Battle of Hearts

"Lie?" Cordelia instinctively tried to look at him, but when his lips brushed her cheek, she turned away halfway, her heart pounding.

Louis had given her a chance to tell the truth, and she didn't take it. He chuckled softly, masking his disappointment. "It's a bit late for a stroll, don't you think?" he whispered, his breath warm against her skin.

Cordelia's heart raced, not just from fear of the height, but from the intoxicating closeness of Louis. She had longed for this, for the intimacy that now seemed so natural between them despite the circumstances.

"I wanted to see the stars," she said, her voice trembling yet trying to regain composure.

Louis's smile vanished as she continued to lie. His gaze shifted behind him. He wanted to get angry at her for lying but restrained himself. Despite knowing she wasn't being truthful, he couldn't bring himself to doubt her completely.