I swear. When it gets to the point I’m questioning my own sanity, I know there’s a problem. I’ve spent the entire day wavering between not killing the charming and handsome man who’s been taunting me all day and preventing myself from falling for him. At what point will my body stop betraying me and accept what my brain and heart already know? Okay, I threw heart in there, but I’m not convinced my heart is on the same page quite yet.

I don’t need him.

I don’t need him.

Still don’t fucking need him.

Remember, I don’t need him.

Look away! I don’t need him.

I DON’T NEED HIM.

I also don’t want him. Well, that’s a lie. I do want him, but I shouldn’t. I’d prefer not to challenge fate, and with everything else on my plate, I do not have time to play house with Lucas Ruffinelli. I made a vow to myself long ago that I’d never be arm candy without a voice for any made-man. I thought there was a chance Lucas could’ve been different, but if today was any indication, I was definitely wrong.

He’s just like all the others. He’ll tell me what he wants me to know, and I’m expected to heed the unspoken rule not to ask any questions. Yeah, that’s not happening, especially when it’s my life on the damn line.

Lucas has the upper hand because he’s the one with all the information. And since I’m trapped here in God knows where, I can’t exactly go digging on my own. I’m totally at his mercy, and every time I’ve tried to fight back using any type of ammo, it backfires.

It’s settled. I’m going to have to kill him before I decide to have his babies or something.

I bend down and give Gatsby all my attention as I click the leash to his collar, ignoring Lucas entirely. I swear the man must enjoy making me mad, though, because he doesn’t give up when I take Gatsby out for a quick walk before we leave. Lucas follows along too closely, waiting for me to give up. Not happening, but if he wants to hold his breath, that’ll be fine by me. Maybe his self-imposed suffocation could save me the effort of having to kill him myself.

Twenty minutes later after Gatsby’s quick walk, I make sure Gatsby’s bowls are fresh and give him a treat. Spending an excess amount of time showering Gatsby with lots of good-bye squishes, the very handsome bad boy stands brooding, watching. Pretty sure we’re running late since he’s told me that no less than a half a dozen times. Clearly, he hasn’t figured out that I don’t care and I’m still ignoring him.

I move to the entryway and fit my scarf around my neck perfectly, taking time to check the mirror.

“Elianna, not sure what game you’re trying to play now, but not only is Luis waiting out front in the Rover, but my father is probably also at the restaurant staring at the clock. Get in the car right now on your own, princess, or I’m throwing you over my shoulder and putting you there myself,” Lucas growls. Well, this plan seems to be working just fine. I smile to myself. Walking past him standing at the open front door waiting for me to exit, I hear him snarl under his breath and have to force back the giggle threatening to escape.

When Lucas’s do-boy, Luis, sees us approaching, he jumps out of the passenger seat and moves to open the back passenger door for me. Even though I’ve never talked to the man before, I decide now is as good of a time as any to be friendly and get to know him.

“Luis, you’re so sweet. Thank you so much,” I say, skirting past him to slide into the back seat.

Lucas gets in the back seat on the other side, and Luis gets back into the front. I take my time adjusting my seat belt perfectly while Lucas blatantly stares at me in disbelief. Once I secure it, and he hears the click, he orders the driver, whom I now know is Carlos, to get there, before the car lurches forward.

I don’t even have to look at Lucas to know steam is likely shooting out of his ears in frustration, but I’ve come this far, I’m not stopping now.

“So Luis, have you done anything exciting with your time here this week?” I ask.

“Just working, ma’am,” he replies with no emotion attached, making it obvious he’s uninterested, but I can’t let it go.

“That’s too bad. It’s beautiful here. I bet the fishing would be great. You should try it,” I tell him.

I wait a few minutes before I try to engage again. Leaning forward to adjust the roll on my extended pant leg, I exaggerate taking a whiff of something. “Oh Luis, you smell delightful and so manly. What kind of cologne are you wearing?” I ask.

Carlos flinches, and I see his eyes in the rearview mirror as he looks at Lucas and then me. Luis has his elbow rested on the center console, but I notice him clench his fist tightly before answering.

“I don’t wear any cologne, ma’am,” he says with contempt, dismissing me. Then turns his head to speak to Lucas. “We’re almost there. Would you like to enter through the front or do you want us to go around to the rear?” he asks.

“I’ll take Elianna in through the back. Park after we exit, but the two of you can enter through the front,” Lucas orders, practically spitting venom, just as we’re pulling in.

Carlos drives around to the back, just as Lucas requested, and when the car stops, Lucas and Luis both move to get out, but before Luis is able to fully exit the door, Lucas stops him. “Stay in the car, Luis. I’ll handle the princess,” he spews. Shit. Maybe he’s too mad now. I immediately question if I’ve gone too far.

Lucas opens my door and waits for me to exit, not offering me help in any way. But I didn’t really need it. Refusing to even look at me once I’m out of the car and the door is closed, he points at the back door marked staff entrance and I silently walk that direction. The Range Rover drives off to park after we cross the street and make it to the door. Lucas opens the door and waits for me to enter, stepping in behind me and pulling the door closed. Because I have no idea where to go from here in this long dark hallway, I wait, assuming I’ll need to follow him.

He moves past me as I expect and I step in line behind him in silence, but halfway down the long chilly hallway, he stops abruptly and turns. With a speed I didn’t expect, he has me pinned against the brick wall with my hands stretched and held over my head in one of his and my body pinned by his hips. Using his free hand, he holds my chin, tipping it up so I’m looking him in the eyes. Once we make eye contact, he kisses me. Not just any kiss, though. Lucas kisses me breathless.

When he’s finished with his attack on my mouth, I’m positive my lips are red and bruised. He looks deep into my eyes and sighs. “Play games with me all you want, Elianna. But don’t ever bring my men into it again unless you’re ready to seal their fate. Those men are willing to protect you with their lives. Don’t fucking thank them by getting them killed because you have a bug up your ass and want to play games.” He pauses, leaning his head down so that we’re forehead to forehead. “If you’re trying to see how far you can push me before I let you go, I can promise you have a long way to go, Elianna. But you’re not playing with chess pawns here, princess. You’re playing with real lives. Keep that in mind,” he says with bridled anger in his tone.

His words gnaw away at my confidence, and I move my eyes to look away even though my chin is held still. He lets me retreat this time, which isn’t typical for him, and that scares me even more. He slowly releases me and captures my hand. He laces his fingers through mine, and I don’t fight it anymore as we begin walking again.

I’m not sure why I suddenly care so much that Lucas is finally getting a taste of his own medicine. It was what I wanted. Now that I’ve accomplished pissing him off, it doesn’t really feel that great. I just feel like a giant bitch. What the fuck is wrong with me?