Lara's POV
The moment we stepped out of the restaurant, Marco moved closer to me, placing his hand gently on the small of my back as if guiding me through the soft evening breeze. His touch was warm and careful, almost tender, and it sent a quiet shiver up my spine.
"Careful," he murmured as we walked down the stone path. "It is a little dark here."
I looked up, surprised. He rarely sounded like that. His voice was softer, almost sweet, and it made something inside me loosen. For a moment, I allowed myself to enjoy it. The city lights glittered below us, reflecting in his eyes, and he seemed calmer than he had been all day.
He opened the car door for me with a gentleness that did not match his usual cold exterior. When I sat down, he leaned in slightly, his face close enough that I could feel his breath on my cheek.
"Did you enjoy the view?" he asked, his voice low and teasing.
I swallowed hard. "Yes. It was beautiful."
