Page 45 of Bought

Cass wheels up to the door, her hands clenched tightly on the rims of her chair. “Ryan! How many times have we told you to stay away from the door?”

Ryan turns to Cass, bringing a hand to his mouth. “There were... kissing."

Oh god.

Please, for the love of everything, don't let Bambi come to this door. There’s a chance he’ll realize she’s one of his enemies.

What would he do if he knew?

“We have a roommate too, but she’s in the shower,” Cass says. She shoots me a secret look.

Thank goodness. Bambi loves her showers. She’ll be ages. “Sorry you can’t meet her. You’d have the whole gang.”

“Lucian,” I say, addressing that cold, gorgeous face. “This is my sister, Cassandra. And you’ve already met our Ryan.”

“Cass.” She pauses, uncertain whether to extend her hand to him. She’s been watched with pity and whispered about for months.

When she first meets someone, she has no idea how they’ll react to her.

I wait, watching.

Lucian extends his hand. No sympathy. No hesitation. Just acceptance. “Nice to meet you, Cass. I like your wheels.”

Ryan says, “She can go pretty fast.”

Ryan looks past the tall people to the parking lot. “Where is your car?”

“Oh, it’s pretty cool. Maybe you can ride with me. Later. For dinner.” He smiles disarmingly at Cass. “If mom says yes.”

“What about me?” I ask. “Do I get a say in this?”

Cass looks at me. I read her loud and clear.

We’re out of options.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Lucian

After baring my soul to her, I need to be alone with her.

No matter how convincing that adorable little boy is.

“Are you sure we can’t go to dinner now?”

“I’m going to steal some time with your aunt first,” I say. “But we’ll be back to get you for dinner.”

His small face scrunches up, but he says, “Okay.”

Erin looks down at the casual blue sweater and faded jeans she’s wearing. “Should I change before we leave?”

The thought of her disappearing back into the apartment and out of my sight, even for a moment longer, escapes me. “Later. Let’s go.”

Ryan peers up. “Can I see your car when you come back?”

“If you’re good while we’re gone,” I say. “Do me a favor, little man. Can you go grab your aunt’s coat?”

“Sure.” He obliges, padding off into the house.