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"I know," I say quietly. "I just don't want to mess things up between us."
"Mia, you're not going to mess anything up," Lucas assures me. "What matters is that you're true to yourself."
His words hit me like a ton of bricks. In that moment, I realize that despite my initial trepidation, I had made the right decision in confiding in Lucas. He has a way of putting things into perspective that I've always admired and appreciated.
"You're right," I say, wiping my tears away. "I need to be true to myself."
He nods, still holding me tightly. "And if being close to us is what you want, then that's what you should do."
I nod in agreement, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. Lucas' comforting presence has done wonders for my state of mind.
"You won't be mad if I stay?" I ask unsurely.
Lucas pulls back to look at me, his warm eyes searching mine. "Of course not," he says firmly, a small smile playing at the corner of his lips. "Why would you think that?"
I can't help but let out a laugh, feeling silly for ever doubting his acceptance. "I don't know," I admit, wiping away the last of my tears. "It just seemed like last night, you wanted me to leave."
Lucas shakes his head, his hand still resting comfortingly on my shoulder. "No, I just want to make sure you know that you have a choice in this."
"Thank you," I say softly, leaning into him once more.
"Anytime," he responds, rubbing circles on my back comfortingly.
I sit there with Lucas for a while longer, letting his words sink in as we both enjoy the peaceful serenity of the gardens. As I start to calm down, my mind begins to drift back to Xavier and the way he made me feel.
I glance at Lucas, studying his features closely. In that moment, I realize that he and Xavier are actually quite similar in many ways. They both have this quiet strength about them, a calmness that radiates from within. But they also have this intense passion and desire that's simmering just beneath the surface.
As I contemplate these thoughts, I feel my body start to react to the memories of Xavier's touch. My heart starts pounding in my chest and my breathing becomes shallow when I imagine Lucas in his place.
He must sense the shift in my demeanor because he pulls back slightly, concern etched on his face.
"Are you okay?" he asks softly.
I just nod, not trusting myself to speak. What the hell am I doing?
He offers a sympathetic smile. "Hey, why don't we get out of here for a while?"
I furrow my brows, looking up at him. "I thought I wasn't allowed to leave?"
He shrugs. "You can't leave without being accompanied, and I'm offering to accompany you." He offers me his hand. "What do you say?"
I take his hand and let him pull me up. "Let's get out of here."
22
LUCAS
After I find Mia something decent to wear, ditching the borrowed pajamas, we hop into the car and leave Las Vegas, driving towards a nearby town.
"Where are we going?" she asks curiously after a while.
"Getting out of dodge," I tell her. "Figured you could use a change of scenery."
I've planned this down to the smallest detail, carefully selecting a charming location that radiates relaxation and a slice of everyday life. The place exudes coziness and invites us to forget about the harsh reality we're entangled in. I know it's the perfect opportunity to get Mia the hell away from the dangers in that mafia house.
But beneath my intentions of keeping Mia safe, I can't deny the other desire that stirs within me. Yes, I want to ensure her well-being, but there's also an undeniable longing to spend time with her, to share a meal and get to know her on a deeper level.
As we drive, I wrestle with the delicate balance between protecting Mia and allowing myself to explore the potential for something more. It's an ongoing struggle, as my instincts to shield her clash with my yearning for a normal human connection.
