章節 11: If I kiss you

"Relax," Devon said nonchalantly after a while.

"You know those who can see through disguises, Devon. Won't you do something about it?" Declan asked.

Devon scoffed, "I don't think doing anything about her would be of benefit to me in any way. She's just another siren. So please."

Declan glanced at Luis, who shrugged. The three sat in silence but Declan suddenly spoke up, "I just came up with a brilliant idea!"

"I doubt."Devon smirked but Luis eyed him disapprovingly before saying to Declan," What is it? "

" So, from everything I've gathered, Leticia is oblivious of everything and her seeing our red eyes means she's of the royal blood. Don't you think it's a perfect opportunity to get Jacinta out of that hellhole without any complications or trouble."

Silence prevailed and neither of them spoke for a while. Luis then frowned, "Isn't that using her?"

Declan said, "We'll explain to her, then she can decide if she wants to or not. In fact, Devon, you can make it the repayment for what she did, can't you?"

Devon was frowning hard. His eyes were dark as he stared at Declan. Declan quickly said, "Devon, I know you're still mad at Jacinta. But you loved her, and she loved you too..."

Devon snapped at him, "She chose him over me. Over us. Why should I trouble an innocent girl because I want to help her?"

Declan said softly, "She was young and naive, Devon."

Devon stared at Declan, "I went to Myrrh five different times after she left. I tried to persuade her to leave that Mythical bastard. But wow, she was blinded by love and nativity, let me guess. More like stupidness. "

" No one knew it would turn out to be awful then. I just didn't expect you to sit back and watch someone tamper with someone you care about. Can't you just forgive Jacinta? You know you're the only one who can save her. Come on." Declan went on.

Luis was silently staring at Devon. His face wasn't holding any expression for it seemed that the mention of Jacinta's name changed his mood subtly.

After what seemed like ages, Devon grumbled, "For old times' sake, I'll help her. But I won't exploit Leticia." Not that he cared about her though. He tried to convince himself.

Declan nodded understandably. Luis stood up, "I'm going in. Later." and he walked away, not waiting for either to talk.

The two dashing cousins watched him go, "Still not over it."

"He'll never be."

***

Leticia smiled at Luis as he handed her the letter. "Thank you!" Luis just smiled and left.

Leticia felt herself tearing up as she happily read the letter from her dad. It said they were fine. To her shock, Devon had sent a maid to assist her family instead of making them suffer like those main characters in books do, and they couldn't wait to see her and how much they missed her.

She got even happier seeing her little sister's scrawling (Miss you big sis. I want to see you. This really beautiful guy came over, and he brought me chocolates. Can you bring more when you come? Can't wait to see you. Love, Lily.) and a picture of her dad and sister was sent along.

Leticia smiled fondly, caressing the surface of the picture. Her younger sister looked so much like their dad, except for the eyes, which they got from their mother. That night, she slept so happily.

***

Leticia woke up in her beautiful room, feeling happy and refreshed. But her tranquility was short-lived, as someone burst in without warning.

She didn't need to look up to know it was Devon - his presence was unmistakable. She quickly stood up, a small frown creasing her face.

"Hello, Leticia," he said with his usual, sky and creepy smile . "How are you?"

Leticia replied politely, bowing, "I'm fine, Master. Why are you here?"

Devon looked down at her and something flashed across his eyes. She was wearing a soft pink cotton nightdress that shone in the soft light. Her golden hair was pulled into a rough bun and her opal eyes sparkled.

Devon looked at her for a moment, taking in her slim figure and graceful curves. But as soon as she looked up, his eyes rested on something behind her and his hands slipped into his pockets.

"Well, I just came back from a meeting, and I haven't seen you for well, hours. So I came to hang out with you." He grinned, shocking Leticia when he added, "I missed you." and there she choked, her face turning pink. Yet she knew he was playing around with her. One should never trust what Devon says.

Devon smirked, "Walk with me?"

"Oh, okay," She said and walked after him.

Leticia and Devon walked down the hall in silence, their footsteps echoing off the walls. He was walking in front of her, not minding the fact that she was almost jogging to catch up with him.

Leticia's mind wandered back to their conversation from and she let her curiosity get the best of her, "Master, I hope I'm allowed to ask this but you still haven't told me why you all have red eyes."

Devon's expression didn't change, "Why are you so curious?"

Leticia blinked,not willing to tell him that it was surprising and very rare to have red eyes... He might be offended and that wouldn't end well for her, so she didn't say anything.

"Anyways, the simplest explanation is that we have the same forefathers." He simply said and he could bet she frowned.

"Wait, if you have the same forefathers, shouldn't that mean you're related? And... If you're related..." She had a disgusted look in her eyes, "Why are you practicing incest with Miss Ruolan?"

Devon halted, making her do the same. He turned to her with a cool stare that made her heart jump.

"Why would you think I'm sleeping with Ruolan?" His gaze was piercing and scary, but Leticia still spoke,

"She kissed you." Was her simple reply, "And it was disgusting" she wanted to add but didn't.

Devon suddenly grinned smugly. He moved close to her, and his hand moved up to tuck a strand of stray blonde hair behind her ear, his fingers curling in her hair.

Her heart thumped wildly as he leaned down and stared right into her eyes. He's so close. So close she only has to lean a centimeter in, and her lips would touch his but that could only happen in her wildest dream.

"If I kiss you now..." He whispered, leaning towards her ear, "Would that mean that I've slept with or I'm sleeping with you?" Even though his breath was hot, Leticia felt chills run down her legs. She couldn't even think of what to say. He's so close...

"Hmn?" he hummed, gently stroking her cheek, his cold fingers subtly brushing against her lips. Leticia finally found her voice, stammering, "It... it wouldn't."

Devon smiled slyly, standing up straight, and Leticia realized she'd been holding her breath. She exhaled as he gazed at her flushed face, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Gee, what the heck? I didn't even touch you," he teased. Leticia bit her lip and looked down in embarrassment, resisting the urge to retort.

"Come, let's go to my art room," he spoke but Leticia hesitated, "Um, no thanks. I'll just go to my room."

She didn't want to be near him any longer, fearing her heart might just burst out of her chest.

Devon raised an eyebrow, the type he does when he's about to pull her hair in anger, and she quickly added, "I meant, let's go!"

He smiled in an almost cocky manner, "That's what I thought I heard," and walked away.

Leticia sighed , annoyed, and rushed after him.

"I'm not happy you're touching me like that," she protested as she caught up with him. Her reaction was something she herself didn't like because it was so foreign and she'd thought she was going to pass out from holding her breath.

Devon shot back, "I'm not happy you tried to poison me either. Besides, I wasn't even touching you. And in case you've forgotten, you have no right to say anything or complain. So you'd better keep that pretty little mouth of yours shut before I decide to ruin it for you." He sounded so damn cold and he definitely meant it.

Leticia didn't know when her heart fell and her steps slowed a bit. He's right. She should grateful he's not being cruel. She should just take everything as it comes.