10. Corroding his mind.

10. Corroding his mind.

Like a hawk watches its prey, Lucien watched her till the moment she stepped out of the building. When he saw her fully, something dull ticked inside him and he really hoped it was the drink. Without thought, his feet moved and before he knew it, he was standing close to her, holding her wrist in his palms. They were so tiny. He never knew. He'd never held her. 

He heard her gasp and whirl around reflexively, swinging her bag at his head. However, she held back when she saw who it was. Him. 

"What do you think you're doing Mr Voss?" Dahlia asked, eyes freezing.

Lucien didn't speak and just stared at her. The silence was thick, weighing on each of their shoulders. For a moment, Dahlia almost let herself feel something...just like the past years. However, when he spoke, it all crashed. 

"What do you think you're doing?" his cold and hoarse voice came. 

"What do you mean Mr Voss?" Dahlia asked, prying her wrist away from his hand. Lucien let her. 

Lucien gave a small laugh, stuffing his hands into his pockets. He took a step close but Dahlia didn't move. She stood there, mirroring his eyes with hers, not backing down. Lucien arched a brow.

"You said you're not trying to prove anything and you're not trying to get my attention...then, why are you after the resort expansion project?" His voice though cold, was almost a whisper, like snowflakes scattering in the wind. 

"The project is a hotcake and I can't afford to lose it" Dahlia spoke, that smile she had learned to wield stretching her lips a little. She stepped closer, leaving just an inch between the both of them. Then she leaned forward, closing their gaps.

For a moment Lucien thought she was going to kiss him. And that naughty part of him really hoped she would. However, Dahlia only paused, just beside his temples, her voice stretching into his ears. 

"Why?" her voice was suddenly soft like butter coating needles. "Is Mr Voss not confident in his own abilities or..." Dahlia slurred, then shifted her face, bringing it close to his. "Does Mr Voss want me to gain his attention?" 

Lucien couldn't help but gulp heavily at her actions. He wanted to push her away but didn't. He could only watch her and wonder when she became so...sly. 

"Oops" she pouted and stepped back, as if she remembered something. "I forgot that Mr Voss is already a taken man and crossed my boundaries. I apologize but, you shouldn't randomly grab women. Doesn't tell well of the Voss family" she said and turned to go. 

"And..." she said, halting in her steps. "Good luck on the project" she chuckled and entered her car. 

Gaux eyed him and slid into the passenger seat. 

Lucien stood there, watching as their car sped away, leaving only the trail of red lights and vehicle fumes. Lucien couldn't help but lower his gaze to his palm which had held her wrist. He could still taste her scent on his tongue. Something fruity. Was that her perfume? Or body spray? Her soap?

He swallowed under the tightening of his jaw. This woman! What a glib tongue she has. But, since she wanted to play his game... he's really willing to play. And he will teach her, not to play with the tiger. 

"Boss" Jace called him from behind. He had seen everything happen and didn't even know what to say or feel. His Boss had told him to come here... just to confront Miss Winters? That's unlike him. His Boss usually shows actions rather than banter words. He heaved a sigh.

"Take me to the Voss manor Jace" he ordered as he took steady steps to his car. 

"Yes Boss" Jace answered and walked briskly. He opened the car door for him and Lucien slid in with ease. His gaze drifted, to the spot they had just stood on. Her voice...her scent...

Lucien punched into the sofa as annoyance swirled through his veins. He hated the way she was corroding his mind. She had just come back from wherever and now was making him loose his sanity...

"I will show you, Miss Winters" he murmured as the car set off for his place.