Chapter 10. Sex Starved...

Lucien opened his eyes slowly.

Everything around him felt like a blur at first.

The air smelled different—warm, fresh, with a faint hint of flowers and antiseptic. The bed under him was soft, the sheets smooth against his skin. A small lamp glowed quietly on the side table, casting shadows on the cream walls.

He blinked slowly.

There was silence. A heavy, peaceful silence. No yelling. No boots stomping. No pain.

He turned his head to the left. On a small tray table sat a covered plate. A spoon lay beside it, untouched.

Lucien’s stomach growled loudly.

He pushed himself up with effort. His body still ached, especially his bandaged arm. But hunger gave him strength.

He slid his legs down the side of the bed and shuffled toward the table.

With shaky fingers, he lifted the metal lid.

There it was—warm rice with grilled chicken, a boiled egg, and small steamed vegetables. The aroma hit him instantly—rich, spicy, mouthwatering.