Chapter 159

Serena's POV

The pain came first - a deep, persistent ache that radiated through every muscle. I kept my eyes closed, trying to piece together the fragments of last night through the fog in my mind.

Ten years ago. Another morning, another bed. I was eighteen then, young and naive enough to think running away would solve everything. Back then, I'd fled at the first light of dawn, leaving behind only crumpled sheets and my shattered innocence.

Now, at twenty-eight, I lay perfectly still, acutely aware of the steady breathing behind me. The warmth radiating from the body next to mine was both comforting and terrifying. I didn't need to look to know someone was there - Lucas Harrington.

Memories of last night began filtering back, like scenes from a poorly edited film. Ian's triumphant smirk as he led me to that hotel. The bitter taste of the pill. The way the room had started spinning, my body betraying me as the drug took effect. Then chaos - the sound of fighting, strong arms lifting me, and everything fading to black.

A slight shift in the breathing behind me told me he was awake.

"Going somewhere?" His voice was low and controlled.

I forced myself to remain still, fighting the urge to wrap the sheet tighter around myself. "This changes nothing, Lucas."

"Serena." The way he said my name - soft yet commanding - made something twist inside my chest. "Look at me."

I didn't. Instead, I stared at the strip of morning light cutting across the floor, watching dust motes dance in the beam. "I appreciate your... intervention last night. But this situation is complicated enough without adding more confusion to it."

The mattress dipped as he moved, and suddenly his presence was overwhelming - not touching me, but close enough that I could feel the heat from his body. "Is that what you think this is? Confusion?"

A bitter laugh escaped me. "What else would you call it? Ian Whitemore tried to drug me, Nina is probably celebrating her success in ruining my reputation, and I ended up in bed with..." I trailed off, not quite sure how to categorize what Lucas Harrington was to me.

"With someone who stopped you from being assaulted," he finished, his voice taking on an edge. "Though I'm curious why you went to meet Ian alone in the first place."

"I didn't go there to meet Ian," I said, the words clipped. "I went to the police station to make a statement and ran into Ian. As I was leaving, I fainted due to low blood sugar."

Slience strenched between us. "Let's just forget about last night," I said, keeping my voice carefully neutral. "You should leave."

Lucas made no move to get up from the bed. Instead, he shifted slightly, causing the morning light to illuminate the bruises and cuts scattered across his torso. The sight made my breath catch - I hadn't noticed the extent of his injuries in the dim light earlier.

"Is running away your solution to everything, Serena?" His voice held that familiar mix of amusement and challenge that never failed to get under my skin.

I forced myself to look away from the angry red mark stretching across his ribcage. "This isn't running away. This is being practical. We both know this situation is complicated enough without adding... whatever this is."

"Look at me." When I didn't comply, his voice hardened. "Serena. Look at me."

Reluctantly, I turned my head. Lucas was sitting up now, the sheets pooled around his waist, his injuries even more apparent in the strengthening daylight. Despite myself, my eyes traced the path of a particularly nasty bruise blooming across his shoulder.

"You got those fighting Ian," I said quietly. It wasn't a question.

He nodded and studied my serious expression, his voice softening. "The doctor said Ian gave you Shrooms. They recommended sedatives, but I was worried about potential brain damage. So I stayed with you all night. I didn't take advantage of you, but you weren't lucid. You tore my shirt to shreds, and I had to stay close to keep you from hurting yourself."

I stared at him, stunned into silence.

"If you don't believe me, ask Eleanor or the doctor. They were outside the door all night," he added, watching my reaction carefully.

I didn't respond immediately. Despite his past omission about being the man from when I was eighteen, our time together had shown me his character. His dignity, his principles. he wasn't a liar - even with that past secret, he'd never denied it when asked. He'd simply waited to reveal the truth.

For him to state things this definitively... I had no real reason to doubt him.

But I couldn't articulate what I was feeling. Perhaps I just didn't want to let Lucas in again. It was easier to wall myself off, to assume the worst about him. To avoid thinking too deeply about what had really happened last night - partly to protect myself from the pain, and partly because I didn't want to acknowledge his kindness.

"Do you believe me now?" Lucas asked softly, noting my silence.

"Just go," I muttered, though my voice had lost its earlier conviction.

Lucas gave a resigned smile and pulled back the covers.

When he did, I froze for a moment before quickly turning away. I'd forgotten he was shirtless.

Heat flooded my face as I quickly averted my eyes. "I... you... where are your clothes?"

His chuckle held a mix of amusement and embarrassment. "Ah, about that. You were rather... enthusiastic last night. My shirt didn't survive the encounter, and the rest..."

"Oh God." I buried my face in my hands, mortification washing over me. "I'm so sorry."

"Serena." His voice was gentle, almost teasing. "Look at me."

"Absolutely not." My voice was muffled by my hands. "Not until you're properly dressed."

"Which might be difficult, considering my current lack of options."

I took a deep breath, forcing myself to think practically. "Wait here. I'll get you something to wear. Consider it... compensation for last night."