Page 100 of Lucas

A surprised giggle escapes my lips before I can stop it. “I don’t snore. Maybe you’re the one who snores.”

“That’s better.” He grins and steps even closer. “Now you’re smiling.” He reaches out and cups my cheek, brushing his thumb across my skin and tracing the curve of my cheekbone. “Your smile is gorgeous, and I love that dirty, sassy mouth of yours.”

My eyes flutter closed at his featherlight touch, my skin tingling. I lean into his hand, savoring the contact.

“Do you want to talk about why you were crying?” he murmurs, his lips close to my ear. His voice is low and soothing, mesmerizing.

“I wasn’t crying,” I deny again. What can I even say? That I’m alone? That I have no one who cares about me? That the fact my father won’t even respond to my messages hurts?

Why would Lucas care? When the contract with me ends, he’ll do the same thing. Cut off all contact like I never existed. The thought sends a bolt of pain lancing through my chest.

“We don’t have to sleep in different rooms,” he whispers, his thumb still stroking my cheek.

Startled, my eyes fly open to meet his. The blue depths burn into me, dark with an emotion I can’t name.

“If you want, you can move in with me. It’s true we agreed no cuddling, and I’m sure it’s hard for you to believe this, but I quite like cuddling with a woman in bed, and I don’t mind if you warm your frozen feet on me.” His lips quirk in a crooked smile, a boyish dimple appearing in his cheek.

I can’t help but smile back, a genuine smile this time. He’s good at these pep talks.

“I don’t think that’s a good idea,” I say, but my resolve is weakening with every second I’m in his arms.

“You know I won’t force you into anything, right? You don’t have to warm your feet on me. We can just fuck.” He waggles his eyebrows.

A shocked laugh bubbles out of me, and I cover my mouth with my hand, my eyes wide.

“Seriously though, nothing has to happen. I’m sorry I pressured you. I know you regret what happened this morning.”

“I don’t regret it,” I blurt out, my voice fierce. No matter how I feel right now, he doesn’t deserve to think he did something wrong when I wanted every moment we shared. The sex was the most amazing I’ve experienced, and I’m not sorry it happened. It was the first time in a while I felt good. Felt loved. Even if it wasn’t real.

“You don’t owe me anything. There’s no clause like that in the contract, but if you want to talk to me, I’m here.” His voice is gentle, his eyes searching mine.

He leans in until our noses are almost touching and waits. I don’t move, frozen in place by the intensity of his gaze. Giving me time to pull away, he places his hand on the dip of my waist. His fingers splay over my hip, burning through the thin fabric. With a gentle tug, he pulls me flush against him, our bodies aligned from chest to thigh. I fit perfectly in the circle of his arms.

I rest my head on his chest, my ear pressed over his heartbeat. It drums strong under my cheek.

Boom. Boom. Boom.

“Sleep with me,” I whisper, my lips brushing the hollow of his throat. It’s not the right thing to ask for, but I need topush this loneliness away, even if just for a few hours. I want to feel his skin against mine, his warmth on me and inside me. I want to be a part of him. Less alone. I tip my head back to look at him, my eyes pleading.

Damn, I’m getting addicted to him fast.

“What?” His eyes search my face, trying to read my expression.

“I want you.”

He steps back, breaking our embrace. Cold air rushes between us, and I shiver at the loss of his heat.

“What’s going on with you?” he asks, confusion and concern warring on his handsome face.

“Please, Lucas, I need you.”

“You’re using sex as an excuse not to talk to me. That’s more my style.” He shakes his head, a wry twist to his lips.

Desperation claws at my throat.

I grab the hem of my dress and yank it over my head in one smooth motion. I toss it aside, not caring where it lands. My fingers are already busy unhooking my bra, and I take that off, too, adding it to the growing pile of clothes on the floor. I stand before him in nothing but my panties and bare feet, my nipples pebbling in the cool air.

His eyes widen, darkening with unmistakable desire. They rove over my exposed skin, lingering on my breasts. He bites his lower lip, a muscle ticking in his jaw as he clenches it. I see the exact moment his control snaps. I’ve won.