Lucas let Velia hold his hand. Instead of resisting, he moved closer to her.
Lucas's face looked down faintly. He tried to meet Velia's lifted and gazing eyes.
For a moment, Lucas felt his mind go blank. Then something crossed his mind.
“I will get your job back, but in return, you come back to me.”
As expected, Lucas's words startled Velia. Lucas held onto the pain that surged, squeezing his heart. Velia reacted as if she did not want to be close to him again.
What have I done to make you hate me like this, Ve?
Velia's lips turned pale, and she trembled. Her grip on Lucas's hand loosened. She stepped back, shaking her head.
“It's impossible.”
Lucas glanced briefly at Velia's hand that let go of his. It brought bitterness to his throat, and he swallowed it hard.
“Maybe it is. You want your job back, and I want you back. We can use this to our advantage.”
“I have truly forgotten about you, Luc. I don't love you anymore.”
Lucas clenched his jaw tightly. “Did I say I wanted your love?”
“What do you mean?”
Lucas lowered his head. He pointed towards Velia's ear and whispered softly there. Panic appeared on the girl's face as Lucas continued, “... give yourself to me.”
Velia's heart seemed to stop beating. She turned and looked at Lucas, her expression showing unimaginable shock.
“Do you think I'm a prostitute?”
Lucas looked deep into Velia's eyes. “I didn't say that. Besides, I don't think you can be called a prostitute if you're just giving yourself to me.”
Shock? Velia felt more than that now. She never thought Lucas would say such a thing to her.
“I don't want to share you with anyone else,” Lucas emphasized. “If you give yourself to me, you have to make sure no one else touches you. You know my nature, Ve. I don't like what's mine to be touched by others.”
“You're insane.”
Velia's hiss made Lucas smirk knowingly. “So, you're not that desperate to get your job back.”
Velia clenched her fists tightly. The embarrassment and self-loathing she had felt earlier were replaced by a burning anger.
Indeed, Velia ignored her shame and self-esteem, but that didn't mean Lucas could degrade her like this.
Velia refused to accept it. She was not prepared for Lucas's unexpected move.
Lucas reached for her slender waist, pulling Velia into an embrace. She tried to push him away, but Lucas held firm.
“After all these years of not seeing each other...”
Lucas whispered in Velia's ear. His warm breath caressed her, making Velia shiver.
“... you've become more beautiful, Ve.”
Difficult as it was, Lucas could not deny it. The first time they met after seven years of separation, Lucas realized how much more captivating Velia had become.
Lucas would never forget. In their college days, Velia was a shy and incredibly gentle girl. But look at her now, she had transformed into a stunning woman.
When Lucas decided to make Velia his lover, he already knew. Velia was a beautiful and delicate girl who made him feel the passion of young love.
It was a beautiful time that Lucas never thought would color his youth. Moreover, he never imagined that there would come a time when Velia would leave him without a word.
Ironically, when they met again, one truth slapped Lucas in the face. He had not forgotten Velia.
Naive and embarrassing for Lucas, but how could he be driven to get Velia back? Was it the ego of a man? An instinct rebelling against the fact that he was left without reason by a woman?
Maybe. It sounded reasonable.
Lucas was a dominant figure. A controlling and powerful person. He was untouchable for most people. Entering Lucas's world was impossible for many. So, how could he be abandoned by a woman?
No. Lucas had to open his eyes wide and see the truth clearly. He was not just abandoned seven years ago. Now, he was also rejected by the same woman.
Where was Lucas's pride? Where was his self-esteem?
Lucas had already humbled himself. He had suppressed his pride and asked for a little. Unfortunately, Velia outright refused him.
Lucas's eyes darkened. He was inflamed and no longer thinking clearly.
“Let go of me, Luc.”
Lucas tightened his grip even more. “Come back to me, and I will give you your job back.”
Setting aside the rejection and the feeling of worthlessness he received, Lucas realized something. Seeing Velia pleading was quite proportional to the disappointment he felt.
Velia rebelled. Her hands rose and tried to push against Lucas's solid chest, but it was incredibly difficult. Even squirming to create a small opening felt futile.
Lucas growled softly. Velia's movements in his embrace had a different effect. His heart raced. His blood pulsed. Something stirred, and once again, awareness slapped him in the face. Velia's charm had a significant impact on Lucas.
Velia was only 22 years old when they were together in the past. She had just entered young adulthood. And now? Everything about her was charming. An irresistible allure that Lucas could not resist.
Velia had fair, flawless skin. Her cheeks blushed with embarrassment and anger. Her lips were a vibrant red. All of this was complemented by her long, slender legs that supported the temptation of her hips.
Yet, all of this was still not enough when their embrace eliminated the distance between them. Their bodies pressed together, and the softness of Velia's breasts against Lucas's chest made him clench his jaw.
Lucas might have felt a sting to his ego and masculinity, but he could not deny that deep inside, there was an unbearable longing he could not resist.
The feeling of yearning arose. Rebelling. Pushing Lucas to act irrationally.
Lucas inclined his face, moving towards the gentle curve of Velia's neck. He gently kissed it, and Velia shivered instantly.
“Luc! Let go of me.”
“I can give you more than just a job, Ve,” Lucas whispered with a heavy voice. “Be mine, and I will give you everything you desire. Anything. Not just a job, whatever you ask for, I will give it to you.”
Velia swallowed her saliva. She took deep breaths to calm herself, but it only seemed to have the opposite effect.
Lucas's scent filled Velia's lungs, delivering various sensations that made her shudder.
“Well, Ve?” Lucas's voice grew heavier and somewhat hoarse. His breath became warmer and resonant.
“I will treat you well. You don't need to worry.”
Velia shook her head. If she could not free herself through struggle, she would do something else. She would make sure Lucas himself would release her; thanks to the words she spoke.
“I will never come back to you, Luc. Never.”
Lucas froze. The longing that had once clouded his eyes vanished. Disappeared without a trace and was replaced by a burning fire in his chest. Emotions surged, and he was furious as he pushed Velia away.
“Go! Never show yourself in front of me again.”
*