MTLNOVEL Chapter 247: They Already Know I’m a Trouble
"Let them." Lux's smirk returned, sharp and certain. "Half will think you're my wife. The other half will wish you were."
"And you?" she asked, stepping close enough that the faint scent of her shampoo mingled with the lingering heat of the room.
"They already know I'm a trouble," he said, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face.
Her smile softened, just for a second, before Pride reasserted itself. "Breakfast, then."
They headed for the door, the muted click of the latch giving way to the quiet opulence of the Grand Sovereign's private floor hallway.
The scent shifted instantly—clean air, faint citrus, the undertone of polished wood.
Lux's mind was already flicking through menu options, caffeine sources, and the exact angle he wanted to take with the day's next move.
But right now? Right now, he figured he'd earned a good meal. And judging by the satisfied smirk still playing on Sira's lips, so had she.
They stepped into the private-floor hallway, the hush of the Grand Sovereign wrapping around them like velvet. The carpet was thick underfoot. The elevator was waiting, doors sliding open in perfect silence, the brushed steel interior gleaming faintly in the morning light.
Somehow, today felt quieter than usual. No mortal executives in tailored suits checking their watches. No influencers angling for the perfect selfie in the mirrored walls. Just the two of them.
The doors shut with a muted chime, the hum of descent a steady background note. Sira circled her arm through his, leaning just enough to brush her hip against him.
The system flared in his head like an annoyed chaperone.
[Your Incubus Pheromones are still at 150%. Please be careful. You might attract more people than you think.]
Lux's mouth twitched into a half-smile. He didn't need the reminder.
-Ding!
The doors parted to reveal the main lobby, all marble floors and warm gold light spilling from chandeliers. The air smelled faintly of roasted coffee and polished wood. They walked out together, and heads turned almost instantly.
It wasn't just a few curious glances—it was a ripple.
[17 direct stares detected. 12 individuals exhibiting elevated heart rate. 8 showing interest in sexual engagement.]
Lux ignored the system's running tally, though the corner of his mouth curved at the absurdity.
The staff member standing at the entrance to the hotel's signature restaurant straightened instantly, his polite smile flickering just a little when his eyes landed on Sira.
"Morning, Mr. Vaelthorn. And, uh…" His glance toward her was cautious, curious. Since yeah, Lux kept bringing different girls every morning.
"Miss Shadowborn. She's my partner," Lux said easily. "Table for two."
"Yes, sir," the man replied, recovering quickly. He gestured toward the dining area, his shoes making soft clicks against the marble as he escorted them through.
It wasn't subtle, the way people looked. Every other table they passed seemed to pause—some under the guise of checking a phone, others with less effort at hiding it.
[Interest levels rising. ]
[Glances: 34 in 10 seconds]
[Attraction Split: 61% toward you, 39% toward Sira]
[Orientation Spread: 52% female, 47% male, 1% undecided/confused]
[Risk: Minor disruptions, no immediate threat. Recommendation: Consider dampening pheromones if privacy desired.]
He didn't dampen. Not yet. It was… funny, in a way he should not have found funny.
They passed a table with two men in immaculate suits pretending not to be impressed by each other's watches. Both looked up. One held the look a beat too long and then pretended to be fascinated by his spoon.
At another table, a woman with diamond studs shaped like small victories watched Lux like she'd just lost her taste for her own breakfast.
Two influencers near the window tilted their phones instinctively, that quiet predator's reflex for engagement.
Sira leaned her head closer to his shoulder without taking her eyes off the room. "Do you see the way they buzz?"
Lux's mouth quirked. "Bees. I should charge for pollination."
"That's disgusting."
"It's market expansion."
They were seated at a corner table with a clear view of the room. Lux slid into his chair, the leather cool against his back, and reached for the menu only to hand it straight to the staff. "Two espressos and a black Americano."
The waiter nodded, then turned to Sira. "And for you, miss?"
Sira didn't even pretend to compromise. "Wine. The most expensive one."
The waiter did not flinch, which made Lux respect him. "Certainly. Would you like to see the—"
"Just bring it." She smiled like royalty who shows mercy by skipping the menu.
"And what food do you want?" the waiter asked, scribbling in a notebook that already looked like it knew secrets.
Sira flicked a glance at Lux and then raised a single finger, considering. "Start me with caviar and toasted brioche, truffle honey on the side. Then… lobster omelet, heavy on the butter. A side of smoked salmon. And fruit—the good fruit, not the hotel fruit."
"Of course," the waiter said, writing like a machine afraid to make a typo.
"And you, sir?"
"Simple," Lux said. He could feel Sira's curiosity angle toward him. "Steak and eggs—medium-rare on the steak, eggs over easy. Add Greek yogurt, unflavored, and a bowl of mixed nuts. Toast, sourdough."
Sira's brow arched. "That's unusual."
Lux took a sip of his water, watching the way condensation made his fingers look like they'd been dipped in ice.
"You sucked all my load last night and again this morning," he said, matter-of-fact, the sound of it dropping onto the table linen like a stone into a pond. "I need something to replenish it."
The waiter's jaw went slack. It was so pure Lux almost felt bad.
Sira frowned and turned her head toward the man with the speed of a knife. "What's the matter with him? Why that face?"
"Probably shock," Lux said, not moving. "Mortal wiring is more delicate."
"I— I will bring your drinks and food," the waiter blurted, then half bowed, half fled, leaving a ghost of cologne that smelled like money wanting to be mint.