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Luke set me down on the bed. It looked bigger than a king size, piled with pillows and inviting blankets. It held the same masculine charm that he did, but considering his flannel and boot choices, I wondered if someone else picked out his decor. Quirking an eyebrow at him, I gestured to the bed.
As if able to read my unspoken question, Luke shook his head. “Don’t give me that look. I can’t fashion my way out of a paper bag. If you saw the house before Elias moved in, well, it wasn’t great. His mother was an interior decorator, and he’s got that same eye. If Elias didn’t go to medical school, he could have pursued a career in fashion or home design.”
“I like it, but it’s definitely high end,” I teased.
“Get some sleep, darling.” Lucas tucked me under the covers. “I’ve got a few things to take care of and then I’ll be up.”
Snuggling down into the mattress wrapped my mind in a sense of security I hadn’t felt in so long. “Goodnight, Sir.”
“Sweet dreams, Emma.” He touched my cheek, stroking his knuckle down my face before leaving his room. How could I have fallen for a perfect stranger in hours? No. Not one stranger. Two.
My heart wouldn’t come out of this situation intact, a thought that both frightened and aroused me at the same time.
Somehow, I’d find a way to cement a place with Elias and Luke, but I felt wholly overwhelmed with the how. Pushing the thought away, I sighed. For now, I was safe and protected. Everything would work itself out. It had to.
Chapter 4
Elias
Watching Luke pace back and forth in front of the fireplace made it hard to focus on the book in my hands. Glancing up for the third time in as many minutes, I sighed. “What is bothering you?”
“Emma has been in bed for four days. Do you think something is medically wrong with her? You’re the expert when it comes to people.”
“She’s likely exhausted, Luke. The injuries sustained weren’t serious. Her vitals improved significantly, and everything else seems fine. She’s eating. Sleeping. Just as we told her to do.” I rose from the couch and met him at the hearth.
“Emma kept saying she wanted to leave, so if she was suddenly unable to, couldn’t something serious be happening?”
“Perhaps. What’s the real issue right now?”
Luke rubbed a hand along the back of his neck. “I’m worried about her facing a harsh winter alone, with no support. How long do you think she’s been running?”
“It doesn’t matter. She’s not running anymore.”
“Do you think I’m an absolute idiot for wanting a stranger to stay here with us?”
I wanted to shake him, but that would likely not end well for me. Contemplating the best way to answer his question without dipping myself in hot water or being disrespectful, I finally shook my head.
“You’re a hero for rescuing Emma. You risked your life to save a stranger, and it speaks volumes about you. Also, I can’t in good conscience agree with your assessment of calling yourself an idiot.”
“Mm.” He pulled me close to him, wrapping both arms around my waist. “More like your ass can’t agree.”
“You sort of like when that happens.”
“You like it more, brat.”
He slapped his hard palm against the lowest part of my ass, and I groaned. “Yes, Sir.”
His hands were not light, and they left a solid reminder even when he was being playful. After Luke thoroughly punished my ass, I felt the burn for two days. His belt hurt more than I thought it would, and I didn’t want to experience it again anytime soon.
“Back to the topic at hand. Emma shouldn’t be outside without a plan.” Luke nodded toward the doorway to the hall. “Let’s go check on her.”
Our sweet little trespasser had been staying in his room. We entered it together, and she muted the show blaring on the television. Mountains of pillows and blankets surrounded her, and she shoved a few aside, making room for us.
“Good morning, Emma.” I sat next to her. “How are you feeling?”
“Sort of tired.” She tugged the blankets up to her chin, hiding slightly. “My ankle is a little bit better. It doesn’t hurt as much.”
“Do you want to come downstairs to eat or would you like me to bring you something in here, darling?” Luke asked her gently.
