It was needed

Ariana huffed as Lucian comfortably made her sit on his lap and wrapped his arm around her waist.

Lucian sighed and took a moment before returning his gaze to her face and saying, "I don't regret not telling you anything, because I wanted things to appear natural."

Ariana's brows furrowed and she clenched her jaw in fury.

"You wanted to make me feel guilty?" she asked and he immediately shook his head to deny her claim.

"No, I never intended on making you feel that way. To be honest, I just meant to bring Mason out," he said.

"Knowing our enemy's strength and how to combat them if things get out of our control was my only goal," Lucian stated, trying his best to sound convincing.

Following Kareem's disclosure of the entire scene, Lucian had discussed several plans with Drake regarding how they would bring this Mason guy into the picture.