Page 98 of Lucas

“I’m the delivery girl at his office,” Kaia explains.

“What?” I stop, whirling to face her. “I don’t understand.”

“Lucas is the most amazing person I’ve ever met,” she says, her blue eyes shining with adoration.

Damn, she sounds in love. I roll my eyes.

“He helped me during a difficult time.” She hesitates for a moment, her teeth worrying her bottom lip. “I’m transgender.” She drops the bombshell, her shoulders tensing as if bracing for my reaction.

“What?” I gasp.

“I was born male, as Kai. Since I was a kid, I knew something wasn’t right. That I was in the wrong body. I knew I was a woman but didn’t dare make the change.”

“How is Lucas involved?” I ask, reaching out to touch her arm in reassurance.

“I started working at his offices about two years ago, after finishing high school. One day, he found me crying in the elevator with torn clothes. He took me to his office and didn’t leave until I told him what happened.” She swallows hard.

I stay silent, giving her space to talk.

“Some coworkers found out and harassed me. They laughed and ripped my clothes off. Left me humiliated on the floor. I told Lucas. He found out who they were, got their names and fired them. Then he asked what I needed. He funded my medical treatments, therapy, hormones, everything, and told me to come to work in whatever clothes I’m comfortable in.” Her voice cracks, a single tear sliding down her cheek.

Tears well up in my eyes, my heart aching for what she went through.

Kaia grips my hand, her skin warm against mine. “He’s amazing, your man. I’m even jealous he’s yours. Though I’m not attracted to men.”

I smile back, but it’s hollow. He’s not really mine—I may have gotten his body, but that’s all there will ever be between us. He made that very clear.

“Yes, he’s amazing. Lucas said you’ll be staying with us?” I ask, trying to steer the conversation to safer ground.

“For a short time. I don’t want to impose or anything. Lucas gave me his address for emergencies, and my dad kicked me out of the house.” Her voice breaks.

“Oh, I’m so sorry. That’s terrible. And you’re not imposing at all. I know how hard it is to deal with a difficult father.”

No matter what I did, I could never please him or make him love me. He sold me into this marriage, after all. Our situations aren’t so different.

We reach the kitchen, and I take out some prepared meals from the fridge. “So, what do you want to eat?” I ask over my shoulder.

“Really, I don’t want to trouble you. Anything is fine,” she says, perching on a bar stool.

“Does it sound like you’re troubling me? I’m not doing anything except taking stuff out of the fridge.” I wave a dismissive hand, setting the meals on the counter.

She hesitates, then points to one of the containers. “That one looks good if you don't mind.”

I nod and take two plates from the cabinet.

As I set our plates down, she takes a deep breath, her eyes fixed on the steaming food.

“You know,” she says, “I was so scared to tell my dad. I knew he would react like he did.” Her voice trembles slightly, and I lean in, giving her my full attention. “For the past year, I’d get dressed outside so he wouldn’t find out. I trembled with fear that someone he knew would see me and tell him, but I wasn’t willing to hide anymore. I don’t want to live like that, in fear. I don’t want others telling me who I am. I want to live as my true self, even if it costs me everything I had.”

I get up and round the table to hug her, wrapping my arms around her slender frame. “It will be okay. Maybe your dad will come around.”

She shakes her head, her face crumpling. “No chance. He won’t change his mind.”

“Well, even if he doesn’t, you’ll land on your feet. You’ll be okay. My father was never satisfied with me, no matter what I did.”

Everything I did was for him. I even married for him, and he’s still not happy. Since that conversation about the funds, he’s been ignoring me. I suspect he’s doing it to avoid responsibility.

I force a smile onto my face, the muscles stiff. “I did what I needed to do, and I don’t regret it. Lucas has been a huge help to me, too. He’ll help you as well.”