"Do you believe me?" I looked at him, feeling uneasy, nervous, and expectant.

　　"I believe you," he answered firmly.

　　"Why?"

　　Lucas lowered his head, his nose brushing against my face lightly. His breath tickled my skin, making me feel a slight itch.

　　"Given Xander's state at the time and what he said, I wouldn't easily believe him. I'm not stupid."

　　But I couldn't shake the feeling that he might still have some doubts in his ...