Closer(14)

“Oh! I didn't mean it like that! I’m sorry, I just mean she’s lovely.” Her eyes sparkle with excitement, and I believe her. “Oh. My. God,” she gasps, going for my other hand when she sees the ring on it. I’m sure my face turns the same color as my dress.

No one else has noticed the ring since we got here. Which is crazy because the thing is giant. Lucas said no one would see it because my dress would get all the attention. But the ring made him feel better. The ring made me feel everything.

“You’re engaged!” Iris shrieks.

So many heads turn to look as us, but Lucas just kisses my cheek. He’s completely unbothered by being the center of attention. I’m sure not used to it and it makes me a bit uneasy.

“You just started dating?” Her eyes dart between us. I can’t tell if she’s excited about this or not now. This only makes my unease rise.

“Can you blame me? I saw her and had to have her.”

This time he kisses me under my ear. The hand he has on my hip tightens in a possessive hold. I lick my lips, unsure if I should be in this conversation. Since we got here I’ve been happy to be in Lucas's arms. I saw most of the women looking at me and waiting for the moment when he was alone so they could pounce on him. But right now, I just need a moment to catch my breath. I don’t want to be near Lucas and his mom in case this doesn't go well.

“I’m going to use the ladies’ room.” I try to pull from Lucas, but he doesn't let me go. “I’ll be right back. Besides, you and your mom should catch up.” I lean up and kiss his cheek, then he reluctantly lets me go.

“Right back to me when you’re finished,” he says, and I nod.

I walk away in search of the ladies’ room. I didn't know how hard these heels were to walk in as I had Lucas to lean on for the night. It doesn't take long and I’m giving up my search because my feet hurt too much. When I spot a balcony nearby I start to walk out onto it.

“Did you see who Lucas brought?” I step back into the shadows at the mention of Lucas and rest up against the side of the building. I can see two beautiful blondes standing there smoking. “I thought his mom said he needed a wife? She’s not wife material. She’d never make it.” One of them drops her cigarette and smashes it with the heel of her shoe.

“It doesn't matter. Lucas's mom will get her out of here. We all know Lucas does everything for his family, and if she wants her gone she’s gone. And then.” I hear fingers snap. “One of us can slide right in. Iris has always liked me.” They both laugh.

“Let’s go see if she’s gotten rid of her yet.”

They walk inside, leaving me alone out on the balcony. I stand there, a swirl of emotions running through me. Of course the women are stupid and catty, but is there some truth to what they said? Will it always be like this? People wondering why he’s with me?

I don’t fit in here. I felt that when I was standing there with him and people were going on and on about stocks and investments. I was lost. The only saving grace was just getting to be with Lucas and leaning into him. I enjoyed that part of the night. It felt so right being with him.

A lump forms in my throat. Things like this don’t happen to girls like me. I know his mom is in there right now probably telling him he is crazy for jumping into this so soon. Heck, even I know it’s crazy, yet I still want it so badly.

The women were right about one thing. He always does whatever he can for his family. If they don’t like what’s happening between us, they could end things for us. I swear I can actually feel my heart break at the thought.

“Ah, there’s Lucas's mystery woman. I thought he was never going to let you go.” A man in a suit steps out and strolls over towards me. He’s got slicked back blond hair and an oily smile.

“You don’t look his type.” His dark eyes roam over me.

“What’s his type?” I ask, wondering myself.

“He normally doesn't bring dates, but maybe he thought one might be a buffer for him. Looks like that plan is blowing up right in his face.” He lets out a deep chuckle.

Is he insinuating that I’m just a fake date. God, this sucks. Today started off so wonderfully and now it feels like everything is slipping away. The real world has pushed in on the fairy tale.

I don’t want to engage with a man I don’t even know. “If you’ll excuse me.”

He grabs my arm and stops me from taking another step. I open my mouth to tell him to let go, but before I can, Lucas is there. His fist flies through the air and lands with a loud crack. I scream and jump back, almost falling over in my heels. But when I steady myself, Iris is there next to me.

“Maybe you should go,” she says as Lucas grabs the man by his suit. “Inside. Go.” Iris pushes me away from the scuffle. I glance over my shoulder and see Lucas isn't even looking my way. Maybe she’s right. I should just go.





Ten





Lucas





I see out of the corner of my eye Ava walking away and I just won’t have that. Not now. Not ever. With another punch, the asshole who put his hands on her is on the ground and I’m going after her.

“Ava, wait!” I call out, and when she turns around I see she’s got tears in her eyes.