Bound by scars: More than just a caretaker

Chapter Three

Eloise Harper walked toward the study, with her footsteps echoing softly against the tiled floors of the Sterling estate. To distract herself from her spiraling thoughts, she welcomed the task Lucas had assigned her: reviewing the library inventory. But as she walked in, she stopped to look at the enormous shelves containing a variety of books that seemed to have lasted the test of time.

The study was a haven of order, showcasing Lucas Sterling's meticulous nature with its magnificent mahogany furnishings and spotless leather-bound books. As she walked to the desk at the center, the scent of aged paper and faint cologne hung in the air, grounding her. Her fingers lightly pressed against the smooth wood in admiration as she set down her notebook, but her thoughts drifted back to the argument she had overheard between Lucas and Nathan.

Who was Nathan, and what kind of “deal” could have injected such venom into their exchange? The memory of Lucas’s stern composure in the face of Nathan’s threats sent a shudder down her spine. She was irresistibly drawn to him like a magnet despite the fact that she could not grasp a lot about him.

The door creaked open behind her as she started to go through the piles of papers. Lucas stood there when she turned, his expression unreadable. He appeared less intimidating than usual, but his presence still commanded recognition, as he was dressed in a well-laundered white shirt with the sleeves rolled up.

“I see you’ve started without me,” he said, a faint hint of humor in his tone.

Eloise straightened, clutching the notebook tightly. “You left clear instructions. I reasoned that it would be preferable to get to work."

Lucas moved farther into the room, his eyes skimming the dispersed papers before settling on her. “Proactive, I can appreciate that. But the library isn’t just about keeping track of what’s here. Each book tells a story and holds a history.”

She couldn’t help but arch an eyebrow. “And you’ve read them all, I suppose?”

A faint smile stirred his lips. “Not all. However, a respectable number.” He stepped forward, grabbed a battered book from the desk, and turned the leaves. “Books have always been my getaway. When I was younger, they were the only refuge from… everything else.”

Eloise’s curiosity sparked, but she bit her tongue, sensing that pushing him for details would only drive him further into his shell. Rather, she concentrated on her present work. “Perhaps you should be the one sorting these books because of how much you cherish them.”

The room seemed to shrink for a moment, as he lifted his gaze to meet hers, and for a moment leaving only the two of them. “Delegating is a necessary skill,” he said, in a firm but gentle tone. “I trust you can handle it.”

Eloise laughed a bit and shook her head. "You know you're impossible?"

Lucas arched his head, staring at her as if she were a riddle to be solved. ''But you're still here.''

She opened her mouth to counter but was interrupted by the high-pitched ring of his phone. Lucas’s expression flipped a switch as he glanced at the screen. Without a word, he stepped away to answer the call, his voice fading into a tone that was equal parts commanding and curt.

Eloise tried to concentrate on the inventory as she turned back to the desk, but the tension in the room was impossible to ignore. She could pick up a bit of Lucas’s conversation, enough to gather that it was business-related. Yet, there was a sense of urgency that made her stomach churn.

When he finally hung up, Lucas’s face was a mask of frustration. He ran a hand through his hair, the controlled guise he usually wore slipping just enough for her to catch a glimpse of the man underneath.

“Is everything all right?” she asked cautiously.

He looked at her, his teeth clenching and jaw tightened. ‘’It’s not a part of your duty here.”

The dismissal stung, but Eloise held her ground. “Perhaps discussing it might be of help.” The remark spontaneous.

“You’ve known me for how long now? What gives you the impression that you can give me what I need?” He retorted defiantly, meaner than he intended.

Eloise winced but didn't let those words deter her. "Because talking about it can do so much."

Before Lucas could respond, the sound of glass breaking reverberated from somewhere in the house, weakening his eyes. They both halted, their gazes locked on one another in terror.

“Remain there,” Lucas commanded, already moving toward the door.

Eloise's anxiety overcame her caution, and she grasped his arm. He said, "Wait, stay here!" he urged, very clearly. “I’ll handle it.”

She was left alone in the study when he departed before she could object any further. His fading footsteps and the distant sounds of muffled voices were the only things breaking the terrible quiet that ensued.

Eloise weighed her options as her mind raced. She could stay put, as Lucas had instructed, or she could follow her instincts and ensure he wasn’t walking into danger. As she weighed the risks, her heart pounded as if it were a train on the tracks, but her decision was made when she heard a furious shout coming from down the hall.

With cautious but deliberate steps, she stepped out of the study. The corridor appeared to be a maze, with each shadow lengthening before her. The voices became clearer as she got closer to where the noise was coming from.

"Lucas," said a male voice, aggressive, "you're making a mistake." "You don't want to betray me."

"I've already decided," Lucas said calmly. “And nothing you say will change that.”

Eloise, breathing heavily, looked around the corner. Lucas straightened, his shoulders raised as he faced Nathan, the man from before.

Nathan’s face was twisted in rage, his hand gripping a sharp piece of glass as if he were about to strike.

Before she could think, Elena stepped into the open. “Lucas, look out!”

Both men turned toward her, their expressions equally shocked. Nathan’s sneer returned, his vile eyes were burning.

“Ah, you got another,” he said. "Does she know what happened with the last one, I wonder.”

Lucas moved to position himself between Eloise and Nathan, his protective instincts coming alive. “Leave her out of this,” he said, his voice growling low.

Nathan’s laugh was cold and bitter. “Oh, Lucas. You’ve always been good at playing the hero, but even heroes fall.”

Before Eloise could react, Nathan charged, and the room erupted into chaos.