CHAPTER 45

Lyra pov.

I wonder where exactly Lucia I was taking me to. It all seemed like those fairy tales you’re watching movies. I just had to tell myself this is actually true. I wonder why he was being a gentleman all of a sudden…something he's never done before. He began talking softly, something I found rather weird and uncomfortable about. Deep down, I knew any expression of I was going to hurt his feelings and complicate things and I never wanted any of that to happen.

“You look unexplainably beautiful today…I guess you must have been using some secret portions lately”

He chuckled upon dropping the last consonant. I managed a smile, even though I didn't find it funny. If there is anything I wanted at this moment, it was you just go home and leave his presence.

“Okay now we are about to go in, you just have to watch your steps because what's behind that door is going to sweep you off your feet”

I truly wondered what it is he was planning this time around. I set my mind to looking forward to whatever was the mystery behind that door.

“Sorry I'd have to blindfold you. You can trust me”

Trust!

One word I dread so much.

“Okay… maybe this once”

I managed to turn around for him to use the blindfold. I just hope I was not going to get disappointed after all he's been moaning about.

He took me by the hand, directing me carefully through the door. I waved my hand in opposite directions a couple of times to feel my environment.

“Take it easy…we are here already”

He took off the blindfold slowly, carefully revealing what he's been hiding.

If I'm being honest, this seemed like the eighth wonder of the world. I must confess I have never seen anything like it.

From the dimly lit candles standing roundabout the room, to the rose petals littering everywhere beautifully, to the purple linings on the wall. Every single decoration and design couldn't be ignored after a first look, even if one was a sadist…you can't help but still more than 10 times if possible.

The setting seemed like a proper marriage proposal.

“The expression says it all. I know you love it here”

Did he just say love it here? I asked myself that question over and over again trying to fathom exactly why this guy was being so nice and cool around me. He really didn't need to do much.

“Yeah…it's nice. I love it here” I managed to say, even though I was still in shock.

“Come on, have your seat”

He took one of the bottles of Scottish wine on the table emptying the content into the wine glasses on the table.

“You can have your drink Lyra…feel free and comfortable”

It was like his eyes pieced straight into my heart. I wasn't comfortable in any sort.

“Oh yes. I definitely will”

I was just masking my emotions all through.

“Honestly, I really want to tell you how I feel about you…”

He paused for a moment, as if thinking of what to say or putting his words together before saying them.

I sincerely knew it was going to come to this, seeing all of the moves he has been making in the last couple of days.

I dropped my glass abruptly, feigning ignorance like I didn't hear what he said.

“Lyra, I really wanted you to know how I feel about you…I have honestly grown this kind of affection and connection between us. I really do mean well for you Lyra…I love you”

Those words hit me like a thunderbolt. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever envision a day like this. I was startled.

What the hell does he think about me? Does he think I'm a sort of fling to satisfy his erotic cravings or something he felt he could pass time with? If that's the case, I'm the wrong person.

“You're not saying anything Lyra…” he said looking into my eyes.

What does he expect me to say? What exactly was I supposed to say? Give in to someone that'd make things complicated for me? Hell no!

I tried to be as polite as possible.

“Look Lucius, I'm not in any way interested. If you think by chance I'd be carried away with all of these, then you're wrong. I'd not in anyway sell myself short”

I said, with a tone of finality.

The reaction I expected was a direct opposite of what I expected.

“I clearly understand and respect your feelings…it's really not a problem”

He smiled all through, looking into my eyes before drinking the last content in the glass.

“Oh wow”

I honestly didn't expect such a reaction from him. I know how much he painstakingly went all out to do all this for me and at the end I let him down.

Could it be that it's part of his script?

At some point I started feeling like I thought wrong. What if he truly meant well for me? What if he was honest about his feelings and all? What if I was the one overthinking things?

We went through our meals peacefully. He just acted like nothing happened, like he didn't receive what I'd call the rudest turn down of his life, because trust me, even if I sounded polite enough in my own way, my expression will betray me.

“I'm very sure you're enjoying your meal. It's quite obvious from the way you bite”

Lucius just has his way of piercing through my mind and knowing exactly what my thoughts are. I really enjoyed the meal, savoring every single bite.

“You're actually right. I'm enjoying the meal”

“That's good. Lucius don't miss” he said. The way he ate through the meal like nothing happened really got to me

A perfect gentleman I thought.

Upon returning to the hideout, what met our eyes sent cold waves down my spine.

“Oh no! It definitely can't be”

I heard him mutter under his breath. We've been plundered.