Saying the words is impossible, so I just nod. The warmth of the blush flushes my skin.
“We’ll be discussing this after we get back to Jupiter. First, you’re going to be checked over by Lach, then I’m going to get you settled into my suite at the clubhouse. If Lach says you’re good to go, then I’m going to make that fantasy you just had come true.”
“You live at the clubhouse?” Staying there intrigues me, but if his idea is to make this permanent, wouldn’t he want a house for us to live in?
“No, I just stay there when I don’t feel like making the drive out to the house, or I’m needed there instead.”
“You don’t want me at your house?” Talk about instantaneous hurt. If he only wants me for my virginity, I need to make things clear right now. “I’m not sure I want to give up my virginity yet.” It’s rough suppressing the quiver in my voice.
Lucian slides his hands against the sides of my face and tips my head up to look at him again. I keep avoiding eye contact because I’ve been told my eyes give me away, and if he’s not into me like I am him, then I don’t want to make him feel uncomfortable.
“Evelise, let’s get one thing straight right now. I told you I’m taking over your life from now until the day one of us leaves this earth, which will be in a long time. I’m not in this for sex or just to save you. I want forever. I’ve wanted it with you for months now, but you need to be prepared for me. The reason we aren’t going out to my house at the moment is that it’s too remote.” He pauses for me to digest everything he just said. He likes me. “I’m not doing all this for a quick fuck. I’m not doing this so Justin can get his hands on you the first time I have to go to the office. And finally, I’m not doing any of this just because I was asked or as a favor due. I’m doing this because the first time I saw you was the first time in a long time that I wanted something other than work or a ride on my bike. I want you.”
“I want you too. What do you mean a favor due?”
“Your grandfather and father were owed a favor for help they gave to my father and grandfather. Your grandmother called me today to ask me for help in return for cashing in the debt. I told her I couldn’t do it.” I start to step back, but he continues. “I couldn’t do it because I wanted to do it for you. I wanted you. I still want you. I don’t think I’ll ever get over this need for you.”
My chest heaves as I think of what he’s saying to me. “So, you’re here for me. Not as a favor?”
“Yeah.” He brushes a thumb across my bottom lip before leaning down to kiss me again. A knock interrupts us, and he draws his head back. “Enter,” he orders the person, but doesn’t let me go. He continues to stare into my eyes, his lips a hair's breadth from mine.
“He’s on the move,” Hammer says from behind me.
“Where to?”
“This way.” The moment those words leave Hammer’s mouth, I watch Lucian’s body tighten up. His jaw clenches for a moment before that storm blows back into his sky-blue eyes.
“What aren’t you telling me?” I ask so softly I’m not sure he hears me, but he must.
“Justin is headed this way.”
Panic strikes instantly. My pulse races, my breathing accelerates, and this time it’s not from desire or need. It’s pure terror, but instinct kicks in. “Leave. I’ll take care of it.”
“I told you, you’re not in charge anymore. No offense, but you make bad decisions, babe.” He releases me. “Let’s move.”
“None of the furniture is mine.”
“Good.”
“We are all packed out here. The kitten is fed and was given a chance to use the litter box. I put him back into the carrier, and he’s waiting in the truck.”
“Thank you,” I turn to Hammer. “My gigi just gave him to me a couple months ago, and Cassini is my baby.”
“Cassini…okay?” The edge of Hammer’s lip tips up. “Finish this room so we can get out of here.”
That’s precisely what Lucian and I do. As soon as my dresser is cleared out and my decorations all packed, we walk out into the outer rooms. I notice the apartment appears just like it did when I first moved in—boring and drab. No longer are there fabrics or designs I was working on scattered about. It’s as if I were never here.
“Give me your phone, sweet cheeks.” Lucian holds out his hand. I pull it from my pocket and see a couple of missed calls from Justin.
“That’s the only way I can get ahold of my family.”
“No, it isn’t. They gave up their phones, too. I have a new phone ready for you back in my office. Last message I got from the team was that your parents were boarded on the plane and waiting to take off.”
“They are going to Greece. They can’t, Justin said he could get a hold of them there too.”
“Nope, sending them somewhere else. I’ll tell you later.”
“Okay.” I hand over my lifeline for the last few years; glad I have everything backed up to the cloud.
