Luke turns to look at his brother beside him. “Pardon me for having an interest in cinema as opposed tofashion.”
Charlie shoves him. “Fashion is so much more interesting than grubby movie trivia.”
Sarah swoons beside me. “I think both are substantial interests. Don’t you agree, Emily?”
I shrug, catching Luke’s gaze.
“I am more of a movie buff than a fashion girly, myself,” I say as Charlie smirks.
“What is your favorite film?” he asks candidly.
“Pride and Prejudice.” I answer without a second thought. “The BBC version, of course.”
Simon, Sarah, and Charlie all chuckle.
“Should have known an omega would pick such a predictable romance,” Simon says.
“Predictable?” I gasp in shock. “Have youreadthe book?”
I fire my gaze at Simon who only smirks.
“Why would I need to read the book when the movie is dastardly enough?”
“I mean, I assumed a classic such as Austen’s would be required reading in your parts,” I nip.
Luke chuckles.
“What is so funny?” I ask.
“Nothing,” he says, his boyish smile making his eyes light up with mischief.
I shouldn’t take his bait. I really shouldn’t, but I can not resist Lucas Pembrooke and his audacity.
“Bullshit,” I say.
“It’s just… Simon is right, I’m afraid. There are better stories than Pride and Prejudice.”
“Such as?” I cross my arms.
“Wuthering Heights, for one,” he says smoothly.
“Brontë? Really? Guess that’s fitting. For you.”
“What is that supposed to mean?” he asks, sitting up straighter, his verdant gaze finding mine once more. I have to refrain from staring as the wind blows his dark hair across his temple, some strands covering his eyes.
“I mean, Heathcliff is quite a miserable man…”
Tension fills the space between us as Luke purses his lips, his jaw set as I hold his gaze in challenge.
“What are your hobbies?” Simon asks genuinely, dispelling the momentary tension.
Luke growls, turning his head away and staring as we drive past the large clock.
“Back home? When I’m not working, I like to swim. Jupiter’s well known for its healing waters, and being as it’s basically my backyard, it’s the closest and cheapest thing to do.”
I regret my words the moment I say them. I’d come here with nothing but my suitcase and duffel—ill-equipped for the weather, clearly. I know we’re shopping today, and instantly I panic because the reality that I will have to buy a dress sinks in, and I get the feeling shopping with Smooth-As-Silk Simon,Socialite Sarah and Mr. Bittersweet is going to be a bit of an expense. Shit.
“Sometimes the simplest pleasures are the richest ones,” Luke says, catching my gaze. “Something Heathcliff and Catherine would understand. Elizabeth Bennet, not so much.” His lips turn up in the corner, giving a ghost of a smile. “She was a bit of a brat.”
