Page 66 of Bought
He continues, “They don’t know how to behave around new people. They’re going to circle and attack the moment you walk in the door.”
“Oh!” I force a light laugh to cover my nerves. “My sister is the same. You’ll see.”
I push through easy conversation until we reach our apartment, and I’m in a daze as we exchange greetings, making sure Cass gets down the two flights of stairs safely.
Lucian decides it’s easier to carry her in his arms while Mack brings the chair.Cass was more than happy to wrap her arms around his neck as he effortlessly carried her down all 26 steps.My sister is so eager to see anything besides the walls of our apartment.
She buckles herself into the passenger seat of the van Mack’s driving, and insists on closing the door herself.
Now, riding in a car that could buy me a house, driving behind an accessible van we could never hope to own, plastic wrapper crinkling as I hold a $10 bouquet for people who drink hundred-dollar bottles of wine, I wonder what I’m doing entering his world.
The top is up now, but of course, my hair won’t cooperate after the ride. I fuss with my part, trying to fix it in the mirror above me.
He reaches over, flipping it up with a snap. “Stop it. You’re stunning.”
He looks up at the review, engaging Ryan in our conversation. He’s happily playing with the door locks. “Too bad your roommate couldn’t make it.”
“Yeah,” Ryan sighs. “I wish she was with us more, but she can’t. She’s a work alcoholic.”
Ryan is laying on the cute a little thick.
“Workaholic,” I explain. “We’re moving out soon anyway.” I peek over my shoulder to smile at Ryan. “Aren’t we, Rye Rye?”
Ryan pipes up, “I’m getting my own room!”
“Cool, little man.” Lucian grins at him in the rearview.
Needing to change the subject—now—I bring up the latest episode of Power Rangers. Ryan basically abducts Lucian in a play-by-play of every kick the red one did.
And I spiral.
I can still feel the pinch in my neck, feel the heat of his threat.
Lucian can’t meet Bambi Moretti or her brother. I’m not sure if he’d recognize either of them, but we can’t take the risk.
I’ll talk to Bambi, then Valentino. I’ll find a way to fix this.
Until then, a new plan. Make him fall in love with us. All of us.
Maybe he can save us all. This dinner means everything. Our future depends on it.
Finding a lull in the conversation, “You sure your sister is okay riding with Mack?” Lucian asks me.
“Mack like Mac and Cheese?” Ryan asks, “The guy with the pictures on his neck?”
“Mr. Mack,” I correct him. “And yes. She’s fine. She was pretty happy about riding you earlier, too,” I tease.
“What do you say, dessert before dinner?”
“That’s the plan.”
“Awesome.”
Ice cream is a sweet moment, with all of us gathered around a pink table in the soft teal parlor. Rainbow sprinkles are scattered everywhere. This is the kind of moment I would cherish, as my book helps me realize the value of living in the present.
Only, I can’t focus.
My stomach hurts, and I can’t meet Lucian’s eye.
