Chapter 82 Eighty Two
OWEN WINTERS
My bride to be sat opposite me, her arm folded between her legs as she gave me an awkward stare.
I muttered curses before looking back at her. “Do you want anything?” I asked, wary of her constant gaze on me. She shook her head, still staring at me.
I sighed, and brought out my card. “Take this and go shopping, I have to take a call.” What I actually meant was that she should stop staring at me like a long lost love.
Lucille sagged her shoulders, declining the offer. “Father wouldn't let me…”
“Father isn't here, and it's my fucking card not his,” I interrupted rolling my eyes at her timidity.
I didn't fully blame her though, Mr Lyon was a controlling and thorough dictator. He made her do things she didn't want to do.
Lucille hesitantly took the card, her fingers brushing mine — there was no spark. Not even the lightest shock.
As she stood to leave, I added, “You're grown. You should take control over your life.” She dipped her head and walked away.
I stared at her as she disappeared into the boutique.
Just as I shut my eyes to sigh, my phone rang. I glanced at the caller ID and my lips tightened.
What does this man want?
“Hello, father,” I said, rubbing the bridge of my nose to keep myself from shouting.
“Owen,” he answered in greeting. I could tell he took a sip of spirit and decided it was good, because he didn't say anything until two minutes later.
“I called to ask if you'd mind taking her home. I mean Lucille,” he stated his business and I let out an exhausting sigh.
“Of course I'll take her home. I always do.”
Father chuckled then said, “I meant to your place, Owen.”
I bit my lower lip in irritation, but said nothing so as not to cause an argument because that seemed to be the only thing we did whenever he called.
“Lyon agreed to it. It'll bond you two together,” he continued like he cared about bonding and romance.
“Amy is staying with me. I can't take her home,” I said, already frustrated. This man never knew when to stop — he was always at my neck.
“That's for you to worry. Have a nice bonding experience.”
Beep.
I let out a weary sigh, and sank into my seat. Looking up at my phone, I called Amy's number, but she didn't answer. I called a couple more times, but nothing and soon I began to panic.
“Maybe she's sleeping,” I muttered, making a poor attempt at calming myself.
Just then, Lucille came back carrying two bags of clothes. I cocked my head to the side, amused that she bought a few things.
“Your father taught you not to spend too much, I guess,” I said and she laughed.
We were getting pretty relaxed with each other.
“Yes, but that's not why I got a few things,” she replied, handing me the card.
“The next time we go out, I promise to exhaust it.” She grinned.
I smirked.
Knowing Lucille Gates wasn't revolting after all, she had good sides, and was funny — she still wasn't my type.
I cleared my throat, staring into her eyes. “Father wants you to come home with me… my house, actually. He said it's part of bonding,” I announced and she seemed annoyed.
Her lips curled in disgust, and to my surprise she didn't mask it. I smiled. The little bird had learned to flap its wings.
“Those two make a great team,” she expressed her annoyance and I agreed.
“But father is watching, so we have to go.”
I stood to my feet, and carried her bags for her. My mind wandered to Amy's whereabouts. She rarely if ever left home without informing me and that put me in a sour mood. Still, I hoped nothing bad had happened to her.
“Let's go to my place,” I muttered dryly.
When we stepped into my home, I didn't sense Amy's presence. Not her scent nor her fingers tapping at her keyboard.
Nothing.
I called again, but it just rang and no answer.
“I'll get you something to drink. Coffee?” I asked, but she shook her head.
“I'm full.” I shrugged, looking down at the blank screen of my phone praying a call would come in.
“You know, it's good to be greedy at times. To want more of something or someone. If you keep up with your attitude, people will use you…” I glanced briefly at her face, then added, “Use them first.”
Lucille nodded, but still didn't request for the coffee. Her loss. After all, I made coffee for only one woman.
Amelia Xavier.
The door clicked open and she stepped in clutching a bag of groceries. Amy swept her eyes over Lucille and walked out without even a hi.
“I'll be back. Make yourself at home,” I said in between clenched teeth. She nodded and I left for Amy.
Amy stood in the kitchen unpacking, not throwing a glance at me. I sighed and wrapped my arms around her.
“Where were you?” I asked although I could tell she went shopping.
“Shopping? And you didn't tell me bringing her home was part of your plan?” She replied, throwing me a question in return.
“Pumpkin, I called, but you weren't picking up. Father made me do this, and she's just going to be here for an hour or less, and I'll take her home,” I promised, kissing her ear.
“Okay. I left my phone at home… But do you even have a plan, Owen?”
I didn’t answer. I just kissed her, hoping that would be enough—for now.
Lucille stood in the corner, motionless, eyes fixed on the sun touched pool beyond the glass. The ripple effect of the pool danced across her face, softening her expression. Her lips parted slightly, as if caught in a quiet reverie. Then, as if a string snapped, she swiveled sharply — shoulders tensed, and her gaze locked onto mine.
“How long have you been watching me?” She asked, quite startled. I chuckled.
“Just now. Let's sit for a while before leaving,” I suggested and she agreed.
We sat opposite each other… away from each other.
“Your house is beautiful,” she said and I nodded. “I know right?” She rolled her eyes, but laughed anyway.
“So the woman you like is Amelia Xavier,” she said and I nodded again.
“What do you know about her?” I asked, my finger sweeping through my hair.
Lucille thought for a while before speaking. “I liked her from the start. I knew she was abducted eleven years ago by her father's cousin, Lucian Xavier. I knew she was in Paris and rumour had it you two were having an affair…” she shrugged, then continued. “Seems like it's true. I can tell she's pregnant.”
I grinned, my eyes locking with hers.
“No one knows about that, and if they…”
“I won't tell anyone. I really like Amelia Xavier. She's your type of woman, and you're so into her,” she cut me off.
“How can you tell I'm into her?” I asked eager to hear an answer.
“Your cheeks are flushed, and you seemed worried about her whereabouts that you kept calling her on our way here,” she answered and I looked at the time breaking eye contact with her.
I opened my mouth to speak, but shut it. Standing and adjusting her dress, Lucille spoke, “I better get going. Don't bother taking me home. I've already promised to exhaust your card.”
I grinned, nodding childishly. She smiled and left, shutting the door behind her.
“Fuck.”
I needed to do a lot of research tonight about Lyon Gates. I knew a lot about him, but I had to find countries where he didn't have a hold on as time went pretty fast. My plan was to be ready before the wedding. I wanted it to be a little wedding surprise.
“Is she gone?” Amy asked, startling me.
“Yes, why? Is my pumpkin jealous I brought another woman home?” I cooed coming towards her in an attempt to carry her.
She giggled letting me pick her up and carry her to the room.
“I'm jealous.” She agreed.
“Then let me punish you for being jealous.”
She moaned softly.