Chapter 5
Lucas's car was parked right at the hotel entrance.
It was a black Bentley, understated yet luxurious, just like him.
He opened the passenger door for me, and I slid inside.
He walked around to the driver's side, got in, and started the engine.
The car glided smoothly into the night.
The cabin was quiet; the only sound was the soft whir of the AC.
I was still wrapped in his jacket, warm from his body, and the faint scent of tobacco mixed with woodsy cologne lingered at my nose.
It smelled good, and it made me feel safe.
I turned my head, watching the cityscape racing by outside, but I couldn't calm the storm inside me.
"Why?" I couldn't keep it in any longer and finally asked.
"What do you mean?" Lucas replied. He kept his eyes on the road, not even glancing at me.
"Why did you help me? Why did you say those things? Why did you take that hit for me?" I blurted out three questions at once.
Lucas paused for a moment.
He replied, "First, I just couldn't tolerate it.
"Second, I wanted to see the show.
"Third, I just didn't move out of the way."
He answered so offhandedly, like it was no big deal, as if it had nothing to do with him.
But I didn't buy it for a second.
"Just watching the drama? Mr. Sterling, isn't that a bit much to pay for a front-row seat?" I said, tugging at the corner of my mouth. "That punch could easily cost you several projects working under Charles, you know."
Lucas finally turned his head to look at me.
"Ms. Winters, you really know the game," he said.
"I know a thing or two," I replied coolly. "After all, I've been around Charles for so long; it kind of rubs off on you."
"Then you should know, I'm not bothered about those projects," Lucas said, his voice carrying a subtle arrogance. "And as for who loses out, well, that's still up in the air."
My heart skipped a beat.
Was he implying he was confident he could outmaneuver Charles in the coming showdown?
This man was even more unfathomable than I had imagined.
"So why did you help me?" I asked again. "Don't tell me you caught feelings at first sight and wanted to play the knight in shining armor?"
I said it, half-joking, half self-deprecating.
Lucas smiled.
He looked damn good when he smiled, and the cut at the corner of his mouth gave him a bit of a devilish edge.
Lucas said, "Ms. Winters, are you really that unsure about yourself?
"Or do you really think the way you acted tonight wasn't enough to make a guy interested in you?"
My cheeks flushed.
"Honestly, I probably just came off as a scheming girl tonight," I muttered.
"scheming?" Lucas raised an eyebrow. "That term actually fits you pretty well.
"But..." he shifted, a playful glint in his eyes, "I've met plenty of scheming girls, but you're the first one with such artistry."
"Artistry?" That description made me laugh.
"Yeah," he nodded, completely serious. "Most people scheme to get something. But you? It's like you're doing performance art, not really aiming for anything, but it's fascinating to watch."
I stopped laughing.
He saw right through me.
It was true; nothing I did tonight was about getting something for myself.
I wanted to blow off some steam, to get even.
I wanted to mess with Charles and Sophie, making them uncomfortable.
I didn't even think about what I'd do once it was all over.
"So, you helped me just because you thought I was interesting?" I asked.
"You could say that," Lucas said straight up. "I've never had much patience for boring people or stuff."
"So what are you going to do now?" I asked, meeting his gaze. "You publicly claimed my problems are yours. Charles isn't going to let this slide."
"Bring it on, I'll deal with whatever comes," he replied, sounding totally relaxed. "Honestly, life's been a bit boring lately. If he wants to stir things up, I'm all in."
I looked at his carefree profile and suddenly felt a wave of helplessness wash over me.
It felt like I had climbed out of one pit, only to fall straight into an even deeper one.
Lucas was like a deep, unfathomable lake. I had no idea how far down he went.
"Mr. Sterling," I said, sitting up straighter, my face serious. "I don't want you getting dragged into this. Tonight was just me acting on impulse. I'll figure out a way to clear things up with Charles, tell him that we..."
"Explain?" Lucas cut me off. "Explain what? That everything you did on the terrace, throwing yourself at me, wiping my wound, was all just for show?"
Lucas suddenly slammed on the brakes, bringing the car to a stop by the side of the road.
He turned toward me, closing the distance, his deep eyes locking onto mine.
Lucas said, "Lila, do you really think Charles would buy that?
"Or do you really think I'd let you get away with explaining it like that?"
His breath was hot on my face, laced with a dangerous, almost threatening pressure.
My heart skipped a beat.