Page 18 of Hurricane
“So you wouldn’t have picked me?’
There’s no humor in his tone. With his gaze now glued to the windshield, it’s as if he can’t look at me. I’m not used to him being so uncertain and vulnerable.
I guess I will let down my defenses too.
“Yeah, I would definitely pick you. I realize now that I was fighting for my independence not you. I intertwined them when I shouldn’t have. I was wrong. I’m sorry.”
His smile practically blinds me, he’s so stunning in his happiness. I grin too and squeeze his hand. “Don’t get used to it. That’s the only thing I was wrong about. You’re still an arrogant, controlling asshole.”
Now he laughs—deep and hearty. I chuckle too and roll my eyes.
We’re both ridiculous.
To everyone else, we have the armor up. Him hiding behind a brutal, ruthless personality everyone fears. Me in a grouchy, defensive disposition that only improves when I’m with him.
Funny how I never realized the truth before. We’re more alike than I ever imagined.
Loathe to let my parents feel like they’ve won, I have to accept this arrangement. Although they’re both going to know it’s because I choose to, not because they’re forcing me. As soon as I get a shower and finish my class, I’ll bite the bullet and go see them.
Colby
Luckily, I can compartmentalize my feelings, or I’d never have made it through my presentation. As soon as the first slide flickered onto the screen, I switched on autopilot until my professor nodded at the end. I even earned a smattering of light applause from my classmates, which is a rare occurrence as competitive as this group is.
With my report complete, all the turmoil instantly returns as I gather my bag and cardigan, heading out of the auditorium to my car. I just want to go home and think. But I need to go to my parents’ house first.
After all the revelations I’ve learned about Lucian during the past twenty-four hours, I have to talk to my mom and dad. If I’m really marrying him, I want to let them know first.
And, set some guidelines, especially with my father. He may be giving me away like I’m his property rather than his daughter, but I refuse to allow myself to be treated like anything less than an individual person.
My normal quick pace stalls on the sidewalk when I catch sight of Lucian leaning against my car. He looks incredible inhis suit, unable to diminish his muscular body hidden beneath the expensive fabric. Even just standing there relaxed, he pulses with a primal dominance that no one wants to mess with.
Except for me.
I love messing with him.
Just because we came to a tentative agreement this morning doesn’t mean I will just lie down and take what he doles out.
Unless it’s his dick of course.
That I’ll take every inch until I’m spent.
I regain my fast steps but leave a wide berth so he can’t grab me when I pass him. “You’re going to pay to fix any scratches you cause.”
He chuckles his throaty laugh that makes me almost lose my façade of being irritated with him.
“Lovebug, I’m buying you a new car once we’re married. Your old life will be left behind.”
The comment impacts me enough to stop teasing him. My old life meant being a pawn for power brokering. Treated as a prize to be won and the trophy wife who had to be—or at least wassupposedto be—submissive and quiet like a good mafia wife should be.
I was worried my new life would be more of the same. Flutters overtake my heart. Things will be different with Lucian. I realize that now.
I understand it.
And I absolutely love it.
“Where’d you go, beautiful?”
After striding to me, he slides his finger under my chin and lifts my face to his.
