Layla's mind spiraled, completely captivated by Lucius. Every rational thought abandoned her, frozen under the heat of his touch. It was as though every nerve in her body had been electrocuted by that single kiss on her neck.
Lucius' teeth grazed her skin, leaving a fresh red mark before his tongue swept over the spot, sending another wave of shivers through her. A soft moan escaped her lips, unbidden, as her body reacted instinctively to his touch.
"Let those sounds out for me," Lucius whispered, his voice husky as his lips moved lower, trailing heated kisses along her collarbone.
"We-we're in the living room," Layla managed to stutter, her words a weak protest as her resolve wavered. "Please… stop."
"No one's here but us," Lucius murmured against her skin, his breath hot and tempting.
"Still," Layla's voice quivered, "it's not appropriate." She tried to steady herself, but her body betrayed her, still drawn to him, still yearning for more.
"Umm…" Lucius reluctantly pulled away. His eyes caught her gaze and the smirk on his lips widened. "If this is the way you are going to resist me, then I may—"
"Lucius! Lucius! Where the hell are you?!"
Suddenly, a voice roared in the living hall, which was unmistakably recognizing. It was of Fiona, who sounded like she was in a pretty bad mood.
Lucius made his way out of the pillar and went toward the hall. Layla rubbed the finrers on her lips and glared at his back before walking behind him.
"Fiona, it's surprising to see you here. I think I have warned you not to step in here," Lucius said, standing before her, keeping his hand inside the pockets of his trousers.
"Why did you hurt my son? Roderick's wrist is broken because of you," Fiona burst out in anger. She then looked at Layla. "What did you say to my son? I can't believe a girl like you can be this evil!"
Before Lucius could defend his wife, Layla spoke up, "Your son dragged me suddenly into a room with him. He is lucky that I didn't complain to the police about how he molested me."
"Wh-what? Don't lie. My son-son isn't like that," Fiona stuttered while refusing to believe such accusations against her son.
Lucius proudly looked at his wife, smiling because she wasn't the type to stay quiet.
"Your son is worse than you think. It's the time you need to check on your son's actions before he shows you the hell," Layla said while taking a step forward. She had a lot to say about Roderick; what kind of jerk he was; how he played with her feelings and how he fooled her all the time?
Lucius placed his hand on her lower back, bringing Layla's focus on him.
"Fiona, leave before I change my decision to keep Roderick alive. He really tried to mess with me. Eyeing my woman and taking her into a room were infuriating enough for me to take such an action," Lucius said. "Now, you should leave. My wife and I have something important to do," he asserted, the grin on his lips again returning.
Fiona's fists trembled as she stormed off, her heels echoing against the floor with each angry step. Layla considered following suit, but before she could make a move, Lucius swept her off her feet, lifting her effortlessly into his arms.
"I have legs, you know. I can walk," Layla muttered, trying to maintain her composure despite the flutter in her chest.
"Let them rest, Wife," Lucius replied, his voice soft but firm. He carried her up the stairs slowly, his movements deliberate, pushing the bedroom door open with ease and closing it behind them with a nudge of his foot.
Gently, he laid her on the bed, his fingers tracing her jawline with a feather-light touch. "Now we can have fun in private," he whispered, his lips curling into a sly smile. "Don't try to leave, or you'll upset me. You wouldn't want that, would you?"
Layla remained still, her heart racing as he disappeared into the washroom. She waited, her mind racing with thoughts of escape, but something kept her rooted in place. Five minutes later, Lucius emerged, his sleeves rolled up, and his shirt unbuttoned just enough to reveal his broad chest. A tattoo peeked out, catching her attention and drawing her gaze.
Layla swallowed hard, unable to look away. There was something magnetic about him, something that made it impossible to defy him.
Pulling the chair, Lucius sat on it, his one leg rested above the other.
Layla also composed herself and crossed her legs while sitting on the bed. She had her hands clasped tightly, making her wonder if he would answer her with honesty now.
"How did you find out Roderick cheated on me? I myself found out about it two days ago," Layla was eager to know the truth.
"He's my nephew. Of course, I know what kind of guy he is! It is a pity only you were unaware," Lucius replied.
She was hurt by that remark. "Why did you send me the marriage proposal? You don't like me. You need not to play with words in front of me. If you want a good relationship between us, you need to be truthful to me, at least," she asserted.
"Why do you think I'll help you in your revenge?" Lucius directed a question at her, instead of answering her. "If you answer my question, I'll answer yours," he provided a condition too.
"I told you I would be a good wife to you," Layla repeated her earlier response.
Lucius clicked his tongue against the roof of his mouth. "You don't even let me touch you properly. Do you think you can be a good wife? Not to mention, you don't want me to use violence. You want me to become a good, kind man, listening to you all the time," he explained.
"I never said that you have to listen to me," Layla said. "Using guns and threatening people is wrong, Lucius. That's all I said," she clarified to him.
Lucius just read her eyes and remained quiet.
"So, will you help me? I don't need your help every time, but every now and then," Layla stated.
"Fine. Use me as much as you can, but when the time comes I'll use you," Lucius pronounced.
Layla was quite surprised that he agreed so easily. But why would he want to use her and where? She didn't even have anything of his use. Layla didn't put much thought to it and agreed to him.
"Okay." Layla forwarded her hand to him.
Lucius looked at it and smirked. He shook hands with her before pulling her down on his lap. Her lips brushed his chest because of the sudden pull.