"Dad, you’re handing over the company to a brat who can’t even tell right from wrong. And you expect to cover up his sses?" Lucius scoffed, letting out a low, bitter chuckle as he ran his hand through his sleek black hair in frustration.
Alekis’s expression hardened, his eyes sharp as he responded, "That’s exactly what you should do—out of duty to your late brother. Don’t forget how he died," he added coldly, his gaze filled with disapproval.
Lucius’s face darkened at the ntion of his brother’s death. His body tensed, and he slowly stood up, his mind racing with anger. The weight of the conversation was too much, and he couldn’t bear it any longer. Without a word, he turned on his heel, ready to leave and end the confrontation.
"Don’t walk away in the middle of the conversation, Lucius," Alekis called out, his voice stern and unyielding. "I allow you to keep your hand in that Mafia business because I know how much you enjoy the power. But when it cos to this company and its chairman, I won’t let you play gas. You will do what you’re told. Support Roderick. Guide him."
Lucius paused at the door, his back still to his father. His response was swift and defiant. "I won’t."
He turned his head slightly, just enough to show the edge of his jaw, but not enough to et his father’s eyes. "You can hire a secretary to clean up his ss, Dad. I have my own business to handle. I’m not here to babysit Roderick."
Lucius took a deep breath, calming the anger that threatened to boil over. "Now, if you don’t mind, let’s get dinner over with. I’m tired from the journey, and I’d rather leave as soon as possible," he said in a cold but controlled tone, before exiting his father’s room without waiting for a reply.
Upon reaching the living room, Lucius scanned the space but didn’t see Layla. His gaze moved toward the garden, visible through the large floor-to-ceiling window. There she was, standing outside, alone. Without hesitation, he made his way to her.
"Why aren’t you inside?" Lucius asked as he approached.
Layla quickly wiped her tears and turned to face him, wearing a forced smile. "I just thought I’d be out here for a bit."
Lucius’s sharp eyes imdiately caught the redness in her misty eyes. Without a word, he cupped her face, his thumb brushing gently against her cheek. "Who made you cry?" he asked, his voice low but filled with concern.
"No one. I wasn’t crying," Layla quickly denied, her tone rushed.
"Lie to one more ti," Lucius challenged, his voice growing firr. "Was it Fiona, or was it Roderick?" His gaze was piercing, and he watched her closely, noticing the discomfort in her expression when he ntioned his nephew’s na.
"The son of a–"
"I slapped him," Layla interrupted, surprising Lucius. She smiled faintly, though it didn’t quite reach her eyes. "I didn’t let him talk his way out of it this ti. He made excuses like I was so fool who would believe him. I loved him once, with everything I had, and he thought he could just explain it away." She looked up at Lucius, her voice softer as she asked, "Did I do the right thing?"
Lucius’s expression softened as he gazed down at her. "Whatever you do is right," he reassured her. His hand gently moved to the back of her head, pulling her closer until her face was pressed against his chest. "Rick deserved more than just a slap. But I’m glad you did it," he said firmly while his voice holding a protective edge.
Layla felt relief as she rested against him, his embrace offering the comfort she had been searching for.
~~~~~
After dinner with Lucius’s family, they drove ho in relative silence, both lost in their thoughts. Once they arrived, they went their separate ways to freshen up. Lucius, already feeling the weight of the evening, prepared to head to bed, but he didn’t see Layla anywhere.
Just as he began to wonder where she was, Layla entered the bedroom carrying two dresses.
"What should I wear tomorrow?" she asked her voice light but with a hint of nervousness. "It’ll be my first day at your company as your assistant."
Lucius turned to look at her, his gaze softening. "I think you look elegant in white," he said, after a mont, his lips curving into a faint smile. "So, wear that suit."
Layla nodded, pleased with his answer. "Alright," she agreed and went back to the closet to hang the other dress before returning to the bedroom at a quicker pace.
Lucius watched her quietly, his eyes following her movents until she rested on the bed. He switched off the lights by clapping his hands and moved close to her, wrapping his arm around her.
"Lucius, is everything fine with you and your dad?" Her sudden question caught him off guard and he stopped caressing her hair. "I noticed on the dinner table that sothing was off." She tilted her head to look at him.
"Everything is fine," Lucius replied.
Layla peered into his eyes for a few seconds before turning to him completely. The dim golden light from the bedside lamp kept their faces visible.
"Umm... You can share whatever you are going through with . I an, you aren’t alone anymore. I know you’ve been living by yourself all these years, keeping everything inside, but you don’t have to do it anymore. Sharing makes you feel lighter," Layla opined.
"I’ll keep that in mind," Lucius said. He leaned down and pressed a kiss on the top of her lips. He noticed how promptly she closed her eyes, giving him further strength to take a step forward.
As he nibbled her lips, she did the sa. Slightly opening her mouth, she let out a soft gasp. Her teeth t his lower lip, nipping them with a tease while her hand slowly moved to the back of his neck.
He groaned and welcod her tongue in his mouth before hovering his body above her. His hand smoothly moved on her waist to her hipbone, releasing the excess tension from her muscles. Not once, they stopped kissing until their lungs were out of oxygen.
Reviews
All reviews (0)