Craved by the Wrong Volkov-Chapter 154: Cross road

Lucien’s POV

"If you don’t walk away," I said calmly, watching the way her pulse fluttered at her throat, "I’ll answer your questions. But it comes at a price. And no, saying I might take your soul isn’t far-fetched."

I let the words settle. Let them sink their claws in.

The car went quiet. Not the comfortable kind, this was the silence that hums with quiet anticipation. We stared at each other, our gaze trying to decipher what was on each other’s minds.

"So," I added softly, almost kindly, "what is it going to be?"

She unbuckled her seat belt. The click was louder than it should’ve been, echoing in the car.

Braelyn turned to face me fully then, those emerald eyes were sharp despite the storm behind them being conflicted. She was confused, unable to choose.

"Before I answer," she said, steadying herself, "I have just one thing to ask. Was it all an act?"

I couldn’t help it. I smirked.

God, she had no idea how dangerous that question was. I didn’t know if I wanted to answer that question. I wasn’t ready for the answer.

"That’s not fair, viper," I murmured, leaning back slightly, giving her space while still caging her in. "I asked the question first. My answer comes first."

Her fingers tightened around her bag like it was an anchor. I saw it in her face then that quiet terror of someone standing at the edge of a truth they can’t unsee.

She knew she was at a crossroads. Whatever decision she makes from now on, there is no turning back. I wasn’t going to force her to choose, but I secretly hoped she would walk away.

This was the only chance she was going to have because if not, she was stuck with me, whether she loved it or not. My hands twitched as the seconds ticked by. She was completely immersed in her thoughts.

I watched her draw in a shaky breath, watched her hesitate, and for the first time in a long while, something unfamiliar tugged at my chest.

She smiles. "If I walk away would you let me go for good..." She asked and I smiled. She was searching for excuses.

She laughed leaning back on the seat. "You’ve got to be bloody kidding me.." Her laughing died off. A smirk curled her lips, a look of complete amusement filled her eyes.

"Like hell I will walk away." She declared, and a smile subconsciously tugged her lips. "You are telling me I have a chance to get back at Raphael, and you think I will leave."

I tilted my head. I kind of accepted this response, she was already down the hole, there was no way she was going to back away now after tasting the forbidden

"Aren’t you scared you might just be a pawn in something bigger than you?" I inquired. She scoffed at me before crossing her hands across her chest. She was already certain of her choice

"One way or the other, I am a pawn, but at least I will choose the person who will play me." She paused, something ran through those emerald green eyes, which always pulled me.

"As long as my goal is achieved I don’t mind losing myself."

Something brimmed in my chest.

I laughed. Head against the headrest, staring at the top of the car with my hand over my face. I laughed hard at her reply.

"You know you can’t take back those words."

She shrugged. "I never had the intention to Mr Orlov. So what about my answers?" She pushed addressing me by my alias surname.

I pushed the car door open and stepped out. "Let’s talk somewhere more comfortable," I suggested. She hesitated for a moment before stepping out of the car.

"Welcome to New Horizon Holdings headquarters courtesy of the CEO Killian Orlov." I teased her. She smiled but I could feel the nervousness rolling off her in ways. She was still putting up that brave face.

I got to the lift and registered my fingerprint before the doors slid open. I beckoned to her to step in, and I followed after. She remained quiet, barely holding back the several questions on her mind.

How did Lucien Volkov end up pulling something like this? The elevator led straight to my office. It was a private elevator, and because of the nature of my identity, it was required.

The elevator stopped, and the door slid open." May we?" I pointed at the door, and she nodded, stepping out. We walked straight into my secretary’s office.

"Welcome, Mr Orlov," she rose on her feet once she noticed her presence, her eyes flickered towards Braelyn. I nodded acknowledging her presence.

"Prepare coffee for us," I instructed before leading Braelyn into the office. The space was practical and spacious enough

It was pretty neat since I barely work from the office. I only kept it because it felt right.

Her gaze darted around the office before she proceeded to the lounge area to sit. I joined her, sitting across from her, still assessing.

What I was about to reveal wasn’t something I casually told anyone. It spoke volumes about how much I was going to stake on her.

She crossed her legs and placed her hand on her thighs. "Your office is pretty neat." She offered a compliment.

"It sure is." I paused leaning back on my seat. "I don’t regularly work here. It is more convenient to work from home after all I have to be both Lucien and Killian at once."

"It is still a bit absurd to believe tho." She admitted. I just smiled, then glanced at my watch, patiently waiting for the coffee. The silent stalemate was broken but the arrival of my secretary

She carried the coffee towards the small glass table. The rich aroma immediately wafted around. "Here is your coffee." She politely said before her gaze flickered to me.

"Is there anything else you would want?"

"It’s fine. Don’t let anyone in unless I say so." I waved her off and she politely left the room

"Coffee.." I offered. Braelyn’s fingers reached for the cup to take a sip. Her gaze then slowly shifted to me. "Sooo", she drawled, unable to hold back her curiosity.

"Where should I start?" I asked.

She still held the coffee as she asked. "Why did you have to go this far?"

My expression remained calm. "Because I have a debt I must repay... hatred makes people surpass themselves." My eyes slowly turned cold.