Page 69 of Lucas

But one thing is becoming crystal clear.

The man sitting vigil at my bedside?

He may be the only ally I have left.

Chapter Nineteen

AVA

Iblink awake to the muted light of early morning filtering through the curtains. Rolling over, my gaze seeks the armchair where Lucas sat vigil over me last night.

A blanket lies folded over one arm, the plush cushions bearing the imprint of his body. The sight sends a strange little flutter through my stomach.

He stayed. He stayed the whole night, watching over me.

I ease out of bed, taking a moment to assess. No nausea, no cramping. Looks like the worst of this bug has passed. Thank God.

After a quick shower, I dress for work and make my way to the sunroom for breakfast. Lucas sits at the table, sipping coffee and scrolling through his phone. The moment I step through the door, his head snaps up, piercing blue eyes raking over me as if searching for lingering signsof illness.

“You’re dressed,” he observes, a slight furrow appearing between his brows.

“Ten points for those keen powers of observation.” I can’t resist taunting him. It’s too easy.

He ignores my snark, setting his mug down with a soft clink. “You’re not planning on going into the office today? You’re still recovering.”

I shrug, taking my usual seat and reaching for the carafe of coffee. “I feel much better, I assure you. It was just a little stomach bug.”

And I have a meeting with a certain stack of incriminating binders that won’t wait. The thought of facing the evidence of Father’s misdeeds makes my stomach churn. I have to deal with this. Preferably before Lucas gets his hands on those cooked books, and all hell breaks loose.

“You still look pale.” He levels me with a stern look, arms crossed over his broad chest.

“I’m fine. Nothing a cup of coffee and some dry toast won’t fix.”

Right on cue, Lilibeth appears at my elbow with a plate of bland, unoffensive breakfast foods. Crackers, a banana, a poached egg. I shoot her a grateful smile.

“I informed her you were under the weather,” Lucas explains, even though I didn’t ask. “She insisted on making you something gentle on the stomach.”

“That’s very kind. Thank you.” I nibble on a cracker, hyperaware of his hawk-like gaze tracking my every move. “You look tired.”

He scowls, scrubbing a hand over his stubbled jaw. “I’m fine.”

“Uh-huh. So, you didn’t sleep sitting up in the world’s most uncomfortable chair all night, then?”

His scowl deepens, but he doesn’t deny it. There’s an odd little ping in my chest at the confirmation.

Huh. Who knew the big bad billionaire had a hidden sweet streak?

“Yes, well, I wanted to make sure you didn’t choke on your own vomit in the middle of the night. Finding your bride dead in the marital bed after less than a month is terrible press.” His tone is caustic, but it lacks the usual bite.

I hide my smile behind the rim of my coffee cup. “Well, as you can see, I survived the night, so your duty is complete.”

Draining the last of my coffee, I set down the mug and rise to my feet.

“Leaving already? You’ve barely touched your food.” Lucas frowns at my plate, at the measly few bites I managed.

“I told you, I’m fine. I’ll eat more later when my stomach has fully settled.” The thought of choking down anything more substantial makes my gorge rise.

He rakes a hand through his disheveled hair and fixes me with a look that’s equal parts exasperated and amused. “Fine. If you insist on working, at least let me drive you in.”