Tobias's eyes met Lucas's, a glint of curiosity dancing within their dark depths. There was no surprise in his gaze; instead, it was marked by a detached amusement. The smirk that played on Tobias's lips was a testament to his easy confidence, a confidence that only seemed to enrage Lucas further.
"You seem to have enjoyed yourself," Tobias remarked, his voice smooth and indifferent. "Quite a performance."
Lucas's expression darkened, his disdain for Tobias simmering just below the surface. The air between them crackled with tension as Lucas regarded Tobias with a cold, penetrating stare. His eyes, usually a striking blue, now held a glimmer of lethal contempt. The animosity he felt for Tobias was as intense as the satisfaction he derived from his cruelty towards Dimitri.
For a moment, Lucas didn't respond. He let the silence stretch, the weight of his unspoken hatred hanging heavily in the air. Then, with a harsh, dismissive laugh that barely masked his irritation, he turned on his heel, his disdain for Tobias evident in the deliberate way he walked away. His footsteps echoed sharply through the hall, leaving Tobias in a brooding, unsettling quiet.
Tobias's eyes narrowed as he watched Lucas depart, a flicker of irritation crossing his face. He pulled out a gun, the cold metal catching the dim light and glinting ominously. The gun was sleek and modern, its surface matte and black with a polished finish that contrasted sharply with its menacing purpose. Its barrel was slender and precise, designed for both efficiency and intimidation. Tobias's grip on the weapon was steady, his movements calculated and purposeful as he approached Lucas from behind.
The air seemed to thicken as Tobias moved, the gun now a silent promise of violence. Each step he took was measured, his presence looming as he closed the distance. .
Just as Tobias was about to close in on him, Lucas stopped in his tracks, sensing the change in the atmosphere. He didn't need to turn around to know what was coming; his instincts were sharp. He stood perfectly still his face going blank.
Lucas slowly turned around at the sharp click of the gun being cocked. His eyes locked onto Tobias, and instead of retreating or showing fear, his lips curled into a psychotic smile, a glint of twisted delight dancing in his eyes.
Tobias was momentarily taken aback by Lucas's reaction. His initial surprise faded into a slow, approving grin. He took another deliberate drag from his cigarette, the smoke curling around him and adding to the charged atmosphere.
With the gun still poised, Tobias's finger tapped lightly against the trigger, a subtle yet menacing reminder of the danger he wielded. His gaze was steady, his demeanor a mix of curiosity and cold calculation.
"You've got some nerve, showing up here and playing your little games with my sweet younger brother," Tobias said, his voice smooth but laced with a quiet disdain as he mentioned his brother. "I don't know who you are, but here's the thing—one wrong move, one word I don't like, and you're done. I don't waste time with people who waste mine."
Lucas's smile remained fixed, his eyes never leaving Tobias's. The psychotic delight only seemed to grow as he took in the sight of Tobias's barely concealed menace. The tension between them was electric, both men locked in a dangerous game of intimidation and intrigue.
He steps closer, the barrel of the gun now pointed directly at Lucas's chest, his gaze never wavering. "So, I'll ask again—who the fuck are you, and what are you doing in my house?"
Lucas meets Tobias's gaze head-on, his smile unwavering, though there's a flicker of something darker in his eyes. He doesn't back down, doesn't flinch, even with the threat of a bullet looming over him.
"You don't scare me," Lucas finally replies, his tone low and almost teasing, but there's an edge to it. "To me you're just like everyone else—bored, waiting for someone to push you off the edge."
Tobias's smile widens just a fraction, but his eyes remain deadly serious. "You think you're the one to do that? You'd better be sure, because if you try, there's no coming back."
Lucas's smile falters for just a second, a flash of genuine dislike flickering in his expression. But just as quickly, it's gone, replaced by that same unsettling grin.
"We'll see," Lucas murmurs, his voice almost daring. But even as he speaks, the dislike festers, gnawing at the edges of his calm facade. He doesn't like Tobias, not one bit, and the feeling is mutual.
For a moment, the hallway is silent, the only sound the faint crackle of Tobias's cigarette as he takes one last drag before slowly lowering the gun. The tension between them lingers, a dangerous current that neither is willing to break.
