chapter 71
Lucas's POV:
Once she disappeared into the bathroom, I strode down the hallway to my private study and locked the door behind me.
She's safe now. Focus on eliminating the threat.
My desk, a solid piece of black walnut, dominated the center of the room. I activated the encrypted communication system, and Jack's face appeared on the screen within seconds.
"Report," I commanded, my voice clipped.
Jack reported. "I've already pulled the security footage from Moonlight restaurant as you requested. It's ready for your review."
"Good. Show me what happened before I arrived," I ordered, leaning forward in my chair.
The screen split to show multiple camera angles from the restaurant.
I saw Trent approach Tori. The lascivious gaze he fixed on Tori made my blood run cold. His eyes raked over her body in a way that made Duke snarl with rage inside me.
I watched as he leaned into her space, his hand reaching toward her, his intentions unmistakable.
My eyes narrowed to silver slits, temperature dropping in them until they resembled frozen lakes. A low growl escaped my throat as Duke pushed against my consciousness, demanding immediate retribution.
"Sir, there's something else," Jack continued, his expression grave. "Trent's parents have been making calls to the Morris family. They're seeking their support against you."
The corner of my mouth lifted in a cold smile. "So they want to cover up this matter."
"Yes, Alpha. Should we take preventive action?"
I leaned back in my chair, fingers steepled before me.
"If they want to play with the big wolves, Jack, then let's give them something to truly fear." My voice was quiet, almost conversational, which made the threat all the more ominous. "Make sure they understand what happens when someone targets what's mine."
Jack nodded, a glimmer of understanding flashing across his face.
"Got it, Alpha."
After ending the call, I closed my laptop and checked the time.
Tori had been in the shower for nearly twenty minutes.
I removed my tie and unbuttoned my collar, deciding to check on Tori before retiring to the guest room.
I walked back to the bedroom, but the shower was still running.
Rather than disturb her, I headed to the balcony off the main living area for some fresh air.
I extracted a cigarette from my pocket.
The smoke curled upward as I contemplated my next moves. Patience had never been my strong suit, but with Tori, I needed to tread carefully. Her past trauma, whatever it entailed, had left deep scars. Pushing too hard would only drive her away.
The soft click behind me broke my reverie.
I turned, immediately catching sight of Tori standing there. The warm glow illuminated her damp hair and delicate features, making her appear almost ethereal in the blue silk pajamas.
Our eyes locked, and I felt something electric charge the air between us.
Neither of us spoke for a long moment, as if the silence held something too fragile to disturb. Duke stirred within me.
I recovered first, allowing a slight smile to tug at the corner of my mouth.
"Couldn't sleep?" I asked, my voice sounding deeper and rougher than usual in the quiet night.
"I needed some air," she replied, shifting slightly. I noticed how she suddenly seemed conscious of her thin pajamas and damp hair. "I didn't realize you'd be out here."
I took a final drag of my cigarette before extinguishing it, not wanting the smoke to bother her. "The balcony connects to both rooms. I should have mentioned it."
She nodded, and I could sense her uncertainty, as if she was debating whether to stay or retreat. The wolf in me hoped she would stay.
My gaze drifted to her bare feet, then back to her face, taking in how the moonlight softened her features. "The pajamas suit you," I said, allowing myself the small pleasure of complimenting her.
I watched as heat crept up her neck at my casual compliment, finding her reaction both endearing and satisfying.
"Thank you for having clothes ready," she replied. "It was... thoughtful."
"Margaret takes good care of my guests," I responded.
My eyes moved past her to the bedroom, where her undergarments hung visibly on the chair. I couldn't help the smirk that formed on my lips.
"Though I see you've made yourself quite at home."
Her face flamed with embarrassment, the scent of her distress spiking in the air.
"I—I didn't think—" she stammered, and I found her flustered state unexpectedly charming.
"Relax, little wolf. I'm teasing you," I said, enjoying her reaction more than I should.
My smile faded as I remembered why she was here in the first place.
"After what happened with Trent, I'm assigning Jack as your personal security when I can't be with you."
The abrupt shift in topic seemed to catch her off guard.
"That's not necessary. I can take care of myself," she insisted, her chin tilting up slightly in that defiant way I was beginning to recognize.
"Clearly," I replied, my voice dry. "That's why you nearly became Trent's victim tonight." The memory of Trent approaching her made Duke growl within me.
"That was different. I was caught off guard," she countered, her stance becoming defensive.
"And next time? When it's not Trent but someone more dangerous?" I stepped closer, using my height advantage as she tilted her head back to maintain eye contact.
My voice softened as I reached for her hand, my thumb tracing small circles on her wrist.
"Tori. Don't make me worry about you more than I already do."
Before she could respond, I scooped her up in one fluid motion, cradling her against my chest.
The suddenness of it made her gasp, her body going rigid in my arms.
"L-Lucas! What are you—" she stammered, her hands instinctively grabbing onto my shoulders for balance.
I enjoyed the feel of her slight weight in my arms, the way her scent intensified with her surprise. Her silver-gray hair cascaded over my arm as I carried her back into the bedroom, savoring how perfectly she fit against me despite her stiffness.
Setting her down gently on the bed, I didn't immediately step back.
Instead, I leaned forward, one hand planted beside her head, my face hovering just inches from hers. I could hear her heartbeat accelerating, could smell the mix of nerve and something else.
Her eyes widened as I leaned closer still, her breath catching in her throat.
Just when I sensed she was about to break, I allowed a mischievous smile to curve my lips.
"Next time, remember to wear slippers," I murmured, my voice deliberately low and intimate. "The floor gets cold at night."
Relief and embarrassment washed across her features in equal measure as I straightened up, putting distance between us once more.
"Goodnight, little wolf," I said, moving toward the door. "Sleep well."
I closed the door behind me, leaning against it for just a moment as I listened to her still-rapid heartbeat on the other side. Duke rumbled with satisfaction within me, pleased with the lingering scent of her that clung to my clothes.
Walking away was harder than it should have been.