"We should've headed straight home; you're burning up like a hot potato," I remarked, concern evident in my voice as I glanced over at Luce, who was cocooned in several layers of blankets.
"I'll be fine, it's just the sudden change in temperature. It'll take me a few days to adapt," Luce reassured, though her statement was punctuated by a loud sneeze.
"Whatever, Orion will pick you up shortly. Get yourself refreshed," I instructed, refilling her glass with hot water.
"Orion? Why? Why can't I just stay here? Stay here with you?" she exclaimed, frustration evident in her voice.
"You can't stay with me, Luce. It's too dangerous. I only brought you here because Orion said it would take some time to pick you up," I murmured, keeping my voice low.
As Keith knocked on the door, I motioned for him to enter. He bowed slightly before delivering his report.
"Sir, Nicholas has been found. He is being taken care of, Jean," Keith informed me.
"I want to talk to him myself. Get my car ready," I instructed, and he immediately left to fulfill my command.
"I'll leave then. Ask Orion to grab your medicines on your way home," I told Luce, who wore a disinterested expression.
She rose from her seat, kicking off her blankets, and retrieved something from her pockets. With purpose in her step, she approached me and extended her hand, placing a bracelet in my palm.
"It reminded me of you. Wear it when you meet me tomorrow. Let's go on a date," she suggested, planting a swift kiss on my cheek.
Instinctively, I pushed her away, wiping my cheek with my sleeve.
"Cut the act, Luce. A date? Am I your boyfriend? I've made it clear to you that I don't want you more than a sister, and I'm not interested in relationships," I growled, my frustration mounting.
"I'll make you love me back," she retorted sharply, her defiance palpable. I seized her wrists, pinning her to the wall, and drew closer to her face, exhaling heavily.
"I don't date, Luce. If I like someone, I will fucking own her completely. There's no escape," I declared in a low tone
"It's fine. I want you to own me," she spoke through gritted teeth.
"I'm a monster, Luce, a monster who will only give you nightmares," I growled into her ear.
"You're not a monster, Zephyr. You have a good heart," she attempted to reassure me, trying to cup my cheeks.
But I couldn't shake off the turmoil inside as I slammed my fist in the wall grabbing her chin ,
"A good heart? You know where I'm going now? To kill someone just because he lied to skip work. I'm a fucking psychopath, Luce. It's better if you stay away," I muttered, my voice heavy with self-condemnation, just as Keith honked outside.
Abruptly, I released her and exited the room, leaving Luce behind, her words lingering in the air.