Lucian sat in the backseat of a sleek black car, its windows tinted so dark that not even the faintest hint of light could penetrate. The car was locked from all sides, ensuring no escape. On either side of him sat two imposing men, their muscular frames clad in bulky black jackets. Each man held a gun, the cold metal barrels subtly pointed at Lucian, a silent reminder of his predicament.
Yes, it was a kidnapping. It had happened just moments ago, right as he exited the hotel after saying goodbye to Celestia. A black car had pulled up beside him with precision, and before he could react, he was shoved inside.
Lucian just sighed. He sat in silence, his gaze looking outside the window. The car sped through the city streets toward there destination. The men flanking him exchanged glances, as if puzzled by his lack of fear.
The kidnappers themselves appeared highly professional. Their faces were hidden behind oversized sunglasses and caps pulled low. Though their attire didn’t scream suspicion, their anonymity made them impossible to identify.
Breaking the silence, the man in the front passenger seat turned slightly, his heavy voice booming as he addressed Lucian. “Hey, boy. Aren’t you afraid? Don’t you want to know where we’re taking you?” He had long, unkempt hair that fell to his chin, framing his face in a rugged, almost theatrical manner. Brushing the strands aside with a practiced hand, he gave Lucian a serious look.
Lucian met his gaze for a moment but didn’t respond. His expression was indifferent, his body language giving nothing away.
The man chuckled. “Oh, you’re an interesting one, aren’t you?” he said, his tone laced with amusement.
Lucian turned his head back to the window, ignoring him entirely.
The silence was broken again by the man sitting to Lucian’s left. “You know, kid,” he began, his voice dripping with curiosity, “has anyone ever told you that you’re pretty handsome?” He leaned in slightly, studying Lucian’s face.
The man in the front coughed abruptly, a sharp sound that seemed to serve as a reminder. “RJ,” he muttered, addressing the speaker by name, “focus.”
“Ah, yeah… don’t mind me,” the left-side man mumbled, leaning back and plastering a blank expression on his face.
Lucian sighed. Even men can’t resist my charm.
Finally, breaking his silence, Lucian spoke, his tone laced with mild irritation. “How much longer is this going to take? I’ve been sitting here for twenty minutes already. If you’re going to kidnap someone, can’t you at least be efficient about it? I have other things to do, you know.” He leaned his head against the window, visibly exhausted. The conversation with Celestia had drained him, and now this? It was just another unwelcome hassle.
The man in the front seat snorted. “Why so eager, kid? Don’t you know how this works? We’ll be there soon enough. And don’t go thinking you’re some kind of hero, acting all tough like this kidnapping’s no big deal. You rich types always think your family’s influence will save you. It’s cute, really.”
The driver chuckled darkly. “Yeah, cute,” he repeated, his voice low.
RJ, however, raised a hand, cutting the conversation short. “That’s enough. Let’s just do our job and let the boss deal with him.”
The rest of the ride was silent, save for the hum of the engine and the occasional crackle of the car’s intercom. After what felt like an eternity, the car finally pulled into a secluded estate. The gates opened automatically, revealing a sprawling mansion surrounded by nothing but emptiness. There were no guards, no signs of life just a single path leading to an underground garage.
The car parked smoothly, and the men exited, their movements fluid and disciplined. One of them opened Lucian’s door, motioning for him to step out. “Let’s go, kid,” he ordered, his gun subtly visible as a warning.
Lucian complied without a word, stepping out and following them into the garage.
Maxy, how much longer is this going to waste my time?
Oh, I’d say thirty minutes at most, Host. But honestly? This is starting to get interesting.
Lucian suppressed another sigh. Interesting for you. For me, it’s just another annoyance.
After walking through hallways for what felt like an eternity, the men finally stopped in front of a door. One of them, who had been leading the group, turned the handle and pushed it open. He glanced back at Lucian, his face giving a subtle but unmistakable gesture to enter.
“Go in,” he said curtly, his tone as emotionless as his expression.
Lucian didn’t hesitate. He stepped inside without a second thought, his calm demeanor unwavering. RJ, the man who had been seated in the front during the car ride, followed closely behind, his gun held loosely but deliberately in his grip. He shut the door behind them with a soft click, sealing the room.
The space inside caught Lucian slightly off guard not because of its luxury, but because of the stark contrast to what he had expected. The room exuded opulence: rich velvet drapes framed the tall windows, a massive crystal chandelier hung from the ceiling, and polished mahogany furniture gleamed under its soft light. But it was the man sitting in the center of the room who commanded attention.
He was lounging on an oversized leather sofa, one leg casually draped over the other. His light brown hair was perfectly styled, and his sharp, chiseled features gave him an almost otherworldly appearance. There was a devilish charm to his look, a dangerous allure that made it hard to discern whether he was a predator or a gentleman or perhaps both.
RJ moved past Lucian, taking up a position behind the man’s sofa. He stood there silently, like a shadow, his role as a bodyguard evident. Lucian, however, paid him no mind. Instead, he walked to the table directly in front of the sofa and took a seat.
No words were exchanged at first. Lucian sat calmly, his expression neutral as his eyes locked with those of the man across from him. The tension in the room was palpable, yet neither seemed inclined to break the silence.
Then, without warning, Lucian’s lips curled into a faint smile. He leaned back slightly, his tone laced with subtle mockery as he finally spoke. Your next read is at empire
“Well, if it isn’t the prince himself,” Lucian said, his voice smooth and steady. “I must say, your methods of hospitality are very unique.”