Chapter 13 Chapter 13.

Chapter 13 Chapter 13.
As Aria stormed out of the gym, she was met with Lucien, looking all sporty in his athletic outfit, seemingly ready for a workout.

"Where are you off to?" Lucien asked, glancing at his wristwatch. "There's still time."

"I'm done with this," Aria replied, attempting to walk past him. But his next words halted her in place.

"Do you really want to avenge your husband's and son's lives on Marius or not?" he asked, his tone laced with something almost taunting.

"I believe you already know the answer to that," Aria shot back, her frustration mounting.

Lucien let out a laugh that sent a shiver down her spine. "I don't think so. I'm afraid your husband and son... they'll keep roaming this Earth without peace."

Fury coursed through her like wildfire. In a swift, instinctive motion, she grabbed Lucien's neck, her eyes burning with a resolve that was both dangerous and desperate.

Seeing this, Francesca quickly pulled out her gun and aimed it at Aria. Yet, with a hand signal of dismissal from Lucien, she reluctantly put down her weapon.

"I dare you to say that trash again," Aria spat, venom dripping from her voice.

"Can you handle it for the second time? I tend to accept challenges excellently," he smirked, seemingly unbothered.

As Aria tightened her grip, her nails digging into his skin, he spoke again, calm and collected. "You're directing your anger towards the wrong cause and the wrong person."

"And what exactly is your way of taking revenge? By having me sign a contract? Forcing me under your roof? Giving me damn rules and etiquette? Silly exercises? Is that it?" Aria lashed out, her voice tight with annoyance.

"You've got a better plan?" he retorted, his arms crossed defiantly. "If you do, I'll be glad to hear it. Hell, I'll even support you," he added, daring her.

"And what is whatever you're doing helping me with my revenge plan?" she shot back.

"Put Francesca on her ass, and we can talk further," he said, clear authority in his tone.

At that moment of indecision as Aria glanced back at Francesca, Lucien seized the opportunity. He swiftly freed himself, capturing her hands behind her back, he pulled her to himself, caging her in his grip.

"Rule one," he whispered into her ear, his voice low and commanding, "never look back."

"Rule two," he added, pulling her harder against himself, "a second is a time."

Aria gasped softly, feeling his warmth and strength enveloping her. She struggled against his hold, but he was like a concrete wall, immovable and unwavering.

"Rule three," he continued, his breath hot against her skin, "the enemy could be anywhere."

Aria swallowed hard, each breath coming in sharp bursts. The world around them thrummed with tension, and she felt her heart racing.

"So, are you gonna take my lead or not?" He asked, the corners of his mouth curling into a smirk.

After a brief moment of contemplation, which felt like an eternity, Aria replied, "Fine... let’s see how far your plan will get us."

"Good thinking," Lucien said, releasing her grip with a calculated elegance.

As she stepped back, regaining her footing, Aria felt the lingering warmth where he had held her. The electricity between them crackled in the air both infuriating and disconcerting. She fought hard to maintain her composure.

"Just so we're clear," she said, her voice steady despite the storm of emotions within her, "this doesn’t mean I trust you."

Lucien chuckled, a low, alluring sound that both irritated and intrigued her. "Trust is a luxury we can’t afford right now. Results? Those are what matter." 

Aria shifted her weight, intrigued yet hesitant. "What’s the plan, then?"

Lucien gestured towards the gym space around them. "We start by grooming you for your role. You need to appear strong, capable—someone who commands respect. That means stepping out from the shadows of your grief and using it to fuel your fire."

"Francesca?" he called, his tone brooking no nonsense.

"Yes, sir?" she replied, her professionalism barely concealing her underlying tension.

"Get to work... on her," he ordered, his gaze focused and unwavering.

Francesca's fists clenched tightly at her sides, struggling against her disdain. "Yes, sir," she said, the icy edge of her voice betraying her inner conflict.

As Aria looked at Francesca, a silent war that only the two of them could perceive waged between them.

"This way, Aria," Francesca gestured towards the treadmill, a faux smile plastered on her face, deceptively bright.

Aria walked over, her steps measured, both women striving to maintain the pretense of cooperation in front of Lucien. 

As Aria began her exercise under Francesca's watchful eye, Lucien moved to a side of the gym, engaging with the shoulder press machine.

While he worked out, he stole glances at Aria. He chuckled softly when he saw her fatigue taking over, her body sinking to the floor. “Just as lazy as always,” he muttered to himself, reminiscing about how she'd fainted on their jogging outings a decade ago.

Yet, the moment she stood up again, determination etched on her face, he couldn't help but smile, heart warmed by the memory of her grabbing his neck in annoyance moments earlier. 

Pausing his workout, he strode over, a towel draped over his shoulder and a bottle of water in hand.

Noticing him, Aria redirected her focus to the leg push-ups, deliberately ignoring his presence. But Lucien’s next move nearly made her drop the bar on herself.

With an unexpected gentleness, he wiped the sweat from her brow, the seriousness etched on his features catching her off guard.

Their eyes locked for a brief moment, the intensity sparking a simmering jealousy in Francesca, who stood off to the side, fists clenched tightly. Her heart raced as she observed the scene, feeling overwhelmed by the wave of envy washing over her. Why does he have to hover around her? The thought burned in her mind as Lucien continued to give Aria his undivided attention, completely oblivious to Francesca's inner turmoil.

"I didn’t tell you to stop, did I?" Lucien teased, leaning closer.

Aria tore her gaze from his, refocusing on her workout despite her breath becoming shallow. "Stay composed," she reminded herself, pushing against the weights with determination.

Lucien lingered nearby, his presence both a source of irritation and unexpected strength. "Remember to keep your form straight. You're capable of so much more," he called out, playful yet earnest.

Aria bit back a retort, focusing instead on her leg press. She pushed against the weight with all her strength, trying to ignore the heat radiating from Lucien's body. A part of her hated that he was so close, and yet another part found strength in his presence, pushing her forward with resolve.

As Aria completed another set, the sheer determination etched on her face made Lucien grin. "That's it! Now you’re getting the hang of it." He stepped back slightly but not too far to lose sight of her.

Francesca rolled her eyes, snapping her gaze between Lucien and Aria. An idea flashed in her head. An idea to take Lucien away from Aria at the moment. "Sir?" She called and Lucien turned his gaze to her which pleased her.

"The goods that arrived in the warehouse yesterday, you're yet to check them out, sir," she said.

"Get ready; we set out in the next thirty minutes." Lucian's command hung in the air.

Francesca couldn’t help but smile, a silent grin breaking out as she realized everything was going according to her plan. She turned her attention toward Aria, who appeared overwhelmed with stress and fatigue, and shot her a cheeky look as she followed Lucien out of the gym.

“Aria,” Lucien said, pausing briefly to catch her attention, “you'll be accompanying me to an event tonight. Just keep that in mind.”

“What event?” Aria asked, her voice strained, fatigue heavy in her words. 

Lucien’s lips twitched into a slight smirk as he replied, “You’ll find out when we arrive there.” There was an air of mystery that surrounded him as he turned to leave, and Aria couldn’t help but feel a pang of curiosity mixed with anxiety.