The Day I Walked Away My Empire Began novel Chapter 125

Lucie frowned. “Don’t even think about it. Just stay here and wait for us.”

Elio shook his head stubbornly. “No way. I’m coming with you.”

“Elio, can you not be such a pain?”

“Lucie, come on. I’m a guy. Wouldn’t it be safer if I went with you?” He glanced over at Ruby, grinning mischievously. “Besides, you’re really going to leave a cute girl like her alone with me? Aren’t you worried I might… misbehave?”

Lucie shot him a sharp look. Elio was a shameless flirt. The minute he saw a pretty face, he couldn’t help himself. And with his good looks and deep pockets, he always seemed to get what he wanted.

He grinned, totally unbothered. “If something happens, don’t blame me, okay?”

Lucie hesitated, nervous he’d actually cause trouble. She finally gave in, exasperated. “Fine. Come with me, then.”

Elio’s face lit up. “Awesome.”

Lucie let out a heavy sigh. “Jean, Ruby, you two stay here and wait for us.”

“Yes, Ms. Anderson,” Jean replied.

“Ruby, give me your backpack. You and Jean can just share one for now.”

“Okay.” Ruby handed her backpack over.

Elio jumped in and grabbed it first. “Let me. I got it.”

“Seriously, be careful this time. Don’t lose it again.”

“Go that way. Don’t drift off course. Actually, just give me the paddle. I’ll steer,” Lucie said.

“No way. I’m the guy here. How can I let you do the heavy lifting?”

“Elio, cut it out. If it gets any darker, we won’t see a thing.”

He grinned, totally unrepentant. “Isn’t that perfect? Then we’ll have to spend the night across the lake, just the two of us. What do you think, Lucie? Wanna try it? I bet I’m way more fun than that old guy…”

Lucie glared at him, dead serious. “Shut up. Say one more thing like that and I swear I’ll lose it.”

“Okay, okay, I’m done. I’ll keep my mouth shut.”

Lucie ignored him, turning to check how far they still had to go.