But the smile tugging at my mouth ruins my denial. Almost unconsciously, my fingers brush against the side of my neck, like I’m checking.
“Mm-hmm. Sure.” Tyler says with a vicious grin. “I know that look. Something happened. You’ll crack eventually, you always do.”
I roll my eyes hard, but the flush won’t leave my skin. I raise my hand to sign a retort, but a sharp knock rattles the door, making me jump.
“I’ll tell you later,” I sign hurriedly, already moving toward the sound. “I’ll be home soon.”
The knock comes again, and I walk across the room, then open the door. A lady dressed in something like a housekeeper’s uniform is standing outside, a smile plastered on her face.
“Good morning,” she says with a deep Thai accent, her voice gentle. “Mrs. Davika has invited you downstairs for breakfast.”
I blink at her, momentarily frozen.
Davika, I met her last night. She had been kind and given me a warm smile, but that didn’t stop the nervousness from pooling in my stomach about sitting down across from Alex’s mother without Alex there.
“Seems like you’re already dressed,” the woman says kindly, “I can lead you to the dining room.”
I glance down at myself, inhale, then nod at her, giving her a nervous smile.
I remind myself to breathe as I trail behind her in the hallway and down the stairs.
As we approach the huge dining area, the sound becomes clearer—cutlery, soft chatter, and someone laughing. Then I hear a voice.
“Look who we have here.”
Maksim’s voice is unmistakably teasing, loud, and a little too amused. Igor, Maksim, Ivana… and Alex’s mother are already seated at the long table set for breakfast.
Davika, Elegant even at this hour, is dressed in a pale cream blouse and silk trousers, her hair neatly swept up.
Four pairs of eyes land on me.
I almost take a step back.
But then Davika lights up, her voice warm and delighted.
“Oh, my pretty boy Lucas,” she says, and the way she says it makes my stomach flutter. “Come on, I’m glad you agreed to join me.”
I blink at her.
Then slowly, I walk toward the table, every step feeling like I’m walking into something sacred. The staff are already inside, placing dishes. The smell of fresh bread and something sweet fills the air.
Davika gestures to the seat right beside her, and I obey, signing a good morning to her even though I know she might not understand, then settling down quietly.
Ivana leans forward with a gentle smile.
“How was your night?” She asks kindly.
I manage a soft smile back, nodding once. But before I can reach for my phone to type in a reply and ask how hers was, Maksim grins.
“With the hickey on his neck, I’d say his night was splendid.”
shit.I forgot the hickey.
Heat rises to my face so fast I feel dizzy. I instinctively raise a hand to cover my neck, but it’s too late. Igor chuckles loudly. But Davika frowns, then gives Maksim a death glare sharp enough to silence a room.
“Make him feel embarrassed again, and I’ll skin you alive,” she says, her voice deathly cold. Then she mutters something in Thai—sharp, quick. I don’t know what it means, but Maksim’s eyes widen slightly.
“Jeez, Mother, chill,” he mutters, lifting both hands in surrender.
