Page 29 of Inevitable

I sigh and shake my head as I walk through the door. He is so damn pushy, and I hate that I kind of love it.

We get more than our fair share of curious glances as we move through the lobby like a unit and pile into the sleek elevator. I hit the button for my floor and stand back a little. As I step back, I can’t ignore the feelings that stir inside of me at the featherlight touch of Luca’s hand against my lower back. I am not sure if it was intentional or instinctual, but I am enjoying every second of it either way.

As soon as the elevator doors open, he snaps his hand back to his side and I try to choke down the disappointed sigh I want to let out. I step forward and make my way to my office. Several wide eyes and whispers are cast in our direction as we make our way through the room, I wonder what everyone has been saying about my absence. I am sure Camila has been convincing them that it is permanent, she wishes.

Just before I reach my door a blur of auburn hair hurtles towards me and almost tackles me in a tight hug. Before I can return the hug, Ian is peeled off of me by Benjamin and shoved up against the wall while Luca pulls me into his side possessively. I scoff and remove his hand as I step out of his reach. He doesn’t get to pull this alpha bullshit when he spends all his other time pushing me away.

“Stop, let him go,” I snap. I am a little surprised at the authority my voice holds, I think Benjamin is too because he backs away from Ian and steps back into his place behind Luca. Ian glares at him accusingly before his eyes trace over me quickly as if he is checking to make sure I am okay.

As soon as he looks satisfied that I am not hurt I step up to him and hug him properly. I feel horrible because I never actually got around to messaging or calling him back, he has probably been freaking out. Hopefully Kiki kept him somewhat in the loop, at least enough to know I am not in danger…at least I think I am not.

He pulls away and cradles my face gently as he looks in to my eyes. “Where have you been? I have been so worried about you? Why haven’t you returned any of my calls or texts?” Ian demands.

A thick arm snakes around my waist again and reels me back into a broad chest. I look up to see Luca’s eyes narrowed and poisonous as he glares at Ian.

“Who are you?” Luca barks.

Ian’s brows furrow before his eyes drop to the tight hold Luca has on my hip. His face hardens and he throws daggers right back at Luca.

“Who are you? Let her go!” Ian says with his fists balled at his sides.

Luca laughs. He actually laughs. His rough chuckle rumbles through his chest as he shakes his head.

“You clearly do not know who you are speaking to. Just step aside and walk away.”

“Or what?” Ian challenges as he crosses his arms.

My eyes widen and I internally groan. Bad move Ian. I don’t even want to know what Luca’s response is about to be. Before he can most likely kill him, I cut in.

“Ian, can you help me find my sketchbook in my office?” I ask while I try to convey with my eyes for him to go along with it and keep his mouth shut.

He glares at Luca one more time before he nods roughly and steps into my office. I go to take a step forward, but Luca only tightens his grip. I look back at him and narrow my eyes. Luca brings his lips to the shell of my ear slowly.

“If he touches you again, I will kill him.” I scoff and push away from him. Before I can step past him, he grabs a hold of my elbow and locks his eyes onto mine. “I mean it Ashlynn.”

The dangerous tone that laces his words causes goosebumps to break out across my skin and I have no doubt he is telling the truth. I give a quick nod and step into my office before I shut the door. Thankfully I don’t have one of those glass offices, so we at least have the illusion of privacy.

“What the hell is going on Ashlynn?” Ian asks.

I sigh as I walk over to grab the book Ian has in his hand. “Long story,” I mumble.

“I have time,” he says as he leans up against my desk. “I mean seriously, is this who you are dating now? He looks dangerous Ashlynn. I don’t like the way he touches you.”

I do. I wouldn’t dare say that out loud, so I keep it to myself for now. “I am not dating him. I-”

“Tell him that,” Ian sneers. “I thought he was going to kill me when you hugged me.”

“I am sorry Ian, he is just…protective.”

Ian bats the air like he doesn’t want to hear it and crosses his arms again. “Why aren’t you coming into the office anymore? I can’t tell you the rumors that have been spread.”

“I am working remotely,” I say as I sidestep his question.

“But why?”

I sigh and run my fingers through my hair. “I am dealing with some family stuff. It is too hard to make it in. Everything is okay I swear, I just don’t really want to talk about it okay?”

Ian opens his mouth to respond but closes it and gives a reluctant nod. The hurt look on his face though shows that he is disappointed I am not confiding in him.

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