Chương 10: No one would know
Leticia blinked dazedly, her eyes wide with confusion, wondering if this was just her imagination playing tricks on her and Devon proved her right, asking in a low, husky voice that sent shivers down her spine,
"Why aren't you talking?"
Leticia's face flushed a deep crimson as she looked away, in obvious embarrassment. She could bet he did that on purpose, enjoying her discomfort. She fidgeted with her hands, her eyes darting around the bright garden like she was searching for escape from his piercing gaze.
"Nothing, I'm just surprised you said she's not your sister," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper, her words tumbling out in a nervous rush.
Devon smiled smugly, his red lips curling up in a sly, knowing smile, his eyes glinting with amusement. He leaned back backwards, steepling his fingers together, his gaze never leaving hers. "I never said she's not my sister."
Leticia's eyes snapped back to his, her frustration and annoyance growing. She wanted to kick that beautiful, smug smile off his face. But she realized she was the one making the mistake. He never said anything; why couldn't he be less cheeky about it? She took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing thoughts.
"Is she?" she asked, her voice a little bolder now, her curiosity getting the better of her.
Devon leaned back, raising a brow cockily, his eyes glinting with mischief. She quickly added, her words spilling, "I'm not trying to dig into your personal life. I... I just..."
"I never accused you of that, did I?" Devon asked, his tone cool and calm, but it only got her heart racing faster. He was enjoying this, toying with her like a cat with a mouse. Talking with Devon was like talking to the devil; he'd twist her words to his advantage and leave her speechless.
Devon simply stared at her, his eyes piercing through the silence. He was mentally berating himself for almost kissing her earlier, his mind racing with the implications.
But honestly, she's incredibly attractive, and anyone would fall for her at first sight. He's not falling for her, though - he just finds her really desirable. He tried to convince himself, his gaze lingering on her for a moment too long.
Leticia felt the silence was awkward, the tension between them noticeable. She shifted uncomfortably, her eyes dropping under his intense stare. She stood up, her voice soft and submissive: "May I go, master?"
Devon shrugged, poker faced and she bowed, walking away with a quiet grace.
As she strode back to her room, she met Luis in the hallway, his warm smile acknowledging. He was walking towards the library, "Hello," he said, his voice friendly and polite as usual.
"Hi," Leticia replied, her face lighting up with a smile. "Are you busy?" she heard him ask and she beamed, "No!"
"Mind reading with me?" he offered, his tone playful and teasing.
She grinned, her heart lifting at the idea of spending time with someone who didn't make her feel like she was walking on eggshells. "Okay!" she agreed, and the two walked to the library together, their footsteps echoing through the hallway.
Devon smirked at their backs as he passed by, his eyes lingering on Leticia's retreating figure. He couldn't help but feel a pang of possessiveness, his mind whispering that she was his, and no one else's. But he pushed the thought aside, his expression returning to its usual mask of indifference.
Noone would know anything anyways.
****
It had been three weeks since Leticia arrived at this opulent estate, surrounded by stunning beauty, both in its architecture and its inhabitants. Even the maids were lovely, with their elegant uniforms and graceful movements.
She had grown closer to Devon, but not too close, just enough to ask him questions, sit with him, and engage in casual conversations.
She recalled a particular conversation they had, when she asked about his hobbies. "Painting and drawing," he replied.
"Really! Me too!" she exclaimed, her face lighting up with excitement. "Wait, did you paint every single image I see around?" she asked, her curiosity piqued. "Most of them," he said casually, his tone understated. "Wow, they're beautiful," she breathed, her eyes scanning the intricate artwork adorning the walls.
Although Devon's intimidating gaze and cheeky words still made her cautious and whenever he asked her to do something and she made a slight mistake, he would waste no time in making her cry her heart out.
Seraphim hadn't been around since the choking incident and Leticia felt more at ease. And she deeply missed her family.
She longed to ask Devon if she could call them, but fear held her back because she had asked him about the voice that summons her in her head , he simply looked at her, and she hastily blurted, "No! D...don't tell me!" her face scrunched up in fear.
The days were dragging, and Leticia found herself bored and restless. Luis and Cecil were nowhere to be found for two days now, Quynn was unapproachable, and Devon was often with his girlfriend, Ruolan, whom Leticia couldn't stand.
Leticia wondered if Devon and Ruolan were dating, but they didn't seem intimate. She shrugged, "I don't care."
Leaving her room, she explored the mansion, searching for something to do. She entered the kitchen, where Karina and the maids were busy cooking. Not wanting to disturb them, she left and continued her aimless wandering.
Room after room, she marveled at the beauty, careful to avoid the areas Luis had warned her about. "This house is simply a castle," she whispered, entering a room with a bronze door.
Inside, she found a stunning art gallery, filled with paintings, drawings, and sculptures. The artwork was incredibly realistic and professional, and she couldn't help but admire it. "Devon painted all these? His talent is way beyond mine," she said to herself, impressed.
One painting caught her attention - a portrait of a handsome man with sharp fangs, red eyes, and an evil gaze. It was terrifying, and she took a step back, startled.
Suddenly, a voice behind her said, "My, my, what do we have here?"
She turned to face a young man with bright red eyes, angelic beauty, and a kind smile. His hair fell across his face, and his reddish lips curled into a charming grin. She felt a sense of familiarity, but couldn't quite place him. Also, there was no way she knew such a stunning man!
