LINGERING FEELINGS OF THE PAST

“Why did you help my dad?” Ava questioned Lucas as soon as she had collected herself.

Her voice didn't tremble. It was steady.

Lucas blinked slowly. “Straight to business, right? You've changed.”

“I didn't come here to feel nostalgic.” She folded her hands. “Answer the damn question.”

He stepped closer.

“I did it for you, Ava. I still love you.” He said it. Plainly with no hesitation.

Her heart thudded in her ears.

Those words cut her clean, not because she had wanted to hear them but she once longed to hear those words.

But that girl was gone.

She let out a breath. Tired and disappointed.

“No, you don't. You loved the version of me that you could control; the one who would forgive you for everything you ruined.”

She shook her head. “I'm not her anymore, Lucas.”

He shook. His eyes flickered with irritation and amusement.

“So it's my brother now?” His lips curved into a mischievous smile. “He uses people like toys and discards them at will.”

“I have only business with you brother, nothing more or less.” She retorted.

“You're sure about that.”

“Yes, I am.” Ava struggled to admit her feelings for Ethan.

“Then give me another chance to make it up to you, Ava.” Lucas begged almost on his knees. “To prove myself again.”

“I'm not interested in giving you any chance to play with my heart again.” She lashed back.

Lucas laughed softly. “Oh, Ava. You think refusing me would make Ethan open up to you? He doesn't let people in. I've known him all my life.”

He paused.

“He's only keeping you for professionalism and pleasure.”

“That's enough.” Ava barked.

He lifted his hands. “Relax, I'm not here to start a fight.”

He stepped closer to her.

“I'm not going to force into something you're not ready for. I'll give you time to accept and prepare your heart for me.”

“I would never…”

He reached his hand slowly into his pocket.

Click.

Her breath paused.

He had taken a picture of her.

“Lucas.” She shouted.

“Don't worry. It's a good angle,” He whispered, grinning like a child who just got a new toy.

“I am going to win you back, Ava Sinclair, and your precious little heart wouldn't even realize it.”

He walked past her, leaving her frozen and scared.

She didn't move until the door shut behind him.

Lucas didn't bother wasting time. He headed straight to Ethan's office.

He found him in his office, reviewing files with rolled up sleeves.

“Brother man!” He beckoned on Ethan.

“Countless times, you've barged into this office. This isn't a playground, Lucas.” Ethan said flatly.

“I know…I know.” Lucas teased him. I met your girl today.

“Lucas, stay away from that girl.” Ethan charged at Lucas. He can barely control his possessiveness towards Ava.

Lucas dropped his phone on the huge mahogany desk.

“Look.” He gestured to his phone.

Ethan paused.

The photo stared back from Lucas' phone screen.

Ava's flushed cheeks. Lucas standing far too close.

“What are you doing?” Ethan asked, quietly but dangerous.

He smiled. “Showing you the woman, whom you won't be able to protect,” Lucas said, mimicking a feminine voice.

“and portraying me, who will finally win her heart.”

Sassy Lucas.

Ethan didn't flinch. “Do not get her involved in your dirty games. Whatever you both had, it's history now.”

“Oh! It's not history and I would so get her involved.”

“Lucas!” Ethan snarled.

“Oh! already falling for her, brother?” Lucas tilted back casually.

“I had her once and I would have her again, right in your god damn face.”

Ethan moved closer

The entire room was brewing with tension so thick it could suffocate a person.

“You involve her in your war, Lucas and I swear…”

“You'll what?” Lucas whispered. “kill me? Become the monster our late father feared you would

be?”

Ethan shook. It felt like he had been thrown onto a bed full of thorns.

Lucas felt satisfied and walked away. He definitely poked a pin in his butt.

Ethan had never felt so weak with words for the first time in a long while.

Later in the evening, at the Mansion. Ava returned and met Ethan waiting in the living room.

“Why were you alone with Lucas at the hospital?" He inquired like it was his right.

His voice sounded calm but his insides had been undone knowing that the girl he was growing feelings for was also wanted by his brother.

Ava froze upon hearing his voice.

“He was already there when I arrived.” Ava gave a plain answer.

Ethan inhaled and exhaled. Like it wasn't enough to calm his intense feelings, he rubbed his forehead with his palm.

He felt this instant urge to grab her, kiss her like crazy and tell her how he really felt about her.

He became calm.

“He showed me a picture.”

Her stomach dropped. “Mr Ethan, it didn't mean anything. I didn't even know he took it.” She explained.

His voice softened. “I know. I have to make sure you're safe.”

“I am safe, Mr Ethan.” She said firmly.

“No, you're not.” He paused. “Lucas is dangerous. He's my brother, I know him.”

“You have absolutely nothing to worry about.” She added.

“I have to move you to my penthouse to guarantee the safety of my employee.”

Was it just about the safety of his employee?

“Huh?” Ava blinked several times to grasp what he meant.

He stepped closer, but not to intimidate her. It was to make her understand.

“Ava,” He called her like her name was sacred.

“I do not want anything to happen to you.” He paused.

Her breath caught.

This wasn't her boss standing in front of her at the moment.

This was a man trying to be protective of her.

“Why do you care?” She whispered.

He wasn't ready to admit to his most obvious feeling.

“Because…”

Then…

The door slammed open.

She was standing there, looking at them.

Miranda fucking Dobrev.

They both turned their attention towards her and drifted from themselves.

“All hail the queen of drama.” Ava muttered.