Craved by the Wrong Volkov-Chapter 201: Lucien’s tease

Braelyn’s POV

I barely tasted the coffee, I just let the warmth chase away the lingering exhaustion in my bones. Juliet hovered by the door, eyes bright with that look she got when she had gossip worth spilling.

I didn’t have many friends here; some were wary of me, because I was Raphael’s wife, but at least Juliet and I got along; our relationship at times crossed the boundaries of boss and secretary.

"Out with it," I said, setting the mug down. She grinned, practically beaming with excitement, just to spill the tea. Juliet was stepping closer like we were sharing state secrets. Her voice was deliberately lowered, which was comical since we were the only ones here.

"I heard something about Amelia’s project," she started, her voice dropping an octave. "Turns out it might’ve been an inside job. Joan from your department, the one who worked with Amelia, was selling secrets to the other side."

My stomach twisted. Joan. The same Joan who’d started those ugly rumours about me sabotaging Amelia weeks ago. The one who had looked me in the eye and smiled while spreading poison.

I remembered the rumours and the looks they gave me then. This was pretty hilarious, but I held in my laugh because of my image.

"Are you certain?" I asked, narrowing my eyes at Juliet. "Joan was pretty dedicated to her job. " I voiced out after all, she was considered as good as me when it came to handling jobs, that’s why Raphael didn’t make much of a fuss when I appointed her.

"Ma I am more than certain. I saw it with my eyes." Juliet swore. My brows furrowed, and I reached for my coffee mug to take another sip

"How exactly did you see her selling company secrets?" I couldn’t help but ask.

She shook her head. "That is not what I mean exactly," she explained, correcting herself.

"What I meant was that this morning I saw her being escorted by security to pack her things. When I asked around, the onlookers explained that she sold company secrets."

I was surprised, how did I miss that? I should have come to work earlier.

"She’s been fired," I blurted out

Juliet nodded then continued. "This morning as I had explained. She was denied everything, of course, but the evidence was apparently solid. Emails, timestamps, the works etc."

I stared at her, my mind was racing. "Solid how?"

Juliet shrugged. "No one’s saying. Just that it came from higher up. And fast. Like it was some top secret."

I scoffed because my mind could only think of one thing because of how convenient this was.

A Scapegoat. The word stuck. Amelia’s family was drowning, the project was in ruins, and suddenly the loudest mouth in my department got the axe? Convenient indeed.

"Is that all?" I inquired. Juliet pouted like she was in deep thought. "Nothing much aside from the fact that Joan kept on screaming she was falsely accused."

Juliet sighed. "But who admits to such a crime?" Juliet added in a serious tone, which pretty much made a lot of sense.

I leaned back, my free fingers tapping the desk while I continued enjoying my coffee. "Thanks, Juliet. Keep your ears open."

She nodded more than happy to be my little tattle tale. Juliet gave me a quick smile and slipped out.

The door clicked shut. Silence settled in the room. My stomach grumbled, reminding me of the breakfast I skipped.

I stood up from my seat and grabbed the coffee and the insulated bag Raphael had insisted on, then walked to the small lounge tucked in the corner of my office.

The couch was soft, the view of the city calming. I needed both. My office was designed to my preference, little perks of being Mrs Von Duvall, although Natalia had insisted it would have been better if I were a housewife, especially with my delayed childbirth issues.

I opened the bag. Steam rose immediately; it was warm and fragrant. Inside was a simple but thoughtful spread: a small container of scrambled eggs flecked with herbs, buttered toast cut into neat triangles, fresh fruit arranged in a little pile, and a side of crispy bacon. Even a tiny pot of jam. Everything was still hot, like someone had timed it perfectly.

My throat tightened.

I didn’t want to think about it. Didn’t want to picture Raphael in the kitchen this morning, directing the staff, making sure it was exactly right. This was done under meticulous instructions.

Most importantly I didn’t want to remember the boy who used to bring me soup when I was sick, the one who’d sit with me until the fever broke. I shoved all those thoughts behind me and tried to focus on the meal before me.

I was starving. That was all.

I took the fork, scooped up some eggs. They were perfectly fluffy, seasoned just enough. The bacon was crunched. The toast was warm, butter melting into it. I ate slowly, mechanically, trying not to taste the care behind it. It was quiet here and my thoughts were at ease

My phone buzzed. A message notification blinked on the home screen. I glanced over noticing it was from Lucien.

I opened the message, tapping on it,

Lucien: Eat something. You skipped breakfast. If you couldn’t stomach what Raphael arranged, I’ll send something new. Just say the word.

I stared at the screen, my chest aching. Then I looked at the half-eaten food in front of me, Raphael’s peace offering, I scoffed at the thought and felt the familiar twist of guilt and anger and something softer I refused to name. My head was a mess..

His attention was sweet but a thought in the back of my head couldn’t help but whisper if this was all a twisted game to Lucien. If he knew the truth about his mother’s death with his connections.

I typed back.

Me: Already eating. Thanks, though.

I set the phone down and took another bite.

And tried not to think about how much I hated that both of them still knew how to take care of me.

*********

It was a long, gruesome day at work. I was locked in my work and I didn’t notice it was 5 pm until Lucien texted me he was waiting in the car park.

I glanced away from the phone screen, then gathered my things to leave.

Shortly after I walked out of the lift at the basement and spotted Lucien immediately, casually leaning against his car, texting on his phone.

He looked strikingly handsome in that pose. I noticed some female staff members throwing envious looks his way and blushing. As if noticing my gaze he glanced up a smile immediately appeared on his face

God those dimples were turning to a lethal poison. Colour crept up my face but I did my best to keep a straight face.

I approached, "hi," I said quietly like a freaking shy teenager.

"Hey," he casually answered, pulling the door open for me. I stepped forward, not missing his tease... "I can still see your red ears." My face turned redder.

Lucien laughed then walked over to the other side of the car. He stepped in and started the car before reaching for the seat. He pulled over a box of warm doughnuts. "For you. I noticed you really love them. To lighten your mood."

I opened the box, and the beagles were really fresh. He must have gotten this a few minutes ago

"Thank you. " I really couldn’t help it. He just smiled and drove off

He was focused on the road while I was stuffing myself with doughnuts. I didn’t even realise that he had arrived until he told me. "We are here." He announced. Surprised, I glanced through the window to see the familiar building.

I stepped out still carrying the doughnuts. There was one and a half. Lucien stepped out and walked up to me.

"You have something on your face." He pointed to the corner of my lips. I reached out to clean it.

At the same time, another car drove into the driveway. That’s when Lucien said something unexpected.

"If he doesn’t react today, he truly doesn’t love you," Lucien said, leaving stunned. He suddenly moved forward, licking the corners of my lips before he pulled me to a kiss.

Raphael’s car came to a screeching halt!