Wavering Mollisher

A Difference of Opinion

Della tucks a stray curl behind her ear before staring into the eyes of the beautiful man next to her.

“Della. Do you want to be with me?” Della snaps out of her funk as Lucas intertwines their hands.

Della releases a loud sigh. “Yes, but I can’t be with someone who treats women as disposable.”

Lucas lifts her hand to his lips, kissing the knuckles“I don’t think you’re disposable.”

Della yanks her hand away from his enticing lips. “Sorry, I can’t be the exception to your rules.”

Lucas tries to reach for her hand again but Della places it in her lap. “I don’t think women are disposable.”

“That’s not what I heard.” Della retorts.

“SO, I have entertained women in my bed. I have needs, Della and some lovely ladies were willing to help me. That doesn't mean I think they are disposable. Besides…”, his mouth closes in on her ear. “I think you like being in my bed.” He whispers huskily, sending shivers down her spine. His lips suck her earlobe as his arms wrap around her waist. Before he could deepen the embrace, a loud bang comes from the door.

“DELLA! YOU DONE?!” Henry yells impatiently.

Della pulls away from Lucas. “That’s my brother.” She moves off the bed but is stopped by Lucas’s grip on her wrist.

“Della. Stay in my room. Your father can stay nearby. Both of your lives are in danger, I assure you. I want to know that you're safe.”

Della shakes her head. “I'll stay here. I have Caroline and Henry if I need anything."

Lucas runs a hand through his hair frantically. “You don’t understand! The people after you are willing to do whatever it takes. Della…” he brushes his thumb on her wrist. “I know you don’t believe me, but I do care about you. Please do as I ask.”

Della pulls her wrist away. “Why do you care? We have known each other for six weeks! Why is it suddenly my life that is your concern?

Lucas feels his frustration mount. “I just do!  Do you think Caroline and Henry are enough protection? Two detectives don’t have anything on my men.”

Della’s eyes widen. “How did you….”

“I have my sources,” Lucas scoffs. “Now pack your things. I’ll tell Charles where we are headed.”

“But Caroline…” Della begins to protest.

A flash of jealousy licks through Lucas.  “If you want to be with her, be with her! Just stay in my room, regardless of what you decide. I can sleep on the couch. I just need you safe.”

Della feels her heart warm at his words. Despite her internal objections,  she is beginning to fall for the crime lord. How was that possible when she is also falling for Caroline?

Della is lost in her thoughts that she doesn’t notice Lucas leave until she hears Caroline’s anger. 

Curious about the argument, she creeps to her door. On the other side of the door, she hears Lucas and Caroline’s voices. They are arguing about her safety.

“Lucas, why do you need her and Charles to be near you? Henry and I can keep them safe!” Caroline yells.

“Wow, two detectives guarding high-risk targets, we can all sleep easy tonight,” Lucas says sarcastically.

“Oh, this coming from the man who started this mess by kidnapping Della!” Caroline argues “Just admit you want under her skirt!”

“Hey! Brother present!” Henry interjects, “You must watch what you say, Lina. What if father hadn’t stepped out of the room?”

“Still doesn’t change the facts! I’m only looking out for Della; she needs protection from him!” Caroline explains to Henry.

 Della recoils in anger. Is that what they thought of her- that she is incapable of protecting herself? What did they see her as- some damsel in distress?

Della huffs, pacing back and forth. Perhaps that is why the two of them find her attractive because she needs to be rescued?

Della runs over the events of the last few days. According to information from Caroline and Lucas, someone knows that she helped her father with his flying machine. The group tried to take her father and killed her mother. Not to mention the means they took to frame Lucas. 

Della starts putting the puzzle pieces together. Lucas admitted to kidnapping elite members from the Upper-Class community for ransom. He certainly made no shortage of enemies. Della knows one thing for certain: she would not find answers staying here. 

Della grabs a bag from her nightstand and begins packing essentials. She would sneak out of the flat later in the evening when everyone is asleep. She needs to go back home for the answer she seeks.