The Duke's Passion

Thick, suffocating air dawned upon our table. Sam and the little boy barely blinked.

I wanted to speak and break this suffocating air around us. However, I couldn't bring myself to do so. Words were stuck in my throat. All I could do was dart my eyes from Sam to the boy.

Sam narrowed his eyes, studying the boy. Although the latter remained adorable, he didn't flinch under such intimidating gaze.

'How could he…' I shrugged my thoughts away. 

I didn't want to doubt this boy right now. After all, since he was young, his fear could easily turn into trust. He might not know how dangerous Sam could be.

Although I believed Sam wouldn't hurt a child, I didn't want them to dislike each other. Something within me wanted them to get closer.

"How about dessert?" I gathered a lifetime of courage to force these words out of my mouth.

"Dessert?" The boy snapped as he turned to me, tilting his head a little. 

"Yes! Sweets!" I clapped my hand, pretending not to feel Sam's intimidating aura. Even though there wasn't fire, I could hear the crackling sound of the invisible flames around Sam.

"Sweets…" the boy muttered under his breath, blinking in puzzlement.

"You'll like them." I grinned and patted his head gently.

He blushed and smiled brightly. He acted as a child in front of me, but how could he have a staring competition with Sam, as if nothing? I nearly thought this boy was challenging Sam.

But I ignored it. It was probably my imagination; I thought.

"Alright. I'll get them." I nodded at him before I turned to Sam.

Sam was frowning. His arms crossed, his eyes bore disinterest. Seeing his expression tugged my heart. I felt guilty for him, as this was supposed to be our day together.

However, I couldn't turn a blind eye to an abandoned child. A sigh slipped out from my lips.

Slowly, I extended my arm across the table. "We'll help him look for his uncle, and then we do as planned, hmm?" 

I wriggled my fingers, hinting him to hold my hand. Sam looked away grumpily. Yet he reached for my hand and held it.

"What else can I do? You'll just do whatever you want, anyway." He complained in a low tone.

I could not help but giggle. Sam was surely displeased, but I could feel that he didn't love me less. I appreciate his consideration and unconditional understanding.

"Sam... I --" 

"Auntie, sweets." Suddenly, the boy grabbed my other hand and tugged it lightly.

His action caught my attention as I gazed at him. I smiled, but just as I did, Sam squeezed my hand lightly. I turned my head to Sam again.

"I think you're trying to say something?" Sam smiled as he fluttered his eyelashes ever so slowly.

"Ah… I —"

"Auntie Lilove…" Again, the little boy tugged my hand and then Sam squeeze my other hand lightly.

"…" It rendered me speechless. Just when I thought they came to a truce, but they're still at it.

"Auntie Lilove?"

"My Lilove?"

I gritted my teeth, feeling my temple throbbed. When they called me once again, I pulled both my hands slowly from their grip. Sporting a forced smile as I darted my eyes from the boy to Sam.

"You two." I took a deep breath. "I will get some sweets, alright? Can you behave? Sam? Please?"

"Why are you just telling me that? That thing over there is the one who started it." Sam clicked his tongue as he frowned.

*sigh* "He has a name, Sam." I turned to the boy. Raising my brows. "You're...?"

"Claude." The boy frowned as he let out a sigh. What a pretty name.

"Claude, Uncle Sam is not a bad person. He just treasures Auntie so much. So, can you please listen to Uncle?" I smiled, talking to him gentler since I didn't want to hurt him emotionally.

"I'm sorry, Auntie Lilove." Claude pursed his lips as his doe eyes welled up. 

"It's alright." My heart melted as I helplessly sighed. "Auntie and Uncle will help you find your uncle, alright? For now, behave."

"Yes, Auntie Lilove. Please don't be mad at me."

"Oh no. I'm not." I patted his head lovingly.

"You're not?" Claude perked up, his eyes brimming with hope. I smiled at how adorable and innocent he was.

"I'm not. But don't anger Uncle, alright? I will get mad if you disrespect him." I uttered firmly.

"Alright." He reluctantly nodded as he glanced at Sam. When he did, his expression slightly changed.

I turned to Sam to see why Claude's expression changed. But Sam was just smiling. I probably saw it wrong, I thought.

Little did I know, Sam was sticking his tongue out when Claude looked at him. 

"Anyway, I'll get some sweets. You two behave, alright?"

For the last time, I darted my determined eyes from Sam to Claude. Both nodded their heads reluctantly.

"Let me help you." Sam offered, prompting to stand up. However, I stopped him by raising my hand and shaking my head.

"Look after Claude. It won't take long." 

"But —"

"It's alright." I abruptly cut Sam off before he could argue. Sam frowned as he grumpily plopped down.

I sighed. I would ask Sam to help me, but I didn't want to leave Claude alone. His uncle abandoned him. I didn't want him to feel anxious waiting for me and Sam. 

I could have asked Sam to do it. But I wanted to give them time alone, hoping they would get along with my brief absence.

"Really, Sam's only exception is me. Although, he'd been more considerate considering he's been holding back." I murmured under my breath.

Knowing Sam, he wouldn't even agree to take Claude with us. I should make it up to him after taking Claude to the authorities of Cunningham.

Obviously, Claude would only get more tired if he went with us longer. It was better to ask the authorities while Claude waits for news. If he was truly abandoned, I'll tell Cameron to look after him.

"That's the plan." I whispered as I approach the sweet section of the restaurant.

Come here.

Suddenly, I heard a voice in my head, which made me pause.

Come.

Slowly, I turned my head in the voice's direction. My eyes instantly fell on a hooded man clad with a cloak exiting the premises.

He glanced back at me. Because of his hood, I couldn't see his face, only his smirk.

Before I knew it, my feet moved on their own and followed him. I knew I shouldn't go on my own. However, I couldn't stop myself as I followed the man's tracks.

"Wait…" I whispered, jogging as I tried to catch up desperately. 

'No, Lilou. You shouldn't!' When I turned into an alley, I finally stopped upon hearing a woman's voice in my head.

"Lara?" I whispered. I blinked my eyes, gazing at the empty and dark alley despite the peak of the day.

"Why am I doing…?" I muttered before I froze. Behind me, there's a powerful presence.

I gritted my teeth as I balled my hands into a tight fist. My instinct told me to fight and escape. However, even before I could, I felt something hit my nape and then darkness.