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Five

LUCIAN'S POV.

I had spent hours pacing my room like a night owl, eagerly waiting to speak to the woman from earlier. However, I was informed that she only worked the night shift, so I found myself trapped in anticipation, pacing like a caged wolf. The previous night, sleep had eluded me as my wolf had howled and restlessly yearned to be unleashed. There was something about her that ignited a primal desire within me. It was perplexing that out of all the women in the world, fate had chosen an engaged human as my mate.

Time seemed to stretch endlessly as I paced, and room service had brought three meals within the few hours. Clearly, my unease was evident to those around me.

"Mr. Lucian?" Athena called me. I sensed her entering the room, but I could feel the weight of bad news she carried. Ignoring her, I kept my back turned, refusing to acknowledge her presence.

"Mr. Lucian," she called again, her voice trembling. I turned abruptly to face her, knowing that her news wouldn't be favorable. My wolf growled, warning me of the impending pain we would endure if we didn't see her tonight. This was the downside of finding your mate—delaying the connection meant enduring a torturous existence. If I hadn't laid eyes on her yet, I could have managed, although frustration and yearning would persist.

"No, she won't be coming tonight," Athena reluctantly revealed, her gaze dropping. My suspicions were confirmed. Disappointment weighed heavily in my voice as I responded.

"Is she still affected by what happened yesterday? I explicitly instructed you to inform her that I am not angry."

"I did, sir, but she remains adamant and embarrassed," Athena explained. I fell into silence, contemplating where else I could find her.

"You may leave," I dismissed her with a tone filled with disappointment.

"Yes, sir. I will have another bottle of wine sent up," Athena offered, noticing the empty glass on the table. I had consumed it all in my restlessness. As she turned to exit, the door suddenly swung open, revealing someone's arrival.

"Ruby!" Athena called out, a mixture of surprise and excitement in her voice. "You came," she whispered, smiling.

"Sorry I'm late. I had to take care of dinner for Adam before I left," Ruby retorted, glancing at me with a glare that suggested she didn't expect me to be present.

"It's alright. I need to check on the intoxicated guests downstairs. I'll leave you both," Athena excused herself, gently closing the door behind her.

Ruby stood near the entrance, observing me and scanning the room, almost expecting me to erupt in anger, throw something, or demonstrate any sign of lingering resentment. However, I remained still, watching her intently. The mere sight of her calmed my restless soul. My wolf, previously running wild upon hearing that Ruby wouldn't be coming, now remained silent, assessing her form and imprinting an image of her nakedness in my mind.

"I'm glad you came," I said through clenched teeth, feeling a surge of anger at myself for carelessly revealing my emotions.

"Should I get another drink?" Ruby asked, approaching to collect the tray containing my untouched lunch. As she bent down to retrieve it, I instinctively grasped her arm.

"I would appreciate it if you refrain from touching me tonight, Mr. Lucian," she sharply pulled her arm away.

"But you drank with him," I frowned, perplexed by her response.

"He was more courteous and composed, unlike you could ever be."

"I see your tongue is growing more comfortable again."

"You asked for me. I would have gladly quit."

"What about the

double pay you receive here?" I squinted my eyes at her. "I heard you're fond of money and only work where the pay is substantial."

"Who doesn't want easy money?" she snapped.

"And aren't you getting married soon? I heard you need cash," I retorted, watching her glare intensify.

"Who told you that?"

"The manager."

"You mean Athena?"

"Regardless, I have a proposal, so please have a seat," I gestured towards the space beside me on the couch. However, Ruby simply strolled across the room and settled on the opposite couch, attempting to showcase her stubbornness.

"What do you want?" she asked sternly.

"I am willing to pay you four times your salary if you agree to have lunch with me every weekend at my house," I stated. She stared at me in stunned silence before her face twisted into a frown.

"I am engaged, Mr. Lucian," she emphasized, employing a formal address that indicated her anger, yet also her effort to remain composed. Within a few hours of meeting her, I was already deciphering her character.

"I didn't suggest having sex with me. I said dinner, and only dinner."

"I don't feel comfortable with it, and my fiancé wouldn't either," she declared. Sitting upright, I fixed her with a piercing stare.

"I am not asking, Ruby. I am simply informing you that you will have lunch with me this weekend at my place. My driver will pick you up from any venue you choose."

"Is that a threat?"

"Call it what you like. The fact remains that I am a very dangerous man, Ruby. You must have heard about me. You can't possibly comprehend who I am and what I am capable of. It's in your best interest to follow my instructions. After all, we can't afford anything happening to your fiancé before the wedding," I watched the color drain from her face, replaced by a creeping horror. I didn't intend to force her into this, but I felt trapped. My body yearned for her presence, and I couldn't bear the thought of being separated from her.

If she had left with a simple rejection, she would have avoided me and likely quit her job. Now, I hoped my threat would keep her with me. Overwhelmed by my desire for her, I momentarily forgot who her fiancé was and craved her touch.

"You wouldn't dare!" she yelled, rising to her feet. I needed to frighten her a bit before she dismissed my words.

In a flash, I stood before her, my hands delicately wrapped around her neck, enough to instill fear. I saw the terror flicker in her eyes as she pleaded and horror consumed her expression.

"I know where you live, Ruby. I would come for him," I whispered. She trembled and began to cry. My wolf and I weakened instantly, my hands falling away from her neck. I had anticipated her to refute everything I had said. Did she not know who her fiancé was? Did Tyler not reveal his true wolf self to her?

She crumpled back onto the couch, sobbing, and my wolf berated me for causing her tears.

"Please don't hurt him. I'll do as you say," she managed to say between sobs and shivers.

Unable to bear witness to her tears, I hurried towards the door. Stepping outside, I inhaled deeply, reveling in the air free from the tension that pervaded the room. With a heavy heart, I shut the door behind me, leaving her behind.

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