Page 88 of Devious Lies

He’s mine.

Luc is everything I have ever wanted and so much more.

I don’t need the words. I just need him.

“Hey, how is your mother? Have you seen her lately?” Giselle asks.

“Oh, Mami’s hospital bed was just delivered. She just got out a couple of days ago. Her neighbor is staying with her for a few days until her strength returns. Honestly, I think there is something going on there. Oh, and Luc hired a cleaning service, too. But I visited her every day at the hospital with him.”

Sisi looks surprised, but I’m not. No matter what he is doing or how busy he is, I know he’s always there for me.

Except for now, of course. I can’t say I love him being away from home. But he texts me every couple of hours to check in. And that settles my anxious nerves.

Mami is at her best around noon. I hate to bother her when she is resting, so that is the time we usually go to visit.

The doctor’s prognosis is highly favorable. They are talking full recovery, and I am just beside myself with joy.

Joe is usually there, and I am starting to wonder if there is maybe something more to their friendship.

I mean, I hope there is.

He is such a good man, and Mami deserves to be happy.

Anna is on bedrest, and I’ve been visiting her with Giselle a lot. She’s so brave and I admire the relationship she has with Nico.

How a sweet woman like her wound up with a scary dude like him, I will never know. But I guess Nico has his good points.

He’s been a good boss, and now that I am living with Luc, he attempts to be more approachable. I think he’s even smiled at me once or twice.

It’s kind of scary. But for Anna’s sake, I keep that to myself.

And I get it. I did kind of look desperate for a while there, but I was desperate.

I’m so glad Luc has forgiven me for that.

I miss him.

He understands why I set my cap at the king of the Vipers. I’m embarrassed by it, but it is what it is.

I can own my mistakes.

Still, I hope Luc knows there was never anything there.

No feelings.

No attraction.

I just wanted to see my mother, to be able to come home without hiding or being afraid.

As it turns out, I don’t need the king for that.

I need the council. I need Luc. He’s the one man task force dedicated to increasing the power, money, and holdings of the Vipers and Viper Enterprises.

But really, I don’t care about what he does. He could be a pauper and I would still love him.

I just need Luc. And I’ll take him in any way, shape, or form.

Giselle sighs, and I turn my head to look at her.

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