Lucas tilts his head slightly, a dark curiosity in his eyes as he studies Tobias. "Name's Lucas," he finally says, his voice dripping with a mix of arrogance and indifference. It's as if he's daring Tobias to make something of it.
Tobias narrows his eyes, and for a moment, it seems like he might pull the trigger. But instead, he slowly lowers the gun, a cold smile curling his lips. "I know exactly who you are, Lucas. I've got files on everyone my brother associates with, and you… well, you're a real piece of work, aren't you?"
The gun now hangs loosely at Tobias's side, but the tension in the air is still thick, as if violence could erupt at any moment. Lucas doesn't back down. Instead, he steps closer, closing the distance between them, his smile growing more daring, almost challenging.
"So, you've done your homework," Lucas says, his voice soft but laced with that same dangerous edge. "But here's what I want to know… Why keep tabs on your own brother? Afraid he'll be better than you someday? Or are you just scared of what he might do without your leash around his neck?"
Tobias's smile fades, replaced by a sharp, icy glare. For a split second, the gun twitches in his hand, but he restrains himself, the threat clear in his eyes. "Careful, Lucas. You're treading on thin ice."
But Lucas doesn't relent. He takes another step closer, his eyes locking onto Tobias's, searching for any hint of fear or hesitation. "I'm just curious," he continues, his voice low, almost a whisper. "Because for all your power, for all the fear you think you can instill in me… I don't see much difference between you and your brother. Maybe that's what really scares you—knowing that deep down, you're just as weak as he is."
The words hang in the air, a direct challenge, and for a moment, it seems like Tobias might snap. But then, he takes a deep breath, his grip on the gun relaxing as he steps back, a cold smile returning to his face.
"You've got guts, I'll give you that," Tobias says, his voice chillingly calm. "But don't mistake my patience for weakness. Push me too far, and you'll find out just how wrong you are."
Lucas raises his hands mockingly, pretending to tremble as if Tobias's words have struck fear into his heart. "Oh no," he says, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Whatever will I do? Big, bad Tobias might lose his patience with little ol' me."
He drops the act just as quickly, letting out a dark, almost manic laugh that echoed in the tense silence. His eyes gleam with a dangerous mix of amusement and defiance as he takes another step toward Tobias, who remains still, gun in hand but no longer pointed directly at Lucas.
"You think you're so terrifying," Lucas continues, his tone growing more wicked with each word. "That everyone should just fall in line because you've got a gun and a cold stare. But the truth is…" He leans in slightly, his voice dropping to a near whisper as if telling a secret, "I think you're just bored. Scaring people is the only thrill you've got left, isn't it?"
Tobias's eyes narrow, his expression darkening, but Lucas doesn't stop. He's pushing now, probing for any reaction he can get, almost like he's playing with fire just to see if it will burn him.
"But hey, maybe I'm wrong," Lucas says, his voice light and mocking. "Maybe you really are the big, bad wolf you pretend to be. Maybe you'll snap right now and show me just how dangerous you are."
He pauses, watching Tobias closely, then lets out a soft chuckle, his smile growing more sinister. "Or maybe… you're just as twisted as I am, and that's why you haven't pulled the trigger yet. You like the game too much to end it so soon."
Tobias's grip on the gun tightens, his knuckles whitening, but there's a flicker of something else in his eyes—something almost like respect, or at the very least, acknowledgment of Lucas's nerve. He's not used to being challenged like this, and it's clear that Lucas's audacity is both infuriating and intriguing to him.
"You're really pushing it now," Tobias finally says, his voice a low growl. "Maybe you're right. Maybe I do enjoy this little dance we're doing. Just don't forget… I'm the one holding the gun."
Lucas smirks, unfazed by the threat. "Oh, I haven't forgotten. But if you're thinking of killing me, you should do it now. You might end up regretting it if you don't." He leans back slightly, his posture relaxed and confident.
Tobias smirks, a hint of disdain in his eyes. "A child's threats mean nothing. Stay in your place and leave the grown-ups to handle the real business."
