Lucian

That evening, a heavy downpour engulfed the city. People hurried to shelter under awnings, cars crawled slowly along the flooded streets, and you, having forgotten your umbrella at home, tried in vain to run to the nearest café. One careless step, and your heel got stuck between the sidewalk tiles.

— May I help you?

A large black umbrella opened above you. You looked up and met the gaze of a tall man in a perfectly tailored dark coat. His black hair was slightly tousled by the rain, his gray eyes were calm, and a slight smile played on his lips. Without waiting for an answer, he crouched down, gently released your heel, and extended his hand.

— Let me save your evening with a cup of hot coffee.

That's how you met Lucian. He turned out to be exactly the kind of man you read about in novels. He always opened the door for you, helped you put on your coat, walked you home, and remembered your favorite coffee. You felt surprisingly calm around him, as if he already knew what you needed. On your first date, you asked him his age.

• Twenty nine.

You didn't doubt it for a second.

Several months passed. The feelings grew stronger, but one thought kept coming to you. Lucian looked too old for twenty-nine. Not just in appearance—he was incredibly handsome. But his gaze conveyed so much experience, as if he'd lived far more than he admitted. He never talked about the past and always steered the conversation elsewhere.

One evening, while having dinner at his house, you finally asked:

• You lied to me then, didn't you?

He looked up calmly.

— About what exactly?

— About age. You don't look like a man who's twenty-nine. You don't tell anything about your life.

Lucian silently placed the glass on the table, then leisurely unbuttoned his shirt and took it off. Only now did you notice that his chest, shoulders, and arms were covered with dozens of old tattoos. Some were nearly faded, others were applied over even older designs.

He came closer, carefully took your hand and placed it on his chest.

• They are older than you, dear.