Chapter 26 Luciana was so stunned she instinctively took a step back , then immediately tripped over a raised piece of pavement . She stumbled hard , nearly falling . She yelped before she could stop herself . The sound cut through the silence , catching the attention of Nigel and Wendy mid - makeout . They broke apart , both turning to look straight in Luciana and Thiago's direction . Before either of them could react , Thiago moved fast , pressing Luciana up against the wall . His broad frame shielded her completely . They were way too close - close enough that she could feel the heat radiating off his body . The scent of pine and spice clung to his skin . " Don't say a word , " he murmured with his head tilted down , his breath warm against the side of her neck . His lips brushed her earlobe slightly , sending a shiver rocketing through her . It felt like an electric current had shot up from her feet to the crown of her head . From behind , their pose looked intimate - way too intimate . They were like two people who couldn't bear to be apart , wrapped up in a quiet moment of tenderness . Nigel and Wendy seemed to glance their way , but after a few seconds , the sound of their footsteps faded as they walked off into the night . Luciana stayed frozen , her lips pressed tightly together . She was barely breathing , but her racing heartbeat completely gave her away . It pounded in her chest like a summer thunderstorm - loud , wild , and impossible to ignore . After what felt like an eternity , she whispered softly , " Are they gone ? " Thiago had her pinned in place , a lazy smirk tugging at his lips . " Nope . I think they don't want to be done . " Luciana couldn't believe it - no way . They'd been kissing so long that their lips were probably swollen by now. She stood on tiptoe , trying to peek over Thiago's shoulder - only to see the spot completely empty . Nigel and Wendy were long gone . She shoved him , her face burning . " Y - You're such a jerk ! " Thiago hadn't expected the strength behind that push . For someone so slim , she packed a decent punch . He stumbled back a couple steps , but just slipped his hands into his pockets . His lips twitched with amusement . " Really , Luciana ? Not even a little flustered by me ? Gotta push me off like I'm nothing ? " Right now , Luciana had zero time to replay their too - close - for - comfort moment . She quickly pulled out her phone to text Vivian , brushing Thiago off with a casual reply . " Plenty of girls are into you . You don't need me in the mix . " Thiago chuckled . " Oh , yeah ? You've been using the same phone these past few years ? " Luciana paused , her fingers hovering above the screen . " Yeah . Why ? " Phones cost a fortune . She could barely afford the one she had . It had been with her for five , maybe six years now . Thiago held out his hand . " Let me see it . " " What for ? " " You said I've got no charm , right ? Let's check your camera roll , " he said with a smirk . " Luciana , don't think I didn't notice . Back in high school , you used to sneak photos of me sleeping at my desk during lunch . " The second those words left his mouth , Luciana's heart skipped a beat like it had actually stopped for a moment , She instinctively clutched her chest , trying to calm the sudden rush of adrenaline . Her entire body flushed hot . Before she could think , she shoved her phone into her pocket and bolted . " I did not ! You're delusional ! " Behind her , Thiago called out , " Run all you want. I'm tossing your sketch bag , " Still running , Luciana yelled back without turning around , " Toss it , then ! I don't care ! " Thiago had no words . Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!