Page 119 of Lucas

I’m wearing one of my elegant dresses, not one he bought for me. It’s red and tight, with a high slit up the leg. I’m done trying to fit in with others; let them adjust to me for a change.

This is me, and this is how I like to dress.

Lucas hands me a drink, and I survey the crowd. Michelle and Noah stand outside on the balcony, engrossed in conversation.

Her friends, the ones I don’t particularly like, are everywhere.

Mick, the guy who claimed I dressed like a nerdy schoolgirl, approaches us and my body tenses.

“Hey,” he says, his eyes raking over me in a way that makes my skin crawl.

I press closer to Lucas, seeking his comforting presence. “Hey.”

“Nice dress.” Mick smiles and fills his glass with vodka, the clear liquid sloshing.

“Thanks.” I try to smile back, but the muscles in my face don’t cooperate. My mind races ahead, trying to think of retorts I can use if he says something disgusting and insults me again. But he just flicks his gaze between Lucas and me and says nothing else. I guess having Lucas by my side is deterrent enough.

After Mick walks away, Lucas leans down to whisper in my ear. “Who was that?”

“Mick, one of Michelle’s friends.” I take a sip of my drink, the alcohol burning in my throat.

“Did he do something to you?” Lucas’s voice hardens, his blue eyes narrowing.

“No.” I shake my head, not meeting his gaze.

Lucas grips my chin and turns my face to his. “Ava. Did. He. Do. Something. To. You?” His jaw clenches.

I shake my head again, but I can’t hold his intense stare.

“Not that I don’t love you clinging to me like this, but you practically climbed me. Are you scared of him?” Concern softens Lucas’s features, his thumb stroking over my cheekbone.

“No, he just said some insulting things to me last time, that’s all.” I shrug, trying to play it off as no big deal.

“So, he did do something to you. Why are you lying to me?” Lucas’s face hardens again, his eyes flashing with anger.

“It’s nothing.” I try to step back, but Lucas doesn’t let me, his hand tightening on my waist.

“It’s not nothing if you’re afraid of him. What did he say, Ava?” His voice brooks no argument, demanding an answer.

“Just that I’m a spoiled little girl. Nothingyouhaven’t said to me.” I look at him, raising an eyebrow.

“When did I say something like that to you?” He tilts his head.

“You wrote it. When I said, I wouldn’t fire the employees at Gant.” The memory still stings, his cruel words etched into my brain.

“I’m sorry. I was angry. I don’t think you’re spoiled, and definitely not a little girl. You’re a sexy, amazing woman,” he whispers against the shell of my ear, his lips brushing my skin. “And I’m going to go tell him exactly what I think.”

“No.” My fingers dig into his arm, holding him in place. “I don’t want a scene. Please don’t.”

Lucas stares at me for a long, searching moment before relenting with a sigh. I breathe a little easier.

“Thank you. Can you get me something to eat?” I point to the buffet table on the other side of the room. Some of the group has gathered there, and I’d prefer to avoid them.

“Sure.” He leaves me and strides over there, crossing the distance in a few quick steps.

There’s not a person in the room who doesn’t notice him as he passes. He has a presence that’s hard to ignore. And he’s mine. My chest swells with pride. I love calling him mine.

At least for now.