The two stood there, locked in a silent standoff, the tension between them electric. Lucas,pushes his luck one last time. "So, what's it gonna be, Tobias? You gonna shoot me, or are we just gonna keep playing this game until one of us finally gets bored?"
Tobias lets out a deep, hearty laugh, the sound echoing through the hallway. His amusement is clear.
"You're a real piece of work, Lucas," Tobias says, still chuckling as he shakes his head. "But don't worry ,Dimitri will be out of this filthy place sooner or later, and you won't have to deal with him—or me—any longer. No matter what Dimitri says now, he'll want to run from you eventually. He'll leave you behind, and I'll make sure he gets the chance."
The coldness in Tobias's voice seeps into the air, and the amusement in Lucas's eyes fades, replaced by a dangerous intensity. His expression goes blank, his smile vanishing as if it had never been there. The atmosphere shifts palpably as he reaches into his pocket, his fingers closing around the handle of a small pocket knife he started to keep in his pocket. The weight of the blade in his hand seems to sharpen his focus, the quiet threat in his mind becoming almost teasing.
As Lucas began to pull out the knife, revealing its glinting edge, he no longer cared about getting caught. The recklessness in his demeanor made it clear he had no intention of hiding his intentions.
Before he could fully withdraw the blade, a firm hand suddenly grips his wrist, halting his movement. The touch was cold and unyielding, sending a jolt through him. He glanced up to find Tobias's eyes narrowed, a subtle smirk playing at the corner of his lips. Tobias's hand rests calmly on the grip of his gun, a silent reminder of the danger that lurks just beneath the surface.
"Careful," Tobias says softly, his tone both a warning and a challenge. "You wouldn't want to do something you'll regret. Not when I'm still deciding whether you're more useful to me alive or dead."
Lucas's eyes flicker with anger, but he doesn't let it show. Instead, he releases the knife, letting it slip back into his pocket. . Tobias's words had struck a nerve, and while Lucas was smart enough to back down for now, he was far from done.
"Funny," Lucas finally says, his voice eerily calm as he steps back, putting some distance between them. "I was just thinking the same thing about you. But don't worry—next time, I won't hold back."
Tobias watches him carefully, his own expression guarded but still tinged with that unsettling amusement. "Next time, huh?" He smirks, lowering the gun but not taking his eyes off Lucas. "We'll see if you're still so bold when the moment comes."
Lucas says nothing, his silence speaking volumes. The tension between them lingered, thick and oppressive, until Tobias finally turned away, signaling the end of their confrontation.
Tobias walked away, a sense of unresolved danger hanging in the air, both men knowing that this encounter was far from over. Lucas watched him go standing frozen for a moment, his jaw clenched in frustration. He watches Tobias stride confidently toward the exit, every step radiating power and control. When Tobias moved out the door, Lucas's eyes narrow, and a low, angry curse escapes his lips.
"Son of a bitch," Lucas mutters under his breath, his voice laced with venom.
He watches Tobias open the door and step outside, heading straight for a sleek, expensive car waiting just outside. The car's engine purrs to life as Tobias slips into the driver's seat, exuding an air of effortless superiority.
Lucas's hands ball into fists at his sides as he glares through the doorway, watching the car speed off into the night. His blood boiling with a mix of anger and resentment, knowing that Tobias had the upper hand for now.
But as the car disappeared from view, Lucas forced himself to take a deep breath, letting the tension slowly drain from his body.
As the expensive car faded into the distance, Lucas remained rooted to the spot, still seething with anger. From his vantage point, he notices Mr. and Mrs. Bennett emerging cautiously from their hiding place, peering out the window to ensure Tobias had truly left.
Mr. Bennett, concerned, and Mrs. Bennett, looking frazzled but trying to maintain a semblance of composure, exchange uneasy glances as they watch the car disappear.
Lucas's eyes lock onto them. Despite the simmering rage that still churned inside him, he makes no move to approach them or acknowledge their presence. He simply stands there, watching with a dark, silent intensity.
The Bennetts, sensing his gaze but unable to decipher his thoughts, quickly pull away from the window. Lucas's silence and the coldness in his eyes speak volumes, and they retreat, leaving him alone with his simmering fury.