"Oops, let me introduce myself, beautiful. I'm Declan Dwayne. What's your name?" He smiled, extending his hand for a shake.
Leticia nodded, recognizing him as the prominent tycoon and author, Declan Dwayne. But wait, his eyes were sapphire blue, not red! She gawked in shock, not knowing what to say.
"Um... Your name?" He asked, his hand still outstretched. Leticia hesitated, too shocked and terrified to touch him.
"Leticia Andros," a deep voice answered on her behalf, making her jump. Devon shook Declan's hand, his grip firm and meaningful. "You suddenly disappeared," Devon said to Declan, not looking at Leticia, who was staring intently at them.
They were of the same height and stature but they carried different auras.
"I felt a peculiar presence, so I traced it," Declan replied, his curious gaze returning to Leticia. "Hmm, opalescent eyes... That's..."
"Wow," Devon said, and the two started chuckling.
Leticia felt offended, her face growing hot. She was used to people staring at her eyes, but usually, it was in wonder or admiration. Not like this - Devon and Declan were laughing mysteriously, their eyes gleaming with a knowing look that made her feel uneasy. It was as if they shared a secret about her that even she didn't know about. And it made her uncomfortable.
"Come on, bro, let's talk," Declan said, smiling at Devon, who nodded before looking at Leticia. She looked down her brows furrowed in upset yet she didn't want Devon to see else he'll make her cry for getting mad at him.
"I'm in the lobby if you need to see me," Devon said, his voice low and smooth. She simply bowed, and the two men left, leaving her feeling confused and uneasy. Those two left an unsettling feeling in her stomach.
Age sighed, her curiosity piqued. Is Declan related to Devon? They share the same last name, Dwayne, and Declan called Devon "bro." But then, Seraphim also refers to Devon as her brother, yet their relationship is unclear.
Devon never confirmed it. Moreover, Declan has red eyes, just like Luis, Sera, and Quynn. Why do they all have red eyes? It's not normal! And why is Devon different?
Her mind raced with questions but she realised none of this was her business. She was here to get punished then maybe go home. She decided to stop thinking and find something to occupy herself. Luckily, she spotted a stack of unused canvases and painting equipment. Her face lit up with excitement.
***
Declan fixed Devon with a piercing stare, his eyes demanding an explanation. Devon frowned, "Come on, big bro, chill out." But a sudden creepy smile spread across his face.
"Don't play dumb with me, Devon. Who is she, and why is she here?" Declan pressed, his tone firm.
Devon smirked unpleasantly, "Oh, she just stupidly fell into my hands, not knowing there's no way out. She's a friend of that ignorant fool, Manuel," Devon added, and Declan nodded, his expression serious.
"So, what do you plan to do with her?" Declan asked. Devon grinned, "Lay her a few times and drop her on Cemetery Road."
Declan glared at him, "Your jokes aren't funny, dude."
Devon rolled his eyes, his hand going through his glossy hair, "Anyway, I'm not sure yet."
"And you're keeping her because...?" Declan asked, his brow raised. He knows Devon. He would have killed that girl ever since he knew her motive.
"She's attractive," Devon shrugged. Declan sighed, "Whatever."but he knows that wasn't the exact reason.
"Oh, guess what? Ruolan is coming tomorrow," Devon said, his eyes sparkling with amusement. Immediately, Declan's face darkened, and Devon burst out laughing.
****
Leticia woke up later than usual, as Devon hadn't called for her. She quickly got ready and entered the dining room, where four people were already seated and eating.
Devon sat at the head of the table, with Declan to his right, Ruolan next to Declan, and Luis beside Ruolan. Leticia took the seat beside Declan, who smiled, "Good morning, pretty."
"Hi."
Ruolan gave Leticia a cold stare, and Leticia raised an eyebrow before continuing to eat. Ruolan whispered something in Devon's ear, kissed him, and glanced at Declan before leaving.
Devon smiled wickedly at Declan, "What a good guest Ruolan is. Right, bro?" and Luis chuckled at the two.
Declan groaned and turned to Leticia, "What's wrong, honey? You look pale."
Leticia smiled, "Nothing. I was just wondering if you're related to Devon."
"I am, I'm his elder cousin, two weeks older," Declan replied with a grin. Leticia nodded, curious. "How about Miss Ruolan and Luis?"
Declan seemed open to talking so she pressed further "No," he replied. Leticia's brows creased in confusion and she glanced at Luis, who smiled at her, "If she and Luis aren't related to both of you, why do you all have red eyes?"
The guys looked at her, different expressions on each face "Except Cecil, though," she added quickly.
Declan and Devon exchanged a glance, then looked at her again. "Huh?" Luis asked.
"Who has red eyes?" Declan asked, pretending to be confounded. Leticia felt embarrassed, "I guess I'm wrong..."
"No, you're not wrong," Devon said. "We aren't related, but we all have red eyes."
"Why?!" she blurted before she could stop herself. Devon raised an eyebrow, and she looked away.
"Your dad sent you a letter," Luis said, changing the subject because he was sure Devon would say something he's not supposed to.
"Really!" She beamed happily, immediately forgetting about the current situation. Luis nodded and glanced at Devon who added,
"You can go to your room. I'll have Luis bring it to you."
Leticia excitedly rushed away, and the guys looked at each other. "Yup, she's one of them..."
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