Lucien sat in the dimly lit room, a cold calmness surrounding him as he leaned back in the chair, arms crossed, observing the chaos unfolding before him. His men surrounded James, who was bound to a chair, fear radiating from him as he squirmed under their intense scrutiny. The sounds of fists striking flesh echoed in the air, punctuated by James’s desperate gasps and cries.
“Please, stop! I didn’t mean it!” James pleaded, his voice trembling, a mix of fear and regret. The bravado he once wore like armor had crumbled, revealing a man who was terrified for his life.
Lucien’s piercing gaze remained fixed on James, his expression stoic and unyielding. “You thought you could toy with my girl?” he said, his voice low and dangerous. “You thought I wouldn’t find out about your little obsession?”
James’s eyes darted around the room, searching for any hint of mercy in Lucien’s demeanor. “I didn’t mean any harm! I just wanted to—”
“Wanted to what?” Lucien interrupted, leaning forward, his intense stare locking onto James. “You wanted to scare her? Control her? You don’t understand the kind of man you’re dealing with, do you?”
A low growl escaped Lucien’s throat as he gestured for his men to intensify the punishment. They resumed their assault, each blow a reminder of the consequences of underestimating him. Lucien’s men were relentless, driven by loyalty and anger at the thought of someone threatening their boss’s love.
“Do you know what happens to people who cross me?” Lucien continued, his tone calm but laced with menace. “They disappear. They become nothing more than a memory, a lesson for others to remember.”
As the beating continued, Lucien remained an unwavering force, his presence a testament to his power and authority. He watched, letting the tension in the room build, relishing the fear that twisted James’s features. Each cry and whimper was a reminder of the danger that lurked behind the façade of his charming persona.
“Let this be a warning,” Lucien finally said, his voice cold and unyielding as he stood up, commanding attention. “You will never approach Ella again. If I even catch wind of you looking at her the wrong way, I won’t hesitate to make your worst nightmares come true.”
With one last look at the pitiful state of James, Lucien turned to leave, his heart steeled by the knowledge that he was protecting what was most important to him. The door clicked shut behind him, and the sound reverberated in the silence that followed, leaving James to contemplate the dark consequences of his obsession.
Ella sat cross-legged on her bed, her laptop perched on her lap as she chatted with her father. The familiar warmth of his presence through the screen made her feel safe, but the topic turned serious when her father leaned in with a curious expression.
“So, are you seeing anyone special?” he asked, his tone light but his gaze probing.
Ella hesitated for a moment, her heart racing. “Actually, Dad, there’s someone I’ve been thinking about a lot,” she confessed, her voice steady despite the fluttering in her stomach. “It’s Lucien. I think I’m in love with him.”
Her father’s eyes lit up with surprise and then quickly softened into a smile. “Finally! I mean, Elle, I always knew there was something between you two. Lucien is my best friend, so I know you’re practically in good hands.”
Before she could respond, the door to her room swung open, and Lucien stepped inside, his tall figure filling the doorway. The sight of him sent her heart racing, and she felt a mixture of excitement and nervousness wash over her.
“Hey, Ella,” he said, his voice low and smooth as he caught sight of her talking on the laptop. When he noticed her father’s presence, he paused, a knowing smile crossing his lips.
“Lucien,” her father greeted with a warm smile, clearly pleased to see his friend. “Perfect timing. We were just talking about you.”
Ella felt her cheeks flush as Lucien walked over, casually leaning against the doorframe. “I hope it was all good things,” he replied, his tone playful, but his eyes were focused on Ella, full of warmth.
“It was,” her father assured him, his gaze shifting between them. “Ella just confessed she’s in love with you.”
Lucien’s expression brightened, a spark of genuine surprise and delight in his eyes. “Is that so?” he asked, looking at Ella with a playful glint.
Ella nodded, her heart racing as she felt the weight of their gazes on her. “Yeah, I just told him.”
Her father chuckled, clearly relieved. “Well, you two make a great pair. Just take care of her, Lucien.”
“I always do,” he said, his tone sincere as he stepped closer to Ella, his presence enveloping her in a sense of safety and warmth.
“Alright then,” her father said, smiling as he leaned back in his chair. “I trust you both.”
With the conversation shifting to lighter topics, Ella felt a sense of relief wash over her. She had finally opened up about her feelings, and knowing her father supported their relationship made everything feel right. Lucien stood beside her, a steady presence that made her heart flutter with joy.
After the call ended, Ella set her laptop aside and turned to Lucien, her heart still racing from the conversation. She was surprised by how relieved and happy her father had been, and the weight of her confession felt lighter now.
“I honestly thought my dad would be surprised,” she admitted, running a hand through her hair. “But he just seemed... happy about it. I guess I never realized how much he trusted you.”
Lucien smiled, leaning against the wall with an air of relaxed confidence. “Your dad knows me well. He knows I would do anything to protect you,” he replied, his tone serious yet affectionate.
Ella took a step closer to him, feeling the warmth radiating off his body. “It just feels good to finally say it out loud, you know? I was so nervous. What if he didn’t approve?”
“He’s your father; of course he cares about who you’re with,” Lucien said, his gaze softening as he looked down at her. “He wants you to be happy, and he knows that I care about you deeply.”
Ella nodded, a smile breaking across her face. “I do feel happy with you. I can’t help but wonder how this will change things for us.”
Lucien stepped closer, reaching out to tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “It won’t change anything if you don’t want it to. We take it one day at a time. But know that I’m all in, Ella. I don’t want anyone else.”
Her heart swelled at his words, and she could feel the connection between them deepen. “You’re right,” she said softly, gazing into his stormy eyes. “I want to see where this goes. I want to explore this with you.”
Lucien leaned in, capturing her lips with his in a soft yet passionate kiss, sealing the promise of their future together. In that moment, everything felt perfect, and she knew she was exactly where she belonged.
YOU ARE READING
Whispers in Secret
Romantizm*** A Steamy Romance *** Ella Montgomery is a fiercely determined law student at Oxford University, juggling her ambitious studies while harboring an undeniable secret crush on Lucien Storm, her father's charismatic best friend. From the moment she...
