Chapter 51
Strings Attached
Damien
"Name your price, Mr Lucas." Sophia's words made me draw in a sharp intake of breath and I was secretly stunned, I could tell she was serious.
The other two men sat impassively, I couldn't get anything from their expressions but their silence meant Sophia could speak on their behalf.
As for the hidden meaning in between her words, I didn't consider it. It was strange, but I felt the Sophia before me was subtly different.
Price? What price could I actually name for her? I wondered, sinking deeper into my thoughts. I didn't worry about her intentions behind this deal, she was acting out of necessity. The problem was, what price would be appropriate?
"I'll need to speak to my people," I finally broke the silence, my eyes meeting hers. "You see, they'll also have to evaluate your offer and…" I trailed off, putting a conflicted expression on my face.
"I—" Sophia looked surprised but she quickly adjusted her expression and she nodded. "I'll be waiting for your feedback, Mr Lucas."
I nodded, not saying anything more. Sophia made some small talk with Jane before she rose to her feet, ready to leave.
"I'll be expecting your feedback, Mr. Lucas," Sophia made eye contact with me.
"Lucas, see them off," Jane suddenly spoke up, and she smiled at Sophia. "I'm sorry but I won't be seeing you out."
"It's fine," Sophia nodded before she glanced at me and she turned on her heel and walked out.
What was that about? I wondered, groaning secretly. I silently walked out behind Sophia and the two other men.
"You have a nice house," Sophia said, her eyes glancing around with silent admiration and she stepped down the stairs slowly.
"It's not mine," I coughed drily, not thinking much of her words. "Save that for Jane."
"She trusts you very much," Sophia commented, her eyes sparkling with strange light. "It's rare seeing an owner be so hands off."
I didn't say a word, not replying her. Only a select few knew the relationship between Jane and me, news of her kidnapping all those years had been shushed and quietened. I suspected Sophia was subtly probing me, wanting to see if I'd let anything slip.
My eyes narrowed when I recalled our last encounter, the memory of it made my heart beat erratically. Contrary to her mysterious behavior now, she'd been passionate then… the memory of her body pressed on mine, her lips…
'Enough!' I hissed under my breath, pulling my thoughts together. I didn't know what game Sophia was playing but I knew I couldn't afford to let my guard down.
We walked down the stairs and headed towards the exit, Sophia had slowed down, allowing the two men to walk ahead. She seemed to want to walk in step with me.
I didn't say a word as I walked past her, ignoring the subtle hints to walk in step. I could barely hold back a small smile when I heard her sharp intake of breath.
"I'll keep in touch Miss Sophia," I broke the silence, stopping in my tracks just outside the door and I stared at her in silent admiration. She looked beautiful in the pale light of the moon and the sight of hair brought unwanted memories.
But Sophia didn't move an inch, "Are you chasing me, Mr. Lucas?" She giggled, her gaze fixed on me.
She was messing with me I thought, staring at her clear bright eyes. I couldn't have been more sure of it, but I didn't reveal my expression.
I cleared my throat, shaking my head. "I have other matters to attend to," I forced a small smile. I didn't wait for her to say a word before I turned to leave.
"We'll meet again, Mr. Lucas," her voice echoed in my ears as I walked away, I could feel the faint confidence in her words. She was certain.
The butler closed the door behind me as I walked into the house, heading back to meet Jane. She was sipping a glass of wine when I walked in.
"What do you think about her?" She asked suddenly, raising an eyebrow. "She's quite beautiful and smart," Jane's eyes sparkled with hidden amusement. "You two would make a perfect couple."
"What!" I froze, her words stunning me. "Yo—you can't be serious, Jane," I chuckled drily.
"But I am," Jane kept the glass aside, "Don't try to fool me Lucas. You barely took your eye off her when she was here," her words made me flush and I looked away, embarrassed.
"That's not—" I stammered, trying to defend myself but Jane interrupted me.
"I see these things, Lucas," she pressed, her expression becoming softer. "She's a good girl, I was sure you'd like her. I wasn't wrong.
"It's not that, it's—" I was trying to evade the topic when I froze. 'was sure…' Jane's words dawned on me and a look of realization appeared on my face.
"Wait you…"
"Indeed," Jane smiled, letting the cat out of the bag. "You're a good man, Lucas, you should be thinking of getting married by now."
I stared at her, my mouth open. "You planned all this?" I couldn't believe my ears, and my mind filled with thoughts. Was this meeting just another trick of hers to get me to see Sophia?
"No," Jane waved her hand, "this is a coincidence. But you heard me Lucas," her soft eyes held my gaze.
"Well…" a lump formed in my throat and I paused, trying to think of excuses. "Father wouldn't accept it," I finally managed, my voice weak. I wasn't wrong, Father's's expectations weren't light.
"His opinion doesn't matter," Jane said firmly. "You're family to me, Lucas," she rose to her feet and patted me on my shoulder. "I just want you to be happy."
"I—" I trailed off, the genuine care in her tone leaving me at a loss.
"Just give it a chance," Jane finally said, and she gave me a small smile. "It won't hurt, for me okay."
I exhaled, a look of resignation crossing my face. "I'll give it a try," I whispered, nodding my head. But even then the twin images of Elena and Sophia appeared in my mind.
A try she'd said? I just hoped I wouldn't get more than I bargained for.