Chapter Eleven:
Theo's hand gripped Liza's chin, pulling her face toward his with an intensity that left no room for resistance. His lips crashed onto hers in a fierce, passionate kiss, his hands gripping her shoulders as if daring her to pull away. She gasped, feeling a surge of anger and something else she wasn't ready to admit to herself. Just as suddenly, he broke the kiss, his gaze dark and stormy.
"I'm trying my best not to lose control with you," he muttered. He held her gaze for a lingering moment, then abruptly released her and stepped back, running a hand through his hair with visible restraint. "You're making it difficult."
Without another word, he turned and strode out of her room, his footsteps echoing down the hall. Liza stood frozen, heart racing, torn between fear and rage. She barely had time to process what had just happened when a loud, disturbing knock echoed through the mansion, piercing the quiet.
Curious and tense, Liza slipped out of her room and tiptoed down the staircase, drawn toward the voices drifting from the living room. As she reached the bottom step, she spotted Theo standing near the doorway, his face an unreadable mask of irritation as he spoke to a woman with striking features and a fiery gaze.
The woman's posture was rigid, her arms crossed defiantly as she glared at Theo. Her beauty was undeniable—dark, flowing hair, high cheekbones, and an air of confidence that bordered on arrogance. But her expression was laced with anger, her words sharp as she spoke. "Theo, you're really going to ignore me for… her?" Her tone was laced with contempt, and Liza immediately felt the woman's piercing gaze shift toward her.
Theo's jaw tightened, his patience clearly wearing thin. "Briuy," he said firmly, his voice clipped. "We've been over this. I'm not interested in you, and I want you to leave."
Briuy's eyes narrowed, her anger simmering beneath the surface. "Not interested?" she scoffed, taking a step closer to him. "Theo, I've stood by you longer than anyone. And now you bring in… this?"
Theo's eyes flashed with warning, his tone dropping even lower. "That's enough, Briuy. Leave, now."
Ignoring him, Briuy turned on her heel and approached Liza, her steps purposeful, a smirk playing at her lips. Liza tensed, instinctively taking a step back, but Briuy closed the distance, her expression a blend of disdain and fury.
"So, this is the girl you've chosen?" Briuy sneered, her voice dripping with scorn. Without a moment's hesitation, she raised her hand and slapped Liza across the face, the sting sharp and immediate. Liza stumbled back, shock flooding her senses as she clutched her cheek.
Theo's expression shifted in an instant, his face darkening as he took a threatening step toward Briuy, his voice low and menacing. "You just crossed a line, Briuy," he warned. "Touch her again, and you'll regret it."
Briuy laughed bitterly, unafraid, though her eyes held a flash of something uncertain. "So protective, Theo. I wonder how long that will last," she muttered before finally turning toward the door, her posture defiant even as she made her exit.
The room fell into silence as Theo watched Briuy leave, his gaze cold. He then turned to Liza, who stood frozen, the sting of Briuy's slap lingering on her cheek. Theo's expression softened, but his jaw remained tense, as if barely containing his own anger.
"Are you all right?" he asked, his voice quieter, though the intensity of his anger still lingered in his eyes.