Page 9 of Lumi

“Aren’t you tired of comparing every bloke you meet to Damian? You have a romantic fantasy in your head that he can’t possibly live up to in real life. Think about it; this experiment would give you an overdose of Damian, and after it’s over, you’ll finally be free to find love with someone else.”

I shifted my balance. “But what about personal boundaries?” I pointed to the garden. “Jolene talked about handcuffs. Just the thought makes me feel nauseated.”

“It’s one week. You can do anything for one week.”

My eyes darted around as I tried to calm the anxiety in my chest.

“Look, sis, I’ll be the first to admit that to me, this isn’t about the research. I feel the longing in you for love, but every time a suitor comes close, you sabotage the relationship. Our family thinks your teenage crush on Damian is long over, but I know better.”

I buried my hands in my pockets and chewed on my lower lip. “I hate the whole idea of being chained to another person.”

“Lumi… This is your chance to get over him, once and for all.”

I crossed and uncrossed my arms. “I’m scared.”

Atlas moved in and hugged me. “I get that, but you’re too strong a woman to live a limited life. It’s time to push through your fears.”

I was quiet in his arms for a moment, and then I muttered, “If I did it, it wouldn’t be for the money.”

“Then how about you donate the seven thousand dollars to a charity? I’m sure Maximum can help you pick out a worthy cause.”

“He called me from India a few days ago. He’s raising money for an orphanage for street children.”

“Imagine what a difference seven thousand dollars could make in their world. It’s only one week of your life, but for those children, it’s the difference between living like street dogs and having a bed and hope for their future.”

I narrowed my eyes and tilted my head. “You just had to use that word, didn’t you?”

“What word?” Atlas feigned innocence, but I didn’t buy it.

“You know my grandfather called me a street dog when he found out I was of mixed race. That’s why he told my mother to stay away. Because of me, her illegitimate daughter.”

“Right. Maybe that’s why Maximum went to India this time. To see your family roots.”

“They’re not my family, Atlas. The Robertsons are.”

He nodded. “And we want you to be happy. So, are you going to do it?”

I drew in a deep breath. “On one condition.”

“What’s that?”

“You’ll make me the godmother of one of your children.”

Atlas reached out his hand to seal the deal. “I was planning to do that anyway.”

I hesitated but pushed myself to shake his hand. “I hate everything about this, but I’m going to trust you.”

With a hand to the small of my back, Atlas led me back out to the garden. “Jo, how fast can you set up the experiment? Lumi has agreed to do it as a way to raise money for Indian street children.”

Everyone at the long patio table was staring at us.

“We’re doin’ it?” Damian asked with disbelief.

I gave a single nod.

“Fockin’ hell.” He ran both hands through his hair while Atlas and I went back to our seats.

“Can we do it this week?” Jolene asked.