Chapter 86 SCREW BREAKFAST.
\~~~RAINA.
For the first time in a while, I felt truly uncomfortable around Luciano again. The way he acted like he wanted nothing to do with me left me wondering what the hell was wrong.
He didn't even join me for dinner, which was so unlike him. Instead, he just grabbed his keys and left the house without a word. I sat at the table alone, picking at my food with my mind racing. Whatever it was, I was determined to hear him out. After all, I had my own secrets bubbling up, things I needed to tell him before they tore me apart.
In our room, I waited up for hours, curled under the covers with the lamp on low. The clock ticked till it was past eleven and I hoped he'd walk through the door soon so we could talk. But when Luciano finally arrived, it was past midnight. The sound of the door creaking open jolted me awake from my half-dozing state. I sat up, rubbing my eyes, but he didn't even glance my way. His shirt was stained with… blood, fresh and smeared across the fabric. The metallic tang hit the air as he shrugged off his jacket.
I knew that look. He was in one of his worst moods, the kind where his world had spilled over with violence, and I knew I was better off staying silent.
I just watched from the bed as he headed straight to the bathroom, the door clicking shut behind him. The shower ran for a long time, but I didn't move. By the time I drifted off again, exhaustion pulling me under, he still hadn't come out. When I opened my eyes next, sunlight had filtered through the curtains, and my alarm blared endlessly in my ears.
I hissed in annoyance and slapped the clock silent, sitting upright. The bed beside me was empty, the sheets cool and untouched. I hadn't gotten to talk to him like I wanted. Breathing out a frustrated sigh, I scanned the empty room.
Without wasting time, I hurried out of bed and rushed through my morning routine. A quick shower, brushing my teeth, and throwing on a crisp blouse and skirt. My hair is in a neat ponytail, and my makeup is minimal as usual.
I grabbed my bag and headed down the grand staircase, the house already buzzing with quiet activity.
In the living room, Luciano stood with Gabriel and Viktor, discussing something in low tones. My stomach twisted. Luckily, they were all there, so I swallowed hard and walked closer, forcing my steps to sound confident.
Viktor and Gabriel turned to me immediately. Viktor bowed stiffly, then averted his eyes like always, turning away as if I carried the plague. Gabriel, at least, offered a soft smile as usual, his polite demeanor a small comfort. “Trust you slept well, Madam?”
“I did,” I nodded, forcing a smile back.
Then I looked at Luciano, “Good morning.”
He only nodded once, his jaw set, eyes flicking over me briefly before returning to whatever file he held. I scoffed under my breath, unable to help it.
Whatever.
It wasn't like I was exactly thrilled to be around him either. What was with the attitude?
“Let's go, Gabriel,” I said, tightening my hold on my bag strap.
But instead, Viktor stepped forward, keys in hand. I breathed out sharply, frustration igniting. “I don't want Viktor!”
Luciano didn't even flinch. He handed a file to Gabriel and turned away slightly. “Viktor is your driver from now on. You deal with it. And you, get on with your errands,” His voice was cold, dismissive, like I was just another task on his list.
Pissed off, I rushed toward him, planting myself in his path and stopping him dead. “You know what?” I gritted my teeth, glaring up at his towering frame.
He didn't answer. He just tilted his head down, looking at me with those dark, unreadable eyes, waiting.
“You are a fucking piece of shit,” I hissed, not caring that the household staff hovered nearby, pretending not to listen.
“Have a nice day too, baby,” he replied, his tone dripping with sarcasm. Then he brushed past me, his shoulder grazing mine just enough to send a spark of anger through me.
“Asshole,” I swallowed hard, curling my hands into tight fists as he walked away without a backward glance.
Viktor gave me a short, stiff nod and headed outside. I stared at the ground, anger boiling in my chest. “Breakfast, Madam?” the butler said softly from behind me.
“Screw breakfast,” I mumbled under my breath, storming out after Viktor.