CHAPTER 7

*LUCAS POV*

"I look like a fool," I said to myself as I clenched my fist and watched the car disappear into the distance.

I'd thought the reason why Evelyn requested to inspect the condo herself was because she was interested in more than just business.

"Damn it!" I mumbled in frustration.

"Sir, would you like to take your bath and get ready for work now?" a voice said behind me.

"Cut the crap and get out before I turn around!" I snarled. I heard footsteps rescinding without hesitation.

I turned to enter the condo. Thankfully, no one else was home to see this episode of anger. But it wasn't supposed to be like this. I had every detail figured in my head. I even made sure the caretakers left us alone in the room.

The plan was to lure her with the decor, which I am sure worked. I had to pay extra for someone from Sunncrest to come down to Mooncrest for this design. But then, she didn't feel the moment.

What was she hiding? Was she trying to play a game with me?

I caught my reflection in the mirror at the entrance. My face still twitched with anger and the mirror made me look ugly. Without giving it a second thought, I smashed the mirror, and shards of it scattered across the room.

I had this dopamine feeling as I saw blood trickle down my arm to the elbow. I ignored the gasps of the caretakers who rushed into the hall with pale faces.

"Bloody humans," I said to myself.

Their panic was frankly amusing. I pulled off my shirt and used it to wrap my bleeding arm.

A mischievous grin curled on my lips as I turned toward the door again. There was a need to clear my head and there was only one place to do that.

"Call the office. Tell them I won't be coming in today," I said to no one in particular as I headed to the door, "I'm going for another run."

With that being said, I broke into a run in the trees.

The full moon was coming and that was the perfect time to finalize the plans for this phase.

I howled into the trees as I sprinted along. If it was a game she wanted to play, I was just getting started.

************

*EVELYN'S POV*

A lot of things went through my mind as I drove out to the highway.

"What was I thinking of going there by myself?" I said as I marched on the break suddenly. I've never gone to a client's place. I delegate such duties to my staff. Am I attracted to Lucas or is it just curiosity

I've never been with a man since Thomas and I broke up. Of course, I feel this warm moisture spread through my core during my fertile window but it becomes more tense when I am with someone I admire.

There inside that condo, I felt that warmness in my underwear while in his house that was why I paused at the door. I didn't know whether to go back and take it all in or run for my life.

As I sat there on the highway, I wasn't sure I wanted to open myself to any form of weakness, especially with men. If I was going to do this with Lucas, then it would be because I wanted it to and not because of love.

I gripped the steering tightly and looked up. The road stretched before me, but I could only think about Lucas. I picked up my phone and contemplated calling him. I could still hear his voice in my head and the feel of his hands on my shoulders. I can't deny that a part of me longed for that touch.

My phone buzzed this time and it was Dora. I didn't pick up the call but then I knew what to do.

I put the car in motion and headed to the office.

"It's a long story," I said apologetically to Dora as I entered the office.

Her mouth was wide open to spur the accusations.

"Don't worry, I will fill you in later," I said and with that, I started my day at the office.

I tried to bury myself in paperwork and meetings with clients but at intervals, the thoughts of Lucas enveloped me. At some points, I would push those thoughts aside and focus on work, at other times, all I could see was someone who knew my weak point; his boldness and confidence as he lured me with that smile.

"I'd be leaving for the day," Dora said, "Is there anything else you want me to do for you?"

I looked at the time, it was way past closing hours. I stood up and went to the cabinet. Dora's eyes were on me all the while. I brought out two glasses and poured a generous dose of whiskey into each.

"Are you sure you're good?" She asked me a little worried, "If it's about what happened in the morning, it's nothing to worry about. I can always call you ahead of time."

"Have a drink with me," I said ignoring her remarks. I'd told her about my visit to Lucas's condo this morning

"Well, no one rejects a drink with the boss," she said as she perched on the side of my table. I handed her a glass.

"Be honest with me, do you think I should give love a chance?" I said in generality.

Dora took a sip and looked at me. "You sure it has nothing to do with Lucas?"

"Just answer the damn question, Nora," I growled impatiently.

"Honestly, I know nothing about love," she said with a shrug, "but if it's worth it, it remains to be seen where it leads"

I nodded my approval as she chatted away. I didn't know if Lucas was searching for love or just wanted to have a fling with me. 'Maybe I could give it a try' I said.