Roger’s phone buzzed with another ssage from Aiden, but before he could read it, Lucius’s commanding voice echoed across the gym.
"Roger!" Lucius barked, his tone sharp and impatient.
Roger snapped to attention, forcing himself to look composed. "Yes, Boss!" he called back, even as his heart pounded in fear.
"Have a duel with ," Lucius demanded, his eyes blazing with anger.
Roger’s mouth went dry. "M-? No, Boss, I an—" He stumbled over his words, then quickly tried to recover. "I really don’t think that’s a good idea. Your punches... they’re lethal," he added with a nervous chuckle, swallowing hard. His gaze flickered to the side, where the professional boxer who had been sparring with Lucius monts ago was already climbing out of the ring, drenched in sweat.
As the boxer passed Roger, he leaned in and whispered with a knowing smirk, "Your boss is fired up today. Good luck," before leaving without a backward glance.
Roger’s shoulders slumped. ’Why ?’ he thought grimly, bracing himself for what was sure to be a painful session.
"You better get in the ring, or I’ll co to you," Lucius warned.
Roger raised his hands in surrender. "Boss, let’s not get violent. Every couple has their fights. If Madam Layla is upset, you should make it up to her—do sothing sweet," he suggested, attempting to defuse the tension.
Lucius’s jaw clenched, the muscle twitching visibly. His eyes narrowed as he frowned. "How do you know we fought?" he demanded, his voice colder. "Are you ddling in my personal affairs?" Without waiting for an answer, Lucius leaped out of the ring, landing with a thud.
Roger instinctively stepped back, his palms slightly raised in defense. He knew that look on Lucius’s face—it rarely ended well for the recipient. "No, Boss, nothing like that!" Roger quickly clarified. "Aiden just ntioned Madam Layla seed upset. That’s all."
Lucius yanked off his punching gloves, tossing them aside with a frustrated sigh. His hands ran through his damp hair as he paced briefly before sinking onto a nearby bench. He rested his elbows on his knees, his head bowed.
"I hurt her," he murmured, his voice thick with regret. "I made a huge mistake. She’s right... why am I risking my life for this?" His hands clenched into fists. "Layla’s my wife. She’s supposed to spend her life with , but here I am, recklessly chasing danger, making more enemies." He exhaled sharply, his composure unraveling as guilt weighed heavily on him.
Roger realized even Lucius was hurt after having an argunt with Layla.
"You can apologise to Madam," Roger said and walked to him.
"I did. She gave a cold shoulder. Well, I deserve it. I have hurt her," Lucius murmured. "Matteo would have beaten up for this. You should do the sa. I am all riled up. I feel weird these days." He placed his hand over his head, taking deep breaths.
"Matteo never asked you to dedicate your entire life to him," Roger said, his voice steady but gentle. "All he wanted was for you to live a good life. I get it, Boss—it’s important to uncover the truth about what happened in the past. But it shouldn’t co at the cost of your life, or Madam Layla’s peace of mind." He paused, then added with conviction, "Let handle this. I’ll go to Russia and find out everything about Tsar."
Lucius looked up, his eyes dark with determination. "I don’t want you to go alone," he said firmly, his tone leaving no room for argunt.
Roger sighed, but a small smile tugged at the corner of his lips. "Then let’s go together. That way, Madam Layla won’t have to worry as much, knowing you’re not acting recklessly on your own," he suggested. "We’ll get the information you need, but we’ll do it smartly—together."
"I don’t want anyone’s life to be in danger, including yours," Lucius said, his voice softer but resolute. "That’s why I intended to go alone. But I get it now—Layla’s right. If she were to take a risk alone, I’d be just as worried. I need to make things right with her when she gets ho."
Roger grinned, sensing the shift in Lucius’s mood. "You could plan a candlelight dinner for Madam Layla," he suggested. "You’re already good at these romantic gestures."
Lucius raised an eyebrow, a faint smirk playing on his lips. "You better not interfere this ti. You’ve ruined a few monts before."
Roger chuckled, holding up a hand in mock surrender. "Those were unintentional, Boss. I promise to stay out of your way."
Lucius shook his head but didn’t press further. "Good. Now, let’s get moving," he said, standing up and grabbing his towel. He exited the underground gym, with Roger trailing behind.
Once they reached the car, Roger opened the backseat door for Lucius, who slid in. Roger then hopped into the driver’s seat and started the engine.
As they drove off, Roger glanced at Lucius in the rearview mirror. "Feeling better, Boss?"
Lucius nodded slightly. "Much better. Stop by a bakery on the way," he added.
"Boss, you could also buy a beautiful gift for Madam," Roger suggested with a sly smile.
"Good idea," Lucius agreed, his eyes lighting up. "I’ll get her a watch this ti. That way, she’ll think of whenever she checks the ti." His smile lingered for a mont before it faded slightly. "But first, drive to the hotel. I need to freshen up. I can’t go around looking like this."
"Understood, Boss." Roger smoothly turned the car toward the nearest hotel.
After a few monts of silence, Roger glanced at Lucius through the rearview mirror. "By the way, what’s your plan regarding Sylvia? She still hasn’t backed off."
Lucius’s expression darkened. "I thought ignoring her would make her stop. But now, I hear she’s eting with Roderick in secret. That can only an one thing—those two are plotting sothing to destroy my relationship with Layla."
Roger frowned. "I had a feeling about that. Sylvia’s been getting too bold lately."
Lucius nodded, his jaw tightening. "You were right, Roger. It’s ti I show Sylvia who she’s really dealing with. If she thinks she can hurt Layla, she’s gravely mistaken." His voice was low but carried a dangerous edge.
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