Chapter four
1141 Words
“I need some air.” Lucian stood abruptly, chair scraping against the floor.
He strode out of the glass walled conference room, the murmurs of the executives trailing behind him like static. The meeting should have been simple, a routine–but he couldn’t focus. His mind kept pulling him back to her.
The lady. The way she’d clung to him last night, the soft weight of her body, the taste of her lips.
He ran a hand through his hair, jaw tight, pacing about his office. Usually, he was untouchable, composed, controlled, commanded every room he entered. But today, even the polished floors under his feet felt unsteady.
“Sir?” A tentative voice called. Marissa’s heels clicked behind him. “Is everything…alright?”
He stopped abruptly, the faint scent of her perfume flickering in his memory again. “Leave me alone, Marissa.” He said,voice low, controlled but fraying at the edges.
Her brow furrowed, concern etched across her face, but she hesitated. “It’s just…the team is waiting and–
“I said leave me alone,” he snapped, sharper than he intended. His teeth ground together as his hands flexed into fists at his sides.
Immediately, regret pricked at him, but he couldn’t stop pacing, couldn’t stop thinking. Her voice, her trembling hands, the desperate way she had begged him to take her–it was all tangled in his mind like a fever he couldn’t shake.
Lucian leaned against the wall, eyes closing for a moment, breathing deep. How could a girl he barely knew make him lose control so completely? How could someone so fragile unravel him with just a look?
Marrissa cleared her throat, stepping closer. “Sir, the investors are waiting , and—”
He ran a hand down his face, his jaw clenched. “I said– later. I’ll handle it later.”
“Sir?” Marissa’s voice was gentler now, almost coaxing. “Maybe a moment to clear your head?”
Lucian shook his head, pacing again, faster this time, like moving might somehow jostle her out of his mind. “No. I don’t need…” he stopped mid-step, “..I don’t need anyone.”
His phone buzzed on the desk. Investors. Meetings. Emails. Everything that usually consumed him felt meaningless compared to the way she’d invaded his mind– and his body had not forgotten the way she’d felt against him.
He closed his eyes, gripping the edge of the sleek marble table, staring down at the floor as if it could anchor him. “Damn her,” he muttered, his voice rough. “Why can’t I forget her?”
Marissa didn’t respond. She simply waited, sensing the storm within him.
Finally, he turned to her, eyes dark, a dangerous edge to his usually calm demeanour. “Go.. continue the meeting. I’ll be there.”
Marissa gave a small nod, hesitation lingering in her expression, then quietly left.
Alone, Lucian exhaled sharply. He moved to the floor to ceiling window, pressing his palms against the cool glass. For the first time in a really long while, confidence and control felt like illusions. He had spent most of his life alone, yet the night before had changed something, and now he couldn’t ignore it. He couldn’t ignore her.
****
The lecture hall buzzed with voices, notebooks flipping, pens tapping, a hundred lives colliding in one space.
Emma sat in the second row, but her mind wasn’t here. Not really.
Her professor’s voice droned on, words about history, timelines, revolutions- but all she could hear was Lily’s voice, curling through her head like smoke.
Emma could feel nausea rise in her throat everytime she thought about Lily. She hadn’t slept. Every time she closed her eyes, she saw Lily’s smirk–sharp, knowing, cruel. And now, sitting here surrounded by people, she felt more exposed than ever. Like any second , someone would turn around and whisper: we know what you did.
Her phone vibrated against the desk. Startled, she snatched it up, throat dry. A flicker of panic hit her– Could it be Lily?
Alexa: “Lunch today?”
Emma let out a small breathe she didn’t realize she was holding. She typed back quickly, “I’m in.”
The bell rang, shaking the room. Students packed their bags, chattering.
“Anyone interested in applying for an internship at Sinclair Enterprises? Come see me after class.” The professor called out as she shared flyers.
Emma’s fingers brushed the flyer. An internship. A way to avoid being home more. The perfect escape from her family.
She slid her notebooks into her bag and approached the professor. They talked briefly, and the professor promised to reach out if she was accepted.
Emma pushed open the door of Warm Delight Cafe, the chime above her head ringing softly. Warmth and the rich aroma of coffee washed over her, easing the tight coil of nerves in her chest.
“Em!” A bright voice called, and she looked up. Alexa was waving from a corner table, her smile wide and inviting.
Emma forced a small smile in return, her hands gripping the strap of her bag a little too tightly. “Hey.”
“Over here,” Alexa said, patting the seat across from her. Emma slid into the chair, her gaze flicking around the cafe.
Alexa tilted her head, studying her. “You okay? You seem… tense.”
Emma laughed lightly, though it came out nervous causing Alexa to furrow her brows. “Just a long morning. Classes and… stuff.” She trailed off, not ready to reveal her encounter with Lily.
Alexa nodded, sipping her iced mocha tea. “I get it. College can be a lot. Took a miracle for me to graduate last year. But hey, atleast you made it out for lunch right?”
Emma relaxed slightly, letting a small smile through. “Yeah….thanks for asking me to lunch.”
“So.. the one night stand, care to fill me in?” Alexa tilted her head, a teasing glint in her eyes.
Emma choked on her drink, coughing slightly. She waved her hands frantically. “What? No! I–“
Alexa laughed, leaning back in her chair as she threw her head backwards. “Relax, I’m just teasing. You look so flustered.”
Emma’s cheeks burned, and she looked down at her strawberry drink. “It’s nothing.” She muttered, trying to sound casual, though her hands fidgeted on the glass.
“Nothing huh?” Alexa prodded, a knowing grin on her face. “Sounds like someone made an impression.”
Emma bit her lip, unsure whether to deny it or admit it.
A sudden chime from the cafe door made her glance up. And there, standing near the counter, her heart stuttered. He was there.
- Writer
