Page 153 of Lucas

“Why are you waiting outside?” He arches a brow, his blue eyes glinting. “I would have come in to get you.”

His lips curve into a slow, wicked smile as he leans in, crowding me back against the wall. “Or are you afraid that if you let me inside, you won’t be able to resist the temptation to drag me to your bed and have your wicked way with me? Because God knows I’m tempted.”

His voice is a rough growl that sends shivers skating down my spine and has liquid heat pooling between my thighs.

“Do you still think about me, Ava? About my hands on your body, my mouth on your skin? Do you touch yourself and pretend it’s me, working you over with lips and teeth and tongue until you shatter? Because I sure as hell think about you. I dream about the taste of you, the way you sound when you come apart in my arms. It haunts me, every minute of every damn day.”

The spot between my thighs throbs, my core clenching with needy spasms. But I keep my face blank, even as my heart pounds and my breathing grows heavy. “No. You weren’t that memorable.”

“We both know you’re lying.” He smirks, bringing his lips close to mine without touching me. Not yet. It would be so easy to sway forward, to close that distance and kiss him. “Because I remember every gasp, every time you cried out my name. Remember what I told you in the beginning, Wifey? When we first met?”

I swallow, my tongue darting out to wet my parched lips. “What?”

His eyes, gone dark and hot with promise, trace the movement before snapping back to mine. “If you want me, Ava, all you have to do is ask.”

He flashes me a wild, feral grin as he steps back, putting space between us before turning to open the passenger door with a flourish. “Shall we?”

I gape at him, my body vibrating with denied need. Is he serious right now? He’s going to wind me up like that and then just walk away? Leave me hanging?

Indignation wars with frustration as I stare at his smug face. Oh, he’s going to pay for this little stunt.

Narrowing my eyes, I stalk past him and climb into the car without a word, slamming the door shut behind me.

He drives in silence, and I study him. The strong nose and square jaw now covered in a two-day stubble. I clench my thighs to relieve the ache.

My physical reaction to him is stronger than ever. If I had any doubts, they’re gone now.

“So, where are we going?” I ask.

He smiles. “You’ll see soon.”

“Are you going to murder me in a well-lit alley?”

He turns to me for a moment, a crease between his eyes. “What?”

“You said you wouldn’t murder me in a dark alley. So, a bright one, then?”

He huffs out a breath. “Fuck, Ava. You don’t know how much I’ve missed you. Your sassy mouth. Us. Whether you hate me or love me, I always love you.”

“I don’t hate you. I tried, but I don’t.” I admit.

He takes one hand off the wheel and extends it to me, palm up. I don’t hesitate before placing my hand in his, our fingers intertwining. It feels like coming home. I don’t let go, and he keeps my hand tight in his, resting on his thigh.

We drive the rest of the way in silence, leaving the city behind. Where the hell are we?

Lucas turns onto a dirt road and stops at a large metal gate painted green. I try to find a name or a sign, but there’s nothing.

“What is this place?” I ask.

Lucas doesn’t answer. The huge gate creaks open before us.

He inches the car forward, and a few old buildings and cages come into view.

I press my nose to the window, trying to make out what’s in them.

My eyes widen, and my mouth drops open as I realize. “Parrots? There are parrots here?”

Lucas smiles. “Indeed.”