SIXTY NINE

Olivia nodded, still in shock . Lucas softly held her by her arm, and led her back upstairs, trying to make her mind relief as best as he could, “Let’s get you some fresh air,” he said, leading her to the garden.

As they stepped outside, Olivia inhaled trying to calm her heart palpitation. Lucas wrapped an arm around her shoulders, pulling her closer. “You’re safe now,” he whispered.

“I….I can't believe you killed him, Lucas.” Olivia finally said, her voice tinged with sadness. “He might have been coerced or had no choice. I feel sorry for him.”

Lucas stopped and turned to face her, his expression serious but gentle. “Baby, In my world, actions have consequences. He was a threat to you, and I couldn't take any chances. What if something bad had happened to you?”

Her gaze was fixed on the ground. “I’m aware of that, but you could have handled it differently .”

Lucas lifted her chin with a finger, locking his gaze in hers .“I know this is hard for you to accept, I wish things were different. But this is the reality I live in.”

Tears welled up in Olivia’s eyes as she nodded, “I know, Lucas. I just hate that it has to be this way.”

He drew her into a soothing hug, cuddling her tightly. “As long as you’re by my side, I'll make sure nobody hurts you.”

They stood there in the garden, the world around them seeming to pause for a moment. Lucas kissed the top of her head, and Olivia felt a mixture of relief and sorrow. She knew the life Lucas led was dangerous, but she also knew he would do anything to protect her.

“I need to attend to something, baby. Go in and freshen up.” He gently told her.

Olivia nodded, wiping away the last of her tears, and walked back into the mansion. Lucas watched her until she disappeared inside, then turned and made his way back to the basement with a determined expression.

In the basement, Lucas met Anton still tied to the chair, his face a mask of fear and resignation. Lucas approached him slowly, his footsteps echoing ominously, Vincent stood nearby , his face as stoic as ever.

“Anton,” Lucas called,his voice low and menacing .

Anton’s head jerked up, his eyes wide with terror. “Mr. Moretti , please , I didn't know…..”

Lucas cut him off, “You had the guts to lay your hands on Olivia,” he said, his tone icy, “You’re lucky to still be breathing.”

Anton’s voice trembled, as he tried to explain, “I’m sorry, I swear I didn't know . If I had known…”

Lucas narrowed his eyes, the cold fury in them making Anton shrink back, “Who sent you?”

Anton hesitated for a moment, then stammered, “It was Mia. She….she paid the bartender to add some drugs to Olivia's drink.”

Lucas’s jaw tightened at the mention of Mia. The audacity she had to try to hurt Olivia marveled him. Without another word he gave Vincent a silent nod.

Vincent stepped forward, pulling out his gun. Anton’s eyes widened in realization, and he started to plead again, but his words were cut off by the defeating sound of gunfire. The bullets struck him squarely in the head, and his lifeless body slumped in the chair.

With that Lucas left the basement, anger evident in his face . He ascended the stairs to his room, his mind racing ,as he grabbed his car keys from the dresser,without notifying the bodyguards , and headed out of the mansion.

When he got outside, he slid into his sleek black car, the engine roaring to life as he sped out of the estate, the bustling street of New York blurred past him as he drove, his focus entirely on Mia.

When he reached Mia’s building, he parked and took a moment to steel himself. His face was a mask of calm, but inside he seethed with anger. He walked to the door of her apartment and pressed the doorbell, his jaw set in a grim line.

Mia reached for the door, she was surprised when she saw Lucas. “Lucas,” she called softly, stepping aside to let him in. “I wasn't expecting you. Please come in.” she said, with a smile on her face.

Lucas stepped inside, his eyes cold and unyielding, “Mia,” he said, his voice low and controlled, “we need to talk.”

She closed the door behind him, her smile faltering slightly at his tone. “Is everything alright?” she asked, feigning concern, “You look…..tense.”

Lucas moved nearer, his eyes locking into hers “I know what you did,” he said, his voice cold.

Mia’s eyes blinked her eyes uneasily, then her eyes narrowed in defiance ,“What exactly are you talking about?”

“Don't joke with me Mia,” Lucas growled, his patience wearing thin. “You paid someone to spike Olivia's drink. You know me too well Mia….I'm not stupid.”

Mia’s smile returned, but it was colder, more calculating, “I see,” she said slowly, “So it didn't go as planned. To threaten me? To kill me?”

Lucas took another step forward, closing the distance between them, “I’m here to warn you,” he said, his voice dangerously soft. “Stay away from Olivia. If you ever try to hurt her again, I won't be so forgiving.”

Mia’s eyes flashed with anger, “Forgiving? You can just come here and ….”

“Enough,” Lucas interrupted, his voice cutting through her words like a knife, “I’m sure, you know what I'm capable of Mia..You used to be very important to me. But you already made your choice, and now you’re just a problem I need to deal with.”

Mia took a step back, her bravado faltering, “Lucas wait, we can work something….”

Before Lucas could react, Mia stepped forward and kissed him, taking him by surprise. Her lips pressed against his with a desperate intensity. Her hands griping his shirt. For a moment Lucas froze , but then he pulled apart, pushing her away, his eyes burning with anger.

“Mia, what the hell did you just do?” He asked, taken aback. He cleaned his mouth with his index fingers.

Mia’s eyes were filled with a mix of desperation and pleas, “I’m still so much in love with you, Lucas.” She said, her voice trembling.