80

Lucien

“The app is doing well sir,” Greg’s voice came through the phone. “We’re seeing excellent returns after just a few hours. The public’s responding better than we anticipated.”

“Good,” I replied, trying to sound neutral, though my mind was far from it. “I’ll be back in the office tomorrow.”

Greg chuckled. “So, you’re just waking up, you sa—”

“Shut up,” I said, ending the call before he could end whatever it's he wanted to say. I wasn’t in the mood for his teasing.

Just before I could fully concentrate on the view outside the building, I shove my sleeves up a little more, my hair messy as I hadn't combed or do anything just yet.

Carolina , one of the staffs walked downstairs towards me.

“Are you ready for breakfast now sir?”

I tilted my head a little. “Is Moore up?”

She raised her eyes, possibly wondering who Moore was.

“We don't have two females sleeping in my room Carol, do we?”

“Oh, no sir.” She said quickly, bowing while her face twitched with regrets. “I'm so sorry, I had no idea you wife's name was Moo…”

“I asked a question.” I cut her short, hating her blabbing already.

“No…no sir.”

“Well get her here for breakfast. Ask the chefs to prepare something medicinal too.”

She nodded. “For Mrs. Giodarno?”

Gosh, her pretty head doesn't grab things quick I see.

“Fuck off.” I let out, already pissed.

“Yes sir.” She replied, turning her heels.

I let out a sigh, rolling the other sleeve up. Just then my phone rang. I glanced at the caller ID, David.

“What?”

“Sir, Arthur Lumberton was behind the intended project diversion from the Venice deal. He made them set up a contract reversion. I believe he wanted to hijack this from you again.” David explained, flawlessly.

I knew the moment David told me about it last night that it was Arthur's doing. Why is he hiding if he badly wants to pull me down so much?

“That's all?” I asked, I'm not going to let that coward get under my skin to get a reaction from me.

“I guess so. I believe that was why they wanted an higher percentage. He must have offered them more than we bargained with them.” David replied.

“Hmmm…” I hummed, staring at the pool outside.

“What do we do sir?” He asked.

“Did you give them my condition?” I asked, my gaze intent on the pool outside.

“I did sir.” David replied quickly. “They must have weight our benefits with Lambert's so they choosed ours knowing pretty well what's at stake if they chosed a company just starting up.”

I heard soft footsteps approaching.

Moore. Her smell, I could sense it. She just took her bath as her shampoo invaded my nostril, causing an involuntarily inhale from me.

I felt her presence, she was standing at the bottom of the stairs, possibly drooling.

“Shut the deal down.” I let out, wrapping my senses together away from Moore's invasion.

“What sir?” David asked, sounding confused.

“You heard me David, shut the deal down.” My jaw clenched angrily. “They wanted to cancel on me last minute before whatever reconsideration they had. So shut the fucking deal down and make sure no other company in Italy take their offer up except Arthur.”

“Yes sir.” David replied and I ended the call.

I turned sideway a little. Moore remained, hesitating at the entrance, lingering just long enough to decide whether or not to greet me.

It was never our custom.

But then, she finally took a step forward. Forward towards the dinning.

Carolina already had someone set it up while I was on the call with David.

I turned slightly, my voice cold, detached. “Morning, Moore.”

Her body stiffened as she turned to face me. Her lips parted, and I noticed the small smile she tried to force. A smile of gratitude.

“Morning, Mr. Giordano,” she said, the words sounding polite, but I knew she was trying to hide something. Maybe guilt. Maybe confusion.

I smiled faintly, enjoying her discomfort just a little.

She was practically avoiding to call me Master.

She stared at me for a fleeting moment as if to search something. Maybe to see if I was upset or anything.

I am pretty sure she doesn't know I spent the night wrapped in an embrace.

“Thanks for yesterday,” she added, hesitating a moment, voice soft, but there was something more in her tone. “I know that must have caused you so much trou—”

I cut her off before she could continue. “Eat up,” I said, lifting my sleeve further. She followed my movements with her eyes, and I couldn’t help but feel a certain satisfaction at how much control I had over her. “Lillard will be returning you to Italy after breakfast. You’ve had enough rest. Start work immediately.”

The words came out cold, detached. I had to keep her at a distance. It was easier that way.

The way I'm feeling about her wasn't on the bargain. I need to get myself back to be able to unleash the demon in me.

“Work?” she asked, her brow furrowing.

I met her gaze, my eyes hard. “That’s what I said.”

Before she could protest, I turned to leave, but her voice stopped me.

“You mean at the hospital with Athena?”

I froze. “You’re not dumb, Moore,” I said, my voice tight.

She gave a little sigh, disappointment clouding her face. “Oh, okay.”

Her voice sounded... hurt? Disappointed? I didn’t know, but it irritated me all the same.

Why would she be disappointed like she had a right to?

“Aren’t you coming too?” she asked randomly, she must have regretted not being able to keep her questions at bay as she quickly diverted her gaze.

The question, simple as it was, rubbed me the wrong way. It wasn’t her business to know. Or to even ask.

I turned to face her, barely keeping my temper in check. “It’s none of your business,” I spat, the words harsh. “Not a single bit if it. Do as you're told and shut the hell up.”

Without another word, I walked up the stairs to my room, the room I had shared with her only hours ago. I had no business with her, and yet here I was, already getting obsessed with her presence.

There was absolutely nothing I would be waiting for here in London. Despite hating the idea so much, I'll be using extra two days away from her.

More than I want to admit, Moore is getting into my head, and I'll not allow that.

I don’t even want to think about it.

The moment I stepped into my bedroom, my gaze fell on the spot where Moore had slept, and the weight of it hit me. I turned quickly, not wanting to look too long.

Instead, I walked into my study and dialed Lillard’s number.

“Yes, sir,” he answered immediately.

“Send someone to change the sheets,” I ordered. “Or change the bed, whatever Moore slept on last night.”

“Right away, sir.”

I leaned back in my chair, trying to shake off the unsettling feeling in my chest. “And, Lillard, I want someone to tail Arthur, Grey, and Moore. Every movement. I want every single bit of information on Arthur. I’ve let him wander for too long.”

For him to have access to all my investors, then I shouldn't take him lightly.

“Yes, sir,” Lillard responded, and the call ended.