Augustine gave Gustave a subtle nod, silently signaling him to leave. Gustave understood immediately and left without hesitation, disappearing into the crowd.
Turning his attention back to Anne, Augustine picked up a small piece of pastry with the spoon and held it up to her lips.
"Let's try it," he murmured.
Anne met his gaze, searching his deep eyes for any hint of emotion—was he upset? Did he know more than he let on? But his composed expression betrayed nothing. With quiet hesitation, she parted her lips and took the bite.
Satisfied, Augustine sliced another piece and ate it from the same spoon. His eyes, locked onto hers, held an intensity that made her pulse quicken.
"Mm… sweet." His lips curled into a smirk.
Heat crept up Anne's face, spreading to her ears. The teasing glint in his eyes, the effortless way he shattered her composure—she had never imagined that someone so serious and controlled could also be such a tease.
