THIRTY NINE

Mia and Marco entangled in each other's arms, stark naked. Shock surged through Lucas as he stood there, disbelief etched across his face, His mind raced, struggling to comprehend the betrayal unfolding before him.

Mia looked up, her expression, a mix of guilt and apprehension, while Marco's face registered a fleeting moment of guilt, before hardening into defiance.

Lucas's voice was low and controlled, masking the turmoil within him, “What the hell is going on here?” He asked, his voice calm, yet demanding.

Mia looked up to see Lucas, his presence commanding and formidable even in the dim light. Mia’s breath caught in her throat, for a moment she froze, her drunken haze evaporated in an instant, as reality crashed back in on her.

“Lucas,” she managed to choke out, her voice breaking as she shoved Marco away with a force that surprised even herself, the weight of her betrayal crashing down on her, “Lucas…..I”. Her words faltered as she tried to explain, to make him understand.

But a wave of nausea hit her suddenly, as she wrapped the duvet around herself, some parts flowing freely on the floor , she stumbled towards the bathroom, barely managing to slam the door shut before vomiting violently.

Marco ever being the oportunist, spoke up defiantly, “You’ve never cared about her Lucas,” he retorted, “She's better off with someone who appreciates her.”

Lucas clenched his fists, his emotions rolling beneath the surface, Marco’s audacity got him more angry, Lucas fought to maintain his composure.

Turning abruptly, Lucas stormed out of the room without saying a word. Downstairs , he paused at the door, his mind racing with a torrent of conflicting emotions that he couldn't really comprehend.

Inside the room, Marco rushed to Mia side in the bathroom, but Mia pushed him weakly.

Minutes stretched into eternity as Mia knelt on the cold floor, tears mingling with the sweats on her face. When she finally stood up, she brushed past Marco, wiping her mouth with trembling hands, She glanced at the door, expecting to still see Lucas but he was already gone.

Mia adjusted the duvet on her body, as she faced Marco, her fists pounding weakly against his chest. Her strength drained by the potent mix of alcohol, guilt and despair. Marco towering over her remained unnervingly calm, his gaze steady despite the storm of emotions.

His masculine chest crisscrossed with faint scars rose and fell rhythmically. “You ruined aeverything,” Mia accused, her voice trembling with emotion “How could you do this? You knew I was drunk.”

“You can't blame me for this Mia.” Marco said evenly, his voice cutting through the tension in the room, “You asked for this, You practically begged me to be inside you.”

Mia’s eyes burned with tears as she continued to strike him weakly, “ You unbelievable Marco, You knew what you were doing and you took advantage of me, You used me!!.” She said, raising her voice.

Marco caught her wrists gently but firmly,stopping her futile attempts to hurt him, “I saved your life tonight,” he reminded her, his tone unwavering, “Don’t forget that.”

As Marco spoke, Mia freed herself from Marco's grip, and sank back onto the bed, pulling the duvet tighter around her as if it could shield her from the consequences of her actions.

Marco expression softened slightly, as he squatted in front of her, “Lucas isn't who you think he is Mia, he doesn't care about you like I do.”

Mia glared at him, shaking her head in disbelief, “Stop it Marco,Just stop.” Hot tears spilled down Mia’s cheeks, as she collapsed into the bed, the weight of Marco's words crushing her already shattered heart.

“Just leave Marco,”she whispered hoarsely, her voice barely audible over the turmoil inside her.

Marco regarded her for a moment longer he grabbed his pants and shirts ,then turned and left the room without another word, leaving Mia alone.

……..🌵

Lucas clutched the steering wheel tightly, his knuckles hardening as he sped through the darkened streets towards the mansion. As he pulled into the driveway of his sprawling mansion , Lucas banged the door shut with a resounding thump.

He stormed through the grand entrance , barely acknowledging the butler who greeted him with a respectful nod.

Striding up the stairs, Lucas finally reached his private quarters , slamming the door behind him. Inside the room, he tossed his keys onto the polished wooden desk , his jaw clenched with unresolved anger. Just then a knock at the door interrupted his thoughts.

“Come in,” Lucas said gruffly, his voice betraying none of the turmoil inside.

James entered with his usual charismatic grin, but it faltered as he took in Lucas's stormy expression.

“Whoa, what's got you in such a mood big brother?” James asked, concern etching his fearures.

Lucas sighed heavily, running a hand through his hair, “It's nothing , Just some drama.”

James raised an eyebrow skeptically, “What sort of drama?”

“It's nothing you should worry yourself about”.

James nodded, knowing Lucas too well, he likes to handle situations himself, without trying to get any one involved.

Changing the subject, James straightened up, “Uhmmm, I need to head back to Italy tomorrow morning.”

Lucas's brow shot up in surprise, “Why the rush?”

James hesitated briefly , then replied, “Business, big brother, You know how it is.”

Lucas shook his head slowly, “It's not safe , James, can't this business wait?”

“I can't be locked up in here , cause of the family's Mafia drama, You all know how much I'm not involved in all these, I really have to go take care of my personal business. I can handle myself.” James said, protesting against Lucas.

Lucas studied him for a moment, concern flickering in his eyes, “Alright, I’ll arrange for the private jet to take you there, first thing in the morning.”

“Thanks bro,” James said gratefully, as he stood up to leave, “And hey, you should try to share your problems with someone, you don't have to carry burdens alone all the time you know.”

As James left the room, Lucas sank on the edge of the bed, his thoughts drifting to Marco's audacity. “Damn it,” he muttered.