Page 50 of Delilah In Discretion

“Can I help you with something?” I asked him as calmly as I could, and he shrugged, leaning back in his seat

“No, doll; just enjoying the view.”

“I don’t think I’m enjoying mine,” I muttered, annoyed, and he simply chuckled as I began grabbing my belongings.

As I went to stand, two hands on my shoulders forced me back into my chair from behind.

“What’s the rush, doll?”

“What the hell is wrong with you?” I asked, a scowl forming on my lips.

He shrugged. “I’m not sure, actually… All I know is that I’m pretty used to getting what I want around here. And you seem like a fun challenge.”

“I am not a part of this game of yours, Luca.”

“Because you’re special, hmm? All because you’re Killian Russel’s daughter?”

I pushed off the hands still on my shoulders, and Luca sent his friends a look as I stood up once again. Stepping around the table, I walked past him, only to be stopped by his hand on my arm. I made a move to rip it from his hold. However, I couldn’t—not when he tightened his hand in a death grip that made me falter as the sound of surprise and pain surfaced.

“It’s clear you and I don’t seem to be getting off on the right foot,” he muttered as I continued wincing pathetically in his grasp. If anyone saw, I doubt they looked twice as Luca was known for this behavior and actively got away with it.

“Let go of me,” I said, attempting to mask the pain and tears that wanted to surface.

He looked over to me, unfazed, as his grip remained.

“We talked about this, doll. You’re mine. What don’t you understand?” he asked.

For a moment, I felt a sense of panic. Having someone other than Archer be this possessive was odd. I was used to being held by him, teased, bullied, all of the above. But with Luca, I felt at a loss. This was only my first week or so of being back at the academy. And the person that made me leave was not even the one causing me this torment.

One would think being in university, things would be different, but I couldn’t help but feel as though things were getting rather serious. Luca was obviously allowed to do what he pleased, not even afraid of the repercussions that would arise from touching Killian Russel’s daughter. Not that Archer ever cared about that, either.

As if he could sense my apprehension, another smile graced his face. However, it was wiped off immediately as we heard a voice.

“Luca, what are you doing?” Archer asked as I looked over to him. His eyes met mine, and slowly, they lowered to Luca’s hand, which still held a rather painful grip on my arm.

Archer’s jaw clenched for a moment, and I could see the wrath building within him. From the tense shoulders to his eyes that were narrowed in slits, I could tell he was just about ready to snap.

And no matter how much fear was instilled within me by Luca, I don’t know if I’d ever get used to that look in Archer’s eyes. The look that reminded everyone around me and myself that I belonged to him. The look that wanted to tear apart any guy who looked my way or laid a simple finger on me.

Luca noticed this, and slowly, he stood, pulling me closer by the arm. “I was only having a conversation with Delilah. You can’t be the only one who has all the fun with her.”

Archer’s eyes darkened slightly and he stepped closer as I essentially felt sandwiched between them. “Here’s what you’re going to do, Crawford.”

Luca looked him up and down, a smile threatening to come to his lips. “Tell me what I’m going to do, Lockwood.”

“You’re going to let her go, walk away, and fucking stay away. Your father may own the school, but luckily, mine owns him andyou. Touch her again… and you will regret it.”

Luca was silent for a moment before he let go of my arm, my hand immediately rubbing the aching spot. His face was impassive, but it was clear Archer’s words hit a nerve.

“The Lockwoods’ precious golden boy strikes again. Always the hero, huh?” Luca muttered.

They were silent as they continued glaring at one another.

Deciding I wanted nothing more of this, I left in haste as I headed straight for Kimiko’s office.

Entering the building, I sighed with dread as I heard footsteps approaching me from behind.

“Not even a thank-you, Princess? Thought you were a big girl that didn’t need saving.”

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