Page 45 of Insta-Family (Forbidden Descendants 3)

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LUCY OLIVIA

“Wha…?”

My mouth fell open as I gaped at the ring’s stunning, yet simple beauty. But, wow, who knew Luke had such good taste? I think that rendered me speechless more than anything.

Behind me, the doorbell rang. I jumped and stopped gaping at Luke to glance toward the front door. Then I turned back to the man still kneeling in front of me.

“Well?” he asked.

“I… I gotta get the door.” Bumbling backward away from him, I belatedly added, “Put that thing away.” Then I whirled around and flung the door open, hoping to find something—anyone—who’d be willing to save me from this horrifying déjà vu. Except the visitor I found on my doorstep only made the moment worse.

“Vaughn,” I said in a high voice, feeling my face heat because why-oh-why did he have to be the one to witness me going through this?

Twice.

Karma hated me; that had to be it.

“Hey,” he started, looking a bit nervous himself. “I hope it’s okay to drop by so late. But I just got off work and…” His words trailed off when he glanced past me and got a look at the company I was already keeping. Instantly, his mouth dropped open, and his eyes widened. “Seriously?” he asked, veering an incredulous yet slightly amused lifting of the eyebrows back to me. “Again?”

“Don’t even start with me,” I muttered. Casting another glance toward Luke, I cried, “For the love of God, stand up already. And put the damn ring away. Are you crazy? We are not getting married.”

“Why not?” he asked, sounding offended as he pushed to his feet and shoved the box out of sight. “Is it because you don’t think you could sleep with me because that would be pretty insulting. I mean, I know I could get it up for you if I had to.”

“Wow,” I said, blinking at him. “Just…” I had to turn toward Vaughn to see if he’d heard what I’d heard because I was almost positive I had to have heard that wrong. But when Vaughn pressed his lips together and made this face like he was seriously trying to hold in a laugh, I whispered another, “Wow.”

“At least this one brought a ring,” Vaughn offered, really working to keep a straight face.

“Hell yes, I brought a ring,” Luke muttered as if offended before he pointed. “Who the fuck is this guy, anyway? And why did he say this one as if I’m not the first person to pro—” His own inhalation of shock cut him off before he stepped closer to get into my face. “Are you saying someone else has already—” Face darkening with rage, he rocked a step back in realization, “Son of a bitch! It was Trick, wasn’t it? He proposed, too? That slimy little—And he beat me here? Oh, of course, he did. He just has to beat me at everything, doesn’t he? Asshole.”

As he cursed some more and turned in an outraged circle, running his hands through his hair, I shared a glance with Vaughn, and we both cringed before he finally stepped inside and shut the door behind him.

“He didn’t bring her a ring the way you did, though, if that makes you feel any better,” Vaughn assured, making Luke zip a confused frown his way.

“But he did bring me a Frosty and french fries,” I piped up, lifting my brows severely. “Which I appreciated so much more.”

“Who cares what he brought you,” Luke cried. “Just tell me you didn’t accept his proposal.”

“What? No!” I wrinkled my nose. “Are you crazy? Of course, I didn’t tell Trick yes.”

“Oh… Whew.” Luke blew out a relieved breath and fisted a hand, only to return his attention to me hopefully. “So I still have a chance here?”

“As if.” I smacked his arm and scowled. “I’m not marrying either of you, ya doofus. Do you honestly think I’m so weak and pathetic that I’ll grasp on to any proposal someone makes to me out of obligatory friendship because they don’t think I can take care of myself?”

Luke winced guiltily before saying, “It’s not because I don’t think you can take care of yourself.”

“Oh, so it’s because you’ve been secretly in love with me your whole life? Yeah, I don’t think so.”

His wince deepened before he pulled out the begging voice. “Come on, Luce. You’re a new mother. This is a big fucking responsibility.”

When he glanced toward Vaughn as if seeking support, Vaughn actually nodded, agreeing with him.

My temper flared. And Vaughn saw it the moment he glanced my way because he immediately stopped nodding, his eyes widened, and he eased a step back.

Exhaling harshly, I returned my attention to Luke. “I know that,” I seethed. “And I don’t need another one heaped onto my plate by adding you to the list.”

“Okay, now that was just mean,” Luke groused. “I am standing here, willing to give up my entire freedom as a very happy bachelor because you’re that important to me. How about you not insult me while I’m at it?”

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