Page 58 of King of Rage

He inhaled quietly, his eyes lingering on the photographs.

This was Stella's space.

Her bed. Her belongings. Her photographs.

And there wasn't a single sign of Shane anywhere.

The realization brought a quiet satisfaction to his face.

‘She lives here. She sleeps here. And Shane isn't a part of this room.’

For some reason, that thought made him happier than he cared to admit.

Stella turned around and found him still looking around the room.

“You should leave now,” she said.

Lucius shifted his gaze back to her, the corner of his mouth lifting.

“Are you kicking me out already?”

Before she could finish speaking, another voice came from outside the door.

“Stella, are you awake yet? Breakfast is on the table,” Darla called, knocking on the door. “Should I bring your breakfast in here? I’ve already set up your plate.”

Before Stella could answer, Darla knocked again.

“I’m coming in.”

Stella's eyes widened in alarm.

“No, wait!”

She hurried toward the door and pressed her hand against it, keeping it shut.

“I’m coming out in a minute,” she called, trying to keep her voice steady. “I’ll join you at the table in a minute. Please wait.”

There was a brief pause.

“All right. I’ll wait for you,” Darla replied before walking back toward the living room.

Stella remained by the door for another moment, her palm pressed against the wood. She took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing heart, and then turned around.

Lucius was still lying on her bed, his hands folded behind his head, one leg bent casually at the knee. He looked way too comfortable.

Stella marched back toward him, planted her hands on her waist, and glared down at him.

“Are you going to get up? You need to leave. I told you last night to leave early in the morning.”

Lucius shifted his gaze toward her, completely unbothered by her irritation.

“Darling, we slept until morning. Did you really expect me to wake up at dawn?”

His deep voice carried a hint of amusement, and the lazy confidence in his expression only made her more frustrated.

Stella's face flushed.

He hadn't forgotten.