back in the seat, closed his eyes. He was quiet, but not cold-just calm and obedient.

When they pulled into the driveway, Lila didn't want to wake him, but she had to gently shake him awake. "We're home." His eyes opened slowly, the initial frost of his gaze melting into something warmer as he registered her face.

Unfastening his seatbelt, she helped him out of the car, their fingers lacing together as she guided him to the house. "Watch your step." She couldn't help but think she felt a bit like a teacher guiding a child, which made her smile.

Kieran caught the smile on her lips and, without a word, bent down to brush a kiss against the corner of her mouth.

Lila helped him upstairs. "Go take a shower. I'll make you some hangover remedy, okay?"

His gaze darkened. "Don't want it."noveldrama

"You'll regret it. You'll wake up with a headache tomorrow."

"The remedy you make... it's too sour."

Lila was at a loss for words. "Fine. I'll go easy on the sour plums this time. Now go shower. Or better yet, I'll set the water for you myself."

By the time she finished making the remedy, Kieran was still in the shower. It was

a while before he finally emerged. Once he finished the remedy, she asked, "Why are you in such a bad mood today? Is work being an ass again?" "No."

"Then, what is it?"

His eyes, still shadowed by the remnants of alcohol, lifted to hers with a seriousness that made her heart skip a beat. "Lila... do you love me?"

The question hit her chest like a sudden wind. "Why would you ask me that?"

Without waiting for an answer, she cupped his face, her palm warm against his cheek. He was sitting on the edge of the bed, and she stood before him, making him tilt his head slightly to meet her eyes.

"If you're asking me this, then I must have failed you somewhere. I must have made you doubt how deeply feel for you." She looked at him. solemnly, with love in her eyes. I love you, Kieran, only you." Before the words could settle, she closed the distance, her lips finding his in a kiss.

Time blurred after that—kisses, whispers, warmth, and something that felt like drowning in each other. At some point, Lila felt like she had forgotten something.

Kieran was on top of her, his arm braced beside her head. "Stay with me, Lila.' a."Lila tilted her head back slightly, and he immediately caught on, lowering his head to kiss her again. And she stopped thinking about whatever she had forgotten.

The next morning, it was Kieran who woke first. He turned his head and, with the soft light, noticed Lila was still fast asleep. He pressed his aching temples and tried to

remember how he got back. The last thing he remembered was being at Landon's bar.