Page 100 of Safe Place

Luke smirks—that satisfied older brother smirk, like he knew I’d cave. He always does this. Plays it casual, lets me talk myself into helping. It's a skill, really.

I’d come down after a quick check-in with Wyatt. I needed to know if he actually saw Sophie’s stepdad. He said he did. Just some average-looking guy in his late forties. Looked a bit tired but didn’t seem threatening at all.

Still, I told him to keep Poppy away from him if he ever showed up again—and to trust me on this, no questions asked. I didn’t want to tell him about Sophie’s past without her consent. That’s her story to tell. Always.

“I need to talk to you,” I say to Luke, serious now. “I think I need your advice. Your way of thinking might actually help this time.”

“Oh, I’m all ears,” Luke says, instantly perked up like I’m about to drop scandalous gossip. “Your big brother is here to help.”

I ignore the last part. He does that on purpose—he’s only a year older than me.

“I spoke to Dad at the gala,” I start, already bracing for the conversation. “He appeared next to me the moment Sophie went to the bathroom. Like he was watching me all night. And he’s not happy about⁠⁠—”

“Let me guess,” Luke cuts in, smug. “He’s not thrilled about Miss Lennox. He wanted you to entertain Marcus Whitmore’s daughter but you shut him down.”

He looks proud of himself for piecing that together.

“Well, yeah. But it’s more than that.” I exhale hard. “He’s convinced Sophie’s using me—for gifts, status, whatever. But she’s not. She didn’t even know who I was when we met. She offered me discounts at the campus bookstore and the cafe she works at, for God’s sake.”

Luke barks out a laugh. “That’s fucking cute. She doesn’t realize that you could buy the entire bookstore and the cafe.”

“I’m serious, Luke.” My voice drops. “He reminded me at the gala that if I stay distracted by a leech like that, he’ll cut off her housing, pull any scholarships tied to Westcliffe, and push for her expulsion.”

Luke’s face sobers instantly.

“He said nothing will go to Sophie from me without his knowledge. I mean at least he doesn’t care too much about the car I got her, but if I don’t end it, he’ll make sure she has no future. No career. Nothing. She wants to be a lawyer.”

Luke whistles low. “You got her a car? Damn, Micah. And I’m out here driving your old one?”

“That’s a Mercedes, Luke. It’s only two years old and crazy expensive, might I add. I just didn’t want her walking from job to job to class in the freezing cold.”

Luke leans back, watching me closely. “Damn. So this is serious, huh?”

“Yeah,” I say without hesitation. “She’s it for me. I’ve never felt like this before. I just…I know.”

A slow grin spreads across his face.

“What are you smiling at?” I ask. “I’m serious.”

“Oh, my baby brother,” he says with a shake of his head. “You’re really in it.”

I narrow my eyes. “So? What do I do? What would you do?”

“I don’t see what the problem is.” He leans in, smug as ever. “There’s a simple solution to your dilemma.”

I stare at him, waiting.

“Here’s what you’re going to do.” He drawls.

I think about it on my way upstairs. The elevator doors close and I stand there, staring at nothing.

It's bold. Maybe insane. Luke's always been the one who thinks ten steps ahead—I used to resent him for it. But I never knew what a genius he actually was until now.

TWENTY-EIGHT

I want to wake up with you every morning

SOPHIE