Page 38 of Prettiest Little Thief
He sighed and rolled up the sleeves of his shirt, those gloriously sexy tattoos coming into view. “Technically, you asked two questions but go on.”
“How did you know where to find me?”
“Fox called me. Your friend knew who had taken you.” He hooked his fingers around my wrist where the bracelet he had given me was still clasped, the gold twinkling from the light in the room. I watched his thumb as he slowly ran it along the charms. Chills broke out across my skin, and it dawned on me.
“Oh my god. You put a tracking device into the bracelet!” I pulled my arm away from his touch.
“I had a feeling you were going to do something naughty while I was away. It was a safety measure.” He sucked his bottom lip between his teeth as he stared into my eyes.
“Like run from you?” I crossed my arms over my chest. “You psycho,” I whispered as if he wouldn’t hear me.
Lucas barked out a laugh. “Exactly.”
“I should have.” Even though I wanted to be angry with him for tracking my location, I really couldn’t be. The Crimson Brotherhood kept their locations secret. Even I had never been to the house I was imprisoned in before last night. If there hadn’t been a way to trace my location, I could very well still be in the clutches of Charles… and Rocco. A shiver raced through me at the thought.
“Deal breaker?”
My gaze wandered around the room. I looked anywhere but at him to make him think it was something to seriously consider. Like I was moments away from bolting. When my eyes landed back on his solemn face, I couldn’t help but let out a small giggle. “It should be, but no. Not a deal breaker.”
He gave a grunt as a way of letting me know he was listening.
“I need time to think about it. I can’t just say yes and expect all my problems to disappear.”
Lucas was quiet for a few moments. “But wouldn’t they?”
“Maybe. Maybe not. I don’t really know you, and that just doesn’t feel right.” My shoulders bunched. There was a lot to think about.
“It’s transactional. I would think you would jump on the opportunity.”
“I guess I’m a little old school when it comes to marriage. The offer sounds amazing, don’t get me wrong. It’s just kind of a big deal in my eyes.”
“You think you should only marry if you love someone?” A golden brow arched.
I threw up my hands, soreness running through me. “I don’t know. I haven’t ever seen what a real relationship or marriage looks like. My mom never married after my dad left when she was pregnant with me. She just put everything into being a parent.”
Lucas contemplated that for a moment. “I have the same feeling. Never seeing what a successful relationship looks like.”
Color me surprised. But Lucas had opened up to me. It was a small confession but a confession nonetheless.
“Your dad and mom didn’t have a good marriage?” I asked.
“I think when I was younger it was better. But the older I got, the worse my dad became. He started the business, started abusing drugs and my mom. It all just spiraled out of control.” Lucas ran a hand through his hair. The dark blond strands didn’t stay put, instead falling back over his forehead.
“I’m sorry to hear that.” And I meant it, a frown creased between my brows. “So, I know your dad passed away since he left you the family business. What about your mom?”
Sadness swam in his blue gaze, and he cleared his throat. “She passed too. Right before my dad. I don’t think he could live without her, even if their marriage was a shitshow.”
I gripped his wrist. “Lucas, that’s terrible.”
He placed his free hand on top of mine. Right when I thought he was going to push me away, he caressed my skin with a thumb. Back and forth. Back and forth.
Butterflies took flight in my stomach.
“It was a long time ago.” Silence for a beat. “I’m going to get you something for the pain, and I’ll let you get some rest.” Lucas stood and stalked toward the door, only to stop at the threshold and glance back at me. “Just… think about it.”
“Okay,” I replied, just above a whisper. But he was already gone.
Chapter Twenty-One
