Chapter 17 Seventeen
Elara's POV
Just when I decided to take a nap, my phone buzzed on my bedside table. I picked it up in haste, expecting maybe a call from Aria who had gone to the food store to recheck their supplies, ensuring they had enough provisions to sustain us for the meantime.
But it wasn’t Aria. It was a message from Luca.
I wasn't expecting it.
Firstly, how did he get my number?
What did he want to discuss?
He had the guts.
My fingers tightened on the phone as I read it.
Luca's message: I know you have a hand in the Kordova warehouse looting. Meet me at the lower phase District tomorrow morning by eleven if you don't want your little secret exposed. ….. L.
A small laugh left my lips.
Was this a blackmail?
How dare he blackmail me?
How cowardly of him to think he can bend me?
Does he think I am afraid of his threats?
Of course, he wants me to be scared. He should know by now that I wasn’t that weak little girl anymore and that's why he thought threatening me would break me.
I stood up from my bed, pacing slowly.
Luca was finally seeing the real me. He was no longer seeing the girl he rejected. I was no longer the girl who begged.
If only he was smart, he would know better to stay out of my way. But then the Luca I knew wouldn't. Luca was too proud to stay quiet. His ego wouldn't let him keep his mouth shut.
I texted him back, my fingers pinging away on my screen.
Me: You finally grew some balls, Luca. Cute. That's commendable. I accept your invite . I will meet with you but don’t you think for one second that you can scare me. If you want war, I am ready for war. If you want to negotiate, I am all ears. Just know you’ll lose more than you think if you try anything stupid. See you tomorrow….E.
I pressed the send button and tossed my phone back on the bed.
My heart felt calm, like I had finally just crushed a bug that's been giving me sleepless nights under my shoe.
I was going to let him come at me. Let him threaten me.
I was done being that soft girl. This time, Luca would see the version of me that didn’t flinch.
I smiled to myself. By this time tomorrow, I was going to remind him who I was.
My phone buzzed again. I picked it up, and his message popped up on my screen.
Luca's message: Your words make my legs tremble. I can't wait to see your beautiful yet feisty look. Twelve noon sharp. Don't be late….L.
What was he up to now?
Flirting?
How pathetic and desperate was he to think his flirts would make me lower my guards?
Love?
Love was something I detested. I didn't care about love. Affection. Feelings.
All I cared about now was the fame. Power. Respect. Fear. Acknowledgement.
Nothing matter to me expect those
I didn't want anyone’s love. I didn't want to be loved. Love was far from my goals
I didn't want any one's measly affection. Not from Luca, and neither would it be from any man. Love was what made me weak before and I would never go back there again.
If Luca thought his cheap words would change me, change my perspective or how I see him, he was fooling himself.
I dropped my phone on my bedside table and walked to my closet, sorting out a few of my dresses.
Tomorrow, I was going to face him looking like a queen.
If he wanted to play games? Good. I was very much ready.
I pinged away on my phone.
Me: You don't have to remind me. I always keep to time and appointments. Say your sermon ... .E.”
But this time, I would play him until he begged for me to stop. I would play to win.
I lay back on the bed after sorting my clothes. My eyes slammed shut. The urge to sleep gnawing at me.
I hugged my pillow. Finally relieved that I had given Luca a piece of my mind.
Slowly, I dozed off.
★
“Is there anything else I should do to prove myself or have I already proven myself?” Cyric asked, while tailing behind me. I was headed to the communication and monitoring space room to supervise and go through the CCTV cameras mounted around the territory.
I turned, casting a quick glance at Cyric. A slight amusement.
“You are always faster than your shadow, Cyric. Take a chill pill. I'll inform you if there's anything I want you to do.” It reminded me calmly.
Cyric sighed with a sharp breath.
“I am not being impatient, Boss. I just want to know if there's anything I have to do to prove myself to you. Firstly I helped with the Kordova warehouse infiltration which was a huge success thanks to my information. You saw me that day. My resilient spirit. I am also good at combat and swordfight. If you have your doubts, you can arrange a duel. Throne and I. In front of everyone.”
I chuckled lightly, shaking my head. “Cyric, you talk too much,” I teased, stopping in front of the control room door.
He stood behind me, straighter. His eyes locked on me like a soldier waiting for his commander's orders.
“Boss, I just want to make sure you understand that I have come to stay. I don’t just want to be just another shadow following you around. I want to earn your trust.” Cyric added, his voice a little softer.
“I understand you, Cyric. I get what you are trying to say. ” I replied, my tone firm but calm. “You don’t need to duel Throne or prove anything. Your loyalty and skills are enough. But if you want a duel, I can get that done.”
His lips curved into a proud grin. “I'd like a duel with Throne. This is my loyalty to you. I will always be loyal to you, Boss.
“Good,” I nodded, pushing the door open. “Because I don’t have time for betrayal. S I need you to stay sharp and stay smart. That’s all I need.”
“I would never fail you, Boss,” Cyric said quickly.
I gave a small smile. “I know. I would like to work. Tomorrow will be a long day.”