Chapter 18

JANE'S POV

I casted Claudius a small nervous glance. He was quietly eating his dinner. He had barely said a word since he arrived save for a few pleasantries we exchanged the first minutes. After that , he had slipped into a silent mode.

The intense atmosphere was freaking me out . l was scared that he was suddenly going to announce that he wanted nothing to do with me. I clearly knew that Claudius cared for me ever since he arrived at Castio mansion. He also cared and adored Elena a lot .

I was not going to let Ferracco's ghost ruin things for me anymore. I knew Claudius was still mad at me because he probably thought that l was still pinning after that asshole , Ferracco.

I sipped my wine and gently placed the glass on the table. I cleared my throat . That gained me Claudius's attention because he looked up at me with a forced smile on his face. I discovered that he too was nervous .

" l am really sorry about last time," l carefully said.

He remained silent for a brief moment only staring at me.

" l admit that l was being stupid and paranoid for nothing. When l calmed down and had time to think the whole thing through, l realised that l was probably mistaken. I don't think he is stupid enough to remain in Brazil after his crimes," l continued.

Claudius's face softened a bit. His hand reached for mine across the table. It was warm and reassuring. Just what l needed after last week's hectic drama.

" l am sorry too for the way l reacted. I yelled at you and accused you for having feelings for that bastard. I was being irrational and jealous for nothing. "

He exhaled slowly before continuing,

"I didn't contact you because l felt bad. I couldn't face you right away. I thought you needed space to sort out your feelings ."

I suddenly find myself smiling. This was my first time to see Claudius sounding so nervous and unsure.

" And here l was, thinking that you probably wanted nothing to do with me. There was no feelings to sort . l am over that pig but l am not done with him yet. He still has something of mine. I was just shocked to see someone so similar to him," l blurted out.

" l know you are still hurting over this thing and l will willingly help you to get through this. I just hope he doesn't get between us," he said in a sharp voice staring at me with a serious expression.

" l swear that won't happen, " l assured him.

He cast me a small smirk.

" And another thing. You can't go hysterical everyday you spot some blue- eyed dude on the streets. Gosh ! My neck is still hurting when you grabbed me by the collar that day. "

A bubble of laughter escaped me. I love that he was back to his usual self.

" l am sorry for that ," l replied grinning.

Claudius looked around the grand restaurant appreciatively.

" l bet this is all Lola's doing."

I rolled my eyes at him.

" Really Claudius! Do you have to spoil the moment. I was trying being romantic for change, " l chucked in humour.

Claudius smiled mischievously at me.

"I know my girlfriend really well."

" Are you implying that l don't have a single romantic bone in me," l gasped in disbelief.

" Not really but l know you sulk at the job."

Claudius gave me a slow , seductive smile. He leaned forward and lightly tapped my nose before pressing small kisses all over my hands. I muffled a giggle with my hand.

" Stop that. People are staring," l whispered indicating to the next table with my head.

Claudius turned his head to the direction. An elderly woman was throwing daggers at us. Her expression was clearly screaming, " This is a restaurant, idiots. Get yourselves a room! "

" I don't give a damn about them," he shrugged slightly whilst beaming.

I found myself wondering why l was adamant on dating Claudius the first days. He was a good man. He made me happy. He loved Elena. Claudius would make a great father to Elena.

" l was thinking we could go on a vacation, " l suggested.

Claudius looked at me with his face drawn in surprise. A smile then replaced his frown.

" Your another idea of being romantic. I love this side of you," he chuckled.

I slapped his arm.

"Stop turning everything into some silly joke. I am being serious. And another thing , the dinner date was Lola's idea but now the trip is entirely my idea. So yeah l still have a romantic bone in me."

" l am free next Friday," he announced happily.

" l badly want this thing between us to work and l think a vacation is the best way. I want more time together," l said earnestly.

Claudius looked at me with warmth.

"So where are we going? I haven't decided on that yet," l asked him.

" l think we could rent a beach house outside the city," he said in a calm voice .

My mouth gaped open in surprise.

" Are you kidding me! It's freaking expensive. You don't have to do that. "

The edges of his lips turned up.

" l have the money for that so chills."

A handsome guy dressed in a dark armani suit passed by our table. I immediately recognised him as Daniel King, the owner of Lick it restaurants. He had dropped Lola home a few times.

" Who is that you are checking out openly. "

Claudius voice drew away my attention.

"He is Daniel King , the owner of Lick it restaurants and probably the future boyfriend of Lola."

Claudius cocked a dark eyebrow at me.

" That was quite a detailed description ," he chuckled.

I let out a deep sigh.

" l am just worried she is gonna end up hurting because of him. They are pretty much different. He is rolling in dollars while Lola is well.....," my voice trailed off.

" Lola is one tough girl. She will be fine," Claudius assured me.

" Lucas ! What a pleasure to see you here. By the way , is this your new play thing," l heard Daniel's voice behind me.

A deep rich voice laughed in response. My nerve endings immediately stood still.

"Don't go hypocrite on me ,Daniel. I know you don't. And the person you are referring to as my play thing is actually my fiance. So shut up before l bash your jaw," said a sharp voice.

My heart skipped a beat.

That same voice!

I swiftly turned around with my heart racing madly. I almost gasped. Daniel was talking to the very same guy l met on the streets with Claudius the other day.

He was wearing black jeans and a black leather jacket. His hand was wrapped around a waist of a beautiful lady with long honey brown hair and her makeup was on point.

The two were talking in hushed tones all the while exchanging cold expressions.

" Jane!, " Claudius's voice broke through my thoughts.

I feigned a smile to hide my nervousness. I didn't want to argue with Claudius again. We just made amends and l hate to spoil it again. I hide my trembling hands under the table. Claudius looked at me with worry.

" Are you feeling tired? You just zoned out a minute ago."

I cast him a small nervous smile.

"I am okay. I will be right back. I have to use the bathroom."

I got up from the table and disappeared into the ladies's restroom.