C18 Repeated Warnings

With the journalist's words still ringing in her head, Sophia walked back into the mansion. She thought to herself, “Look farther. Certain things are important for you to know.”

Considering everything that had transpired, she was unable to ignore it. There was only one person who could provide her with the answers she needed.

She discovered Lucas standing by the window of his study, sipping a glass of wine. A tiny smile tugged at the corners of his mouth as he turned and saw her walk in.

His voice was soft but curious as he inquired, "To what do I owe this late-night visit?"

Sophia wasted no time, unwilling to risk him overpowering her with his irresistible charm. "Lucas, I need to speak with you. About whatever is going on with you. Are you really not going to tell me?”

Lucas's grin wavered a little. Placing the glass on the desk, he crossed his arms and leaned against it. "That is a general inquiry. Would you mind being more precise?”

She paused, then sprang forward. “Just now, a reporter came up to me. He implied that you are concealing something and are not who you appear to be.”

The air between them felt heavy for a time as Lucas's face darkened. "What did this journalist say exactly?"

Sophia's voice trembled a little as she replied, "Enough to make me question everything. I've made an effort to trust you, Lucas, but you keep denying me. Tell me right away if there is anything I should know.”

He stared into her eyes for a minute without saying anything. Then he walked to stand in front of her, his expression changing. His shoulders relaxed, and the intensity in his face gave way to a cunning smile.

He moved closer and remarked, "Sofia, I believe we have had this conversation and we had a conclusion. Why would you believe strangers? But then, you're always so intense. It's one of your qualities that I like."

Startled by the abrupt shift in tone, Sophia blinked. "Lucas, I'm serious here."

"So am I," he uttered in a softer, more personal tone. He extended his hand and brushed a lock of hair out of her face. "I understand you find me…mysterious and you're curious—. "

His hand hovered close to her cheek, and she faltered, remembering how that contact ended the other day. "I simply want to understand the reason behind your extreme secrecy."

She felt a chill run down her spine as Lucas laughed gently. “It's preferable to keep some things to yourself. However, I swear that everything I do has a purpose.”

Sophia tried to concentrate, but it was almost difficult due to his closeness and the intensity of his stare. Closing the distance between them, he drew her closer as his fingers moved down to her hand.

His lips were dangerously close to hers as he said, "You're too beautiful to be worrying about things like this."

She began, "Lucas..." but his lips were suddenly on hers, drowning her words.

The warmth of his arms seemed to skew the universe, temporarily forgetting her questions and doubts.

He kissed slowly and purposefully, as though he were attempting to express something that words couldn't.

Sophia's breath was irregular and her heart was pounding when he eventually let go.

"That's unfair," she muttered in a tremulous voice.

With his hand remaining on her waist, Lucas grinned. "Isn't everything fair in love and war?"

With hot cheeks, Sophia withdrew. "Oh please, I hate you." She mumbled, just audible enough for him to hear.

With a light tone and serious eyes, he joked, "And yet, you're still here. Believe me, Sophia. You will understand everything if you wait a little while longer.”

***********************************************

Sophia sat with her sketchpad in the yard the following morning, attempting to transform her whirling feelings into something constructive.

However, whenever she attempted to concentrate, her mind would return to Lucas and how he had sidestepped her inquiries and diverted her attention.

The sound of footfall on the gravel road broke her reverie. When she looked up, Shirley was coming toward her, her face strained and pallid.

Shirley said, her voice urgent, "Sophia, we need to talk."

Sophia rolled her eyes and put down her sketchbook. "You're becoming a regular here Shirley. Would you just take a room instead of coming and going? It must be a lot of stress.”

Shirley ignored her mockery and remarked, looking around anxiously, "About Lucas. You really must be careful."

Sophia folded her arms. "Why does that keep coming up? Shirley, aren't you tired? Or are you so bored that you just want to rile me up by any means?”

Shirley wrung her hands with hesitation. "You really must believe me that Lucas is not who you believe him to be. Sophia, he's….dangerous. There will be repercussions if you continue to be engaged with him, and they will be harmful ones.”

Sophia lost her tolerance. "Tell me if you know anything! Quit using riddles when you talk!”

With what appeared to be panic in her eyes, Shirley shook her head. "I am unable to. Not quite yet. However, Sophia, please swear to me that you'll be careful. You mustn't get lost in the heat of the moment.”

Sophia gazed at her, conflicted between worry and annoyance. "Just get lost if that's all you came to say. I might just lose my temper if you keep standing in front of me. Go.”

Shirley reached out and grabbed her arm. “Just pay attention to what I have to say. Avoid him before it's too late.”

“It's too late already. So give up!” Sophia exclaimed angrily, forcefully removing her arm from Shirley. She retreated into the house, leaving her work behind.