Chapter 58 Irresistible Offer
Lucas’s POV
The mirror shattered the moment my fist connected with it.
Glass cracked, splintered, then rained down in sharp pieces across the floor, but I didn’t even flinch. Blood dripped from my knuckles, warm and steady, yet the pain didn’t register the way it should have.
Anna. Her face flashed in my head again.
The way she pulled away. The way she said she wasn’t ready.
A dry laugh escaped my lips, bitter and hollow.
Not ready… or not for me?
My jaw tightened as I stared at my reflection—distorted now, broken into jagged fragments scattered across the floor.
“Why?” I muttered under my breath.
Why does it always end like this?
I ran a hand through my hair, pacing the room like a caged animal. My chest felt tight, suffocating, like something inside me was clawing to get out.
I had given her everything.
Protection. Attention. A way out. And yet…
She still hesitated. Still held back. Still looked at me like I was something she wasn’t sure she could trust.
My fist clenched again, fresh blood staining my palm. “No…” I whispered, my expression darkening. “This isn’t just her.”
Eve. The name surfaced like poison in my mind. Of course.
Who else would be whispering things into her ears? Who else would twist things, plant doubts, make Anna look at me like I was the enemy?
A sharp, humorless smile spread across my lips.
“That bitch…”
Before I could stop myself, I was already moving.
Out of the room. Down the hallway. Straight to Eve’s door.
I didn’t knock. My leg came up and slammed into the door, sending it flying open with a loud bang.
The sound echoed through the hallway.
Eve jerked awake instantly, her body snapping upright on the bed, eyes wide with shock and confusion. “Wha—”
“Get up.” My voice was cold. Dead. Her confusion turned into fear as she took in my expression.
“Lucas… what—”
“Get. Up.” She scrambled off the bed, clearly shaken now, wrapping the blanket around herself.
“What’s going on?” she asked, her voice trembling slightly.
I didn’t answer. I crossed the room in two long strides and grabbed her by the neck.
Her eyes widened in pure terror as I shoved her back against the wall.
“What have you been telling her?” I demanded.
Her hands flew to mine, trying to pry my grip loose. “I—Lucas—I don’t understand—”
“Don’t lie to me!” I snapped, tightening my hold just enough to make her gasp.
Her breathing became erratic, panicked.
“I didn’t— I swear—I didn’t tell her anything—”
“Wrong answer.” I squeezed harder.
Her body struggled now, weak hands clawing at mine, her lips parting as she fought for air.
“Lucas… please…” Something flickered in her eyes. Fear. And for a split second— I saw it.
I saw what I was doing. My grip loosened immediately.
She collapsed forward, coughing violently, her body shaking as she tried to catch her breath.
I stepped back, running a hand over my face, irritation and anger still simmering beneath the surface.
“Talk,” I said, my voice lower now, but no less dangerous. “Before I lose my patience again.”
She coughed a few more times before finally managing to speak. “I didn’t tell her anything that wasn’t true…” she said weakly.
My eyes narrowed. “What does that mean?”
She hesitated. That was all the confirmation I needed. I took a step toward her again. “Eve.”
“I told her to be careful,” she blurted out quickly. “That’s all!”
Silence. I stared at her, trying to read her. “Careful… of me?” I asked slowly.
She swallowed. “…Yes.”
My jaw tightened. “And why would you do that?” I asked, my tone dangerously calm.
She didn’t answer immediately. Then finally— “Because I know you.”
That made something snap again. But this time, I held it back.
“I swear to God, Eve,” I said quietly, “if you say one more word to Anna—one more—”
“I won’t,” she cut in quickly. “I won’t say anything again.”
Her voice was desperate now.
Afraid. Good.
I held her gaze for a few more seconds before finally stepping back. “Make sure you don’t.” I moved toward the door.
But just as I reached it— Her voice stopped me. “She’ll never love you.”
My hand froze on the doorknob. Slowly… I turned back.
Eve was staring at me, her expression no longer afraid. Just… certain. “You can force everything else,” she continued quietly, “but not that.”
A humorless smile tugged at my lips. “She doesn’t need to love me,” I said.
Eve shook her head slightly. “That’s what you think.”
I stared at her for a moment longer… then turned and walked out.
My steps were faster now. Straight to Anna’s room. I didn’t bother knocking this time either.
I pushed the door open— And froze. Empty. The room was completely empty.
My expression darkened instantly. “Anna?” Nothing.
My chest tightened. I turned sharply and stormed back down the hallway.
Back to Eve’s room. I didn’t knock this time either.
She looked up as I entered, startled.
“Where is she?” I demanded.
Eve frowned slightly. “Who?”
“Don’t play games with me!” I snapped. “Anna—where is she?!”
Her expression shifted. Realization. Then— “Xavier took her.” The words hit like a punch.
My jaw clenched. Of course he did.
I turned to leave— But her voice stopped me again. “Lucas.”
I didn’t respond. Then I heard movement.
I glanced back— And froze.
The blanket had slipped. Eve stood there… completely exposed, her gaze locked on mine.
“Stay,” she said softly.
My eyes darkened. “I’m not in the mood.”
She stepped closer. “You are.”
My jaw tightened. “No.”
She didn’t stop. “Anna isn’t here,” she continued, her voice quieter now. “And she chose not to be with you.”
That hit harder than it should have. “You don’t have to be alone tonight.”
Silence stretched between us. Heavy. Tense. I should walk away. I knew that. But my body didn’t move. Didn’t listen. Didn’t care.
Because right now— I didn’t want to think. Didn’t want to feel. Didn’t want to remember the way Anna looked at me when she pulled away.
Eve stepped closer. And this time— I didn’t stop her.