chapter 24

Luke was relentless. Every chance he got, he showered Amaira with attention, making sure she knew just how much he cared. Whether it was a surprise bouquet of flowers or a quick compliment on how well she handled a situation, he was always there, always trying to get closer. His efforts were subtle but clear—he was trying to win her over.Amaira noticed, of course. At first, it felt flattering, his gestures light and affectionate. But as days went by, she began to feel overwhelmed by the constant presence of his attentions. Luke would find any excuse to spend time with her—whether it was an innocent stroll through the garden or an offer to help her with anything she needed. She liked him, she did—but there was something nagging at her, a feeling that she couldn’t shake.Scar Boss, on the other hand, was growing more aware of Luke’s actions. His eyes, sharp as ever, couldn’t miss the way Luke would lean a little too close, or how he would find ways to engage Amaira in conversation for longer than necessary. The jealousy was subtle at first, buried beneath the surface, but it began to fester. The way Luke would laugh a little too loudly in Amaira’s presence, or how he’d touch her shoulder just a bit too casually—it was clear to Scar Boss that his childhood friend had shifted his focus onto Amaira.Scar Boss wasn’t one to openly express jealousy, but he couldn’t ignore the growing frustration in his chest. He wasn’t the type to make a scene, but he felt his patience thinning every time Luke found an excuse to be near Amaira. It wasn’t that he cared for her—it wasn’t like that. But the thought of Luke getting too close made something stir inside him, something he couldn’t entirely name.As the days passed, Scar Boss became more cold, more distant. He watched from afar as Luke and Amaira shared quiet conversations, the smile on Luke’s face wide, his charm evident. It was becoming harder to ignore.Finally, it all came to a head one evening. Amaira was in the garden, reading a book, when Luke appeared, leaning against the stone wall with that same teasing smile. He leaned closer to her, saying something that made her laugh softly. Scar Boss, standing from the window above, observed the scene, his jaw tightening.Without thinking, he moved toward the garden, his steps quick and deliberate. Amaira looked up, surprised to see him approaching."Scar Boss?" she asked, her voice a little too surprised.Luke glanced at him, his smile not faltering. "Hey, man, what’s up?"Scar Boss didn’t answer. His gaze flickered briefly toward Luke, then back to Amaira. He could feel the weight of the moment pressing on him. The frustration, the jealousy—he had to put an end to it. He couldn’t allow it to keep festering inside him."Amaira," Scar Boss began, his voice cold but steady, "you should stay away from Luke."Amaira blinked, caught off guard by the sudden sharpness in his tone. Luke’s eyes narrowed as well, a flash of surprise crossing his face. "What?" Amaira asked, her brows furrowing. "Why?""I’m serious." Scar Boss’s voice remained calm, but there was an edge to it that made Amaira’s stomach tighten. "I don’t want you around him."Luke laughed lightly, trying to diffuse the tension. "Come on, man, we’re just friends here."But Scar Boss’s gaze didn’t leave Amaira’s. "I’m not talking to you." His words were like ice, his tone biting, making it clear that he wasn’t willing to entertain any excuses.Amaira’s heart raced. She was caught between the two men, the atmosphere around her thick with tension. "Why do you care?" she finally asked, her voice low but steady, trying to maintain control over her emotions. "Why are you telling me this?"Scar Boss stepped closer, his eyes locking with hers. " I don’t trust him."Amaira's chest tightened. She didn’t know why, but his words hit her like a punch to the gut. She looked from Scar Boss to Luke, then back again. Luke remained quiet, watching the exchange unfold."Trust him?" Amaira repeated, her voice barely above a whisper. "I thought you didn’t care about my personal life.""I don’t," Boss replied sharply, his gaze intense. "But you’re under my roof, under my protection. I don’t want him getting any closer to you."Amaira’s fingers clenched at her sides. " not some object for you to control.""Don’t make this into something it’s not" Scar Boss said, his voice growing more impatient. "I don’t like the way he’s acting around you. Stay away from him."Amaira took a step back, her eyes flashing with anger. "You can’t control me, Scar Boss," she said, her voice rising. "I can talk to whoever I want."Luke watched silently, feeling the tension thickening in the air. This wasn’t the playful argument he had hoped for. He didn’t know what to say, but he could see that this wasn’t going to end well."I’m not trying to control you," Scar Boss said, his voice quieter now, but there was a steel edge to it. "I’m trying to keep you safe."Amaira shook her head, unable to hold back the surge of frustration inside her. "You’re impossible," she muttered, turning away from him and walking toward the mansion.Scar Boss stood there for a moment, watching her retreating figure, the storm inside him far from over. His thoughts were a mix of confusion and frustration. He hadn’t meant to push her so far, but her defiance stirred something inside him.Luke stepped forward cautiously, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "You know, Scar Boss, you can’t keep her locked up forever."Scar Boss didn’t respond, his gaze lingering on the spot where Amaira had just been.He couldn’t explain it, but something inside him knew that this wasn’t over. Not by a long shot.