The Day I Walked Away My Empire Began novel Chapter 205

Lucie’s heart did a somersault and her expression went stormy. She didn’t want to mention Steven at all. Not a word. When it came to pain, she could usually block things out and heal on her own, but that only worked if people stopped picking at the wound. Every time someone brought it up, it took her forever to recover.

June just rolled her eyes again. “Elio, being hot isn’t about a guy’s face or body. It’s about that animal magnetism, you know? Pheromones. The kind of thing that just pulls you in. Not that you’d get it. Now go away.”

He got shut down right away, pushed to the sidelines like he was yesterday’s news. Elio’s ridiculously handsome face turned red with frustration and embarrassment.

“Shallow. Seriously, you’re all so shallow,” he grumbled.

To be fair, if you were just talking about looks, Elio was definitely more striking than Steven. Prettier, even. He’s the kind of guy you’d want to just sit and stare at. Too bad he ruined it every time he opened his mouth. If he’d just sit there and keep quiet, he’d be the perfect piece of eye candy. But no. He had to have that sharp tongue and loud, cocky energy. The guy couldn’t sit still, and he never missed a chance to say the worst possible thing. You had to dock him at least twenty points the second he started talking.

Lucie stayed quiet, but June wasn’t letting it go. “Lucie, how could you walk away from a guy that gorgeous? Seriously, I don’t get it.”

Lucie felt a spike of irritation. She really didn’t want to answer.

Elio, on the other hand, jumped in before she could speak. “Isn’t it obvious? She divorced him so she could marry me. Duh.”

June gaped at them. “Wait, for real? Lucie, did you actually dump your husband for this idiot?”

“What else?” Elio said, all smug. “We’re already planning our wedding, so you can stop chasing me now.”

Elio looked like he might explode. June really knew how to hit him where it hurt. Every word was like twisting the knife.

“Want me to help you win her over?” June teased. Then she turned to Lucie with a mischievous grin. “Lucie, honestly, Elio’s not bad at all. And trust me, he’s totally crazy about you. Do the guy a favor and just give him a chance. Put him out of his misery.”

She dropped her voice, all mysterious. “Plus, I can vouch for him. Of all the men I’ve been with, he’s the best—let’s just say—equipped, and he’s got stamina for days. If you get with him, I guarantee you’ll be very, very satisfied…”

Before she could finish, Elio jumped across the room and slapped his hand over her mouth. “Wildcat, I’m begging you, shut up! Can you please stop talking like that? Are you trying to ruin what’s left of my reputation?”