The Grand Pact (The Grand Men #1)(133)

When I reach Elliot’s office, I pause. I spent the entire plane journey thinking about what I want and need to say, yet I know the minute I step through these doors, I’m going to come out with something completely different.

I’m not even afraid of his reaction.

I’m afraid my words won’t be what I need them to be.

I knock and push open the door, knowing he would scold me if I wait. My eyes lock on the back of his chair as I walk in, his head resting on the back as he slowly spins to see who’s walked in.

His head tilts in question before he frowns. “Luce?”

“Hi.”

His face transforms into a megawatt smile, and he mutters a barely audible, “Fuck.”

He places the phone in the cradle, not even saying goodbye to the person on the other end as he rounds his desk and pulls me into his arms. “What are you doing here?”

I push up onto my toes and kiss him, annoyed that he didn’t do it the second we were close enough. “I needed a favour,” I murmur against his lips.

“A favour? I was supposed to fly out in ten days—”

“I quit,” I cut him off. “I quit, and I’m not going back.”

He pulls back an inch, smoothing his hands down my back. “What?”

I blow out a breath, feeling lighter than I have in maybe ever. “When I was a little girl, I wanted to be just like the women in all my favourite movies. Driven. Independent. Strong. I was inspired by them and their ability to turn their lives around. It gave me this dream, and for so long I chased it, thinking it would be the catalyst to the person I wanted to be. If I could make it in New York, become a designer at a top brand, and then find the happily ever after to tie the knot in the perfect bow… I’d be her.”

“Luce, you’re—”

“I don’t believe a dream is truly what we think it is. It’s so much more. I was never going to become that girl I aspired to be, but setting the goal post and pushing myself to chase her, it created a journey that’s shown me exactly who I am. I’ve learnt a shit ton about myself by following that dream, Ell, and I’m nowhere near done yet. The goalposts are always going to get further away, and the triumphs will always be bittersweet because life won’t always go the way I planned it. I’m blessed. I’m surrounded by people who love me, people who I rely on heavily. And that’s okay. Because although I might need a little holding up some days, I know there’s more for me, and I know that with every step I take towards my goal posts, my dreams… our pact. I know that I’ll be finding a truer form of me. I’ll get a little stronger. A little more independent.” I shake my head as a tear slides down my cheek, my voice cracking and cutting me off. “I’m certain of it.”

“You have no idea how incredible you are. How the fuck did I get you?”

I smile and try to wipe at the corner of my eyes, but he takes over.

“Sorry,” I say. “I’ve been overthinking everything the whole way home.”

“Don’t ever apologise for being you.” He bends at the knees so he can look at me better. “You’re home for good?”

I nod my head yes and smile. “Uh-huh.”

He flashes me his teeth, straightening again. “And that favour?” he asks, making me believe he will agree to almost anything.

“Take me out tonight.” I bite my lip, excitement for this new journey with him to begin too much to maintain. “Take me out tonight, Elliot Montgomery, and I’ll tell you what it is.”

I reach up on the tips of my toes and brush my lips over his.

“I love you so much, it makes me fucking crazy,” he mutters, his eyes heavy and glued to me as I back away.

“I know.”





CHAPTER TWO





THE PACT





Lucy





Everything is perfect—courtesy of my girls. When I left The Montwell, I texted the group chat and told them I was home.

They freaked out. Cancelled all their evening plans. And turned up, as always, standing by my side whilst I got ready for my date.

“You look stunning,” Megan tells me from the back seat.

“Stunning,” Scarlet reiterates, poking her head forward between Nina and me.

“Thank you, girls.” I slip my phone into my clutch bag and unlatch my seat belt.

My dress is blue. A silky, open-backed masterpiece that I’ve been saving for the perfect occasion.

This is it.

“He’s going to love you,” Nina tells me, placing her hand on my arm. “And on the days he doesn’t, when he’s playing you up, we’ll be here.”

“Do you reckon men do this?” Megan asks with a hint of amusement in her voice. “Imagine Mase being like… ‘hey, Elliot. If Luce is being a little bitch slut, you come right on over. I’ll kick my wife out of bed for you any day.’”

“He wouldn’t fucking dare,” Nina deadpans.

“Don’t kill my fantasy.” Megan tuts.

Our chuckles fill the car, and I look to my hands, my fingers fiddling with the zipper on my bag.

“I’m so nervous,” I say, looking out the window and into the restaurant. “Do you think he’s here yet?”