TWENTY FIVE

“I’m sorry Olivia. I knocked but there was no response. I didn't mean to….I mean, I was just worried you might be embarrassed by James” Lucas said, his back facing Olivia.

Olivia tightened a towel around herself , her heart still racing. “Well you could have waited, until I answered, or left!”

Lucas sighed, keeping his gaze firmly on the door, “I know . I just……I wanted to make sure you were okay”.

The tension in the room was palatable. Olivia took a deep breath , trying to steady her nerves, “Well, now you see I’m fine ….. Just , give me a minute to get dressed, please.

Lucas nodded, still facing the door, “Of course. I’ll wait outside”.

He stepped out and closed the door behind him, leaning against the wall with a sigh. What was it about this woman that made him act so recklessly? He had faced down enemies, orchestrated complex operations , and yet, a single woman could throw him off balance.

Lucas' mind shifted back to the serious matters of their safety. He needed to find out if Massimo had made any moves or sent any messages.

He decided to go to his study and hear from Vincent, when he entered his study, he found Vincent already waiting for him , a serious expression on his face.

“Any word from Massimo?” Lucas asked closing the door behind him.

Vincent shook his head, “Nothing boss, It's been quiet, too quiet”.

Lucas frowned, pacing the room, “That dosen't sit right with me. Massimo isn't the type to stay silent for long. He’s plotting something”.

Vincent nodded, “I thought the same, we need to be ready for anything”.

Lucas stopped pacing and looked directly at Vincent , his eyes hard. “Make sure the men are always ready. Massimo might decide to strike when he thinks we’ve let our guard down . I want everyone on high alert at all times”.

Vincent gave a curt nod,”Understood,I’ll make sure of that”.

Meanwhile Olivia had come out of her room,already dressed, expecting to find Lucas. When she didn't see him, she decided to head to his study, figuring he would be there. She walked through the mansion, her mind still buzzing with the night she had spent with Lucas.

As she approached Lucas' study, she overheard the tail end of their conversation.

“....at all times. I want everyone at high alert”, Lucas was saying.

Taking a deep breath , Olivia knocked on the study door and then entered, Lucas and Vincent turned to look at her.

“Sorry to interrupt”, Olivia said, giving a small smile, “I was just looking for you, Lucas”.

Lucas expression softened slightly, “It's all right Olivia, Come in”.

She stepped inside feeling the weight of the serious atmosphere in the room. “is everything okay?”

Lucas glanced at Vincent , before responding, “Yes, Vincent was just leaving”.

Vincent gave a curt nod , “I’ll make sure the men are ready boss,” he said to Lucas before walking past Olivia and Lucas and exiting the room.

Once they were alone, Lucas turned his attention fully to Olivia, he moved closer to Olivia, his hands in his baggy pants pocket, “I’m really sorry about earlier, Olivia. I didn't mean to invade your privacy. I just wanted to make sure you were not embarrassed by James playful behavior”

Olivia managed a small smile , though her cheeks were still flushed, “It’s okay Lucas, James was just being playful, and I’m not upset . Just…..a little startled”.

Lucas nodded, his shoulder relaxing slightly, “Good. I just didn't want you to think that he was being serious. He can be a bit much sometimes”.

Olivia chuckled softly.

Lucas' eyes softened as he looked at her, “I just wanted to make sure, you’re alright. Last night was…… a lot”

Olivia nodded, her gaze meeting his , feeling the hunger from skipping dinner the previous night , “I think I’ll go have breakfast”, Olivia said trying to take her leave..But Lucas stopped her, “Why don't you have breakfast with me instead?”

Olivia nodded, taken aback by the invitation. She had expected more distance, especially from their intimate yet awkward encounter earlier, “Um sure , I would like that”.

Lucas mind raced with responsibilities and duties, but he decides to let his guard down and slow himself to feel something more than just duty and responsibility.

Lucas led her out of the study to the hallway to the grand dinning room. The table was already set , and a delicious array of breakfasts food spread out. They sat down and the atmosphere was surprisingly relaxed.

“It's nice to have company for a change”, Lucas said, as he poured himself a cup of coffee. “Most times it's just me and Vincent discussing business”.

Olivia reached for a croissant , her eyes meeting Lucas, “It must get lonely”.

Lucas shrugged , just then they noticed James, as he strolled in with his usual dramatic flair, he wore a blue shirt and a peach polo, that complimented his skin colour.

“Good morning again, beautiful people!” James announced sliding into a chair next to Lucas, and opposite Olivia. He gave a playful wink before turning to Lucas. “Brother I must say ,it's nice to see you in such good company for breakfast”.

Lucas shot him a look that was both affectionate and exasperated . “James, do you ever toned it down?”

“Never”, James replied with a laugh . He reached for a piece of toast and took a big bite , his eyes twinkling with mischief.

Olivia couldn't help but smile at his infectious energy , even as she felt a bit of self conscious . The dynamics between the two brothers were fascinating and added a layer of warmth to the otherwise intense atmosphere.

As they continued eating, James’s gaze kept darting between Lucas and Olivia , a curious glint in his eyes. Finally he couldn't contain himself any longer.

“So, Olivia”, he said, leaning in conspiratorially , “do you have feelings for my brother?”

Olivia almost choked on her croissant. She coughed reaching for her glass of water to clear her throat. Lucas immadietly patted her back, his eyes filled with concern and a hint of amusement.

“James!” Lucas scolded, though he couldn't entirely hide his own curiosity.

James held up his hands in mock surrender, “What?, It's just a valid question . I’m trying to get to know Olivia better”.

Olivia, her face flushed with embarrassment, managed to regain her composure. “Well , James that's quite a question for breakfast”.

James grinned, “I like to keep things interesting. But seriously , you two seem to have a good connection. It's nice to see my brother who can keep up with him”.

No one responded to James. James's question had brought something unspoken to the surface. They all ate in silence , continuing their meal in a more relaxed, jovial atmosphere.

After they finished their meal , James leaned back in his chair, stretching his arms above his head. “You know, I’ve been thinking , I want to take a tour around New York today . It's been ages since I've been here”.

Lucas' demeanor shifted instantly, his expression turning serious, “No, James, not right now”.

James looked at Lucas suspiciously , “Do you have an issue with anyone? Cause if you do, I should know”

Lucas didn't respond,his gaze steady, “It's not safe for now. Just stay put until I get things settled”.

James sighed dramatically , but there was a hint of genuine concern in his eyes. Understanding the world his brother is involved in, “Alright, alright, if you say so”. He said

Then he turned to Olivia, his playful nature returning, “How about you ,Olivia? Since I can't go out, how about I take you on a tour around the mansion? This place is huge , and I bet there are spots you haven't seen yet”.


Olivia smiled, “I’d love that, the mansion is really big, and there are so many places I haven't explored”.

Lucas nodded approvingly, “Better, Stay inside, and stay safe”.