Love me if you can

"I thought you would be good in bed, that's why I chose to marry you," Lucius whispered in her ear, turning her face pale.

As she regained her composure, she snapped at him, "Why do you have to joke like that?" 

"Oh, I'm serious, Layla," Lucius replied. "You aren't hungry, right? If you are, then have your lunch and then, come to the room," he said and turned to leave. 

Layla held his hand and stood up. "You should eat too and answer my questions like a real man," she stated. 

Lucius grinned and nodded his head. They both sat on the dining table for lunch. Lucius watched how gracefully Layla had been eating her meals. Her movements were subtle and slow.

Lucius began eating too. Shortly after that, he heard his wife speak. 

"Did you know me through Roderick, your nephew?" Layla asked. 

"No," Lucius replied. 

"Then, how did you decide to marry me?" Layla inquired. 

"I was going through the potential brides' bio data when I selected yours," Lucius answered. 

"I'm an illegitimate daughter of the Rosenzweig Family. You must be aware of that," Layla said while placing the fork on the plate. She watched Lucius eating the steak and savoring its taste. She gulped seeing how his Adam apple bobbed up and down. 

'Gosh! What am I even thinking?'

"That's what made me choose you, Layla. You have quite a unique identity," Lucius said as he placed the fork on the empty plate. The servants stepped up to take the plates away while Lucius clasped his hands together before resting them on the table. 

"I don't like those men who use violence," Layla said. 

"Trust me, Layla, you'll love me," Lucius said with a confident smirk. "You will be in love with this handsome, hot man. I can see there's a possessiveness in you. Also, you admitted in front of your friend how much you need me. The words sounded like you actually have interest in me— the only woman who's scared of me but doesn't show it on her face and the only one who thought she could use me," Lucius pronounced, the smirk on his lips widened. 

That gaze! 

Layla couldn't feel but heat rose in her cheeks. He had read her entire mind. She was unable to bring out the truth from his mouth while he knew a lot about her. He even heard the plan she shared with Ruby. 

Lucius placed the napkin on the table and left his seat. "You can't go anywhere you please. I suppose you are aware of my work by now," he said while gradually walking toward her, "I don't want you to fall into my enemy's trap, Layla." He stopped right behind the chair she was seated in and leaned down. 

Inhaling her scent, he closed his eyes with a smile and continued, "I may or may not rescue you." 

Layla clutched the fabric of her dress, her heart raced rapidly in fear. She closed her eyes when his lips brushed her earlobe. 

"You made me run after you. I hope you don't repeat it," Lucius said. 

"You should not care for me then. Even if I'm harmed, that shouldn't be your business. I thought you married me because you liked me," Layla said, tilting her head to look into his blue orbs. 

Lucius chuckled at her. "Of course, I like you, Layla. That's why this marriage happened," he asserted and walked away. She was quick to leave her seat and went after him. 

"Lucius, I promise I won't come in your way or disturb your work," Layla said as she held the edge of his sleeve to stop him. "Please help me. I will become a good wife to you. A caring one. But let me use you to destroy them," she requested.  

Lucius turned to gaze at her. He drew her close and her lips touched his chin, startling her. "I-I am sorry," she whispered. 

"Then, fall in love with me. I will definitely help you then," Lucius said. 

"What?" Layla's eyes widened. 

"You said you didn't love me nor did you have any intention to fall in love again. You said you didn't like those men who use violence. I'm quite hurt, Layla." Lucius's fingers grazed her cheek, brushing away the hair strands and taking in the reaction of his touch on her. "Love me if you can and I'll let you use me," he affirmed. 

Layla lowered her eyes, her eyes knitted together. 

"That may take a long time," Layla said and bit her bottom lip. Unbeknownst to her, that charm would sway Lucius, who had been unaffected by women for a long time. 

"Let's do this. I'll go on dates with you and you'll let me do what I want. Is that okay?" She offered with a positive hope in her eyes. 

"Dates seem boring to me," Lucius said. 

"Then, how are we supposed to fall in love?" Layla frowned. 

"Find out for yourself," Lucius said. 

Before Layla could speak, Lucius's phone rang in his pocket. He checked the phone and saw it was from his dear father. 

Answering the call, he brought it to his ear. 

"He touched my wife, so I broke his wrist, Dad. I suppose that's how a molester should be handled," Lucius said, keeping his eyes fixed on Layla who wasn't blinking at all. 

"I'm not coming there. Tell Fiona instead of screaming at me, teach her son some good manners. Tell her she was lucky enough not to lose her son today," Lucius further said and hung up the call. 

Layla's heart skipped a beat when he called her his wife. 

"Thank you," Layla said. All her life the people close to her never considered her as theirs. Lucius was still an unknown man to her, but he provided her with warmth even with those simple words, which meant a lot to her. 

Not able to hold herself, Layla kissed his cheek, her lips a soft brush against his rough skin. 

"That's not how you give a kiss," Lucius said, his hand resting on her nape.