Chapter 72

Serena's POV

I could feel my heart pounding as I looked at Lucas across the dimly lit room. The warm glow from the crystal pendant lights softened his features, making him appear more striking than usual.

"Let's end this here," I said, forcing the words past my lips. The statement hung heavy in the air between us.

Lucas's fingers tightened almost imperceptibly around his glass. His expression shifted, the warmth draining from his eyes, though his voice remained carefully controlled. "What did I do wrong?"

The gentleness in his restraint made my chest ache. Even now, he was trying not to frighten me away. I drew a steadying breath. "I've told you before - I won't be falling in love with any man again. I've rejected your advances multiple times..."

"Serena Sinclair." The use of my full name cut through my prepared speech. His blue eyes fixed on mine with an intensity that made me want to look away. "Give me one reason that will make me give up."

The formality in his tone felt like a physical blow. I hadn't realized how much I'd grown used to the way he usually said my name, warm and intimate. Now I could see I'd truly hurt him.

"You should know," I began carefully, "that despite my... reputation, in the three years I was with Ian, we never went beyond holding hands and hugging." I met his gaze directly. "I have my principles about physical intimacy before marriage."

Lucas leaned forward slightly. "Is that what disappoints you about me?" There was something in his voice - a willingness to change, to accommodate - that made this even more painful.

"It's about Eleanor," I said quietly. The name seemed to thicken the air between us. "She's a good person, Lucas. Cheerful, kind-hearted, sincere. You should consider what you have with her." I forced myself to continue, though each word felt like swallowing glass. "Milo and Stella need a mother figure."

For a moment, he was silent. Then, "She's not bad, that's true."

Four simple words. They shouldn't have had the power to make my heart feel like it was being crushed. I kept my expression neutral, even as I felt something inside me crack. The soft lighting that had seemed intimate moments ago now felt like it was highlighting every micro-expression I was trying to hide.

I told myself this was what I wanted. This was the right thing to do. But I couldn't help wondering why doing the right thing felt so much like making a terrible mistake.

The ache in my chest was familiar - an old friend I'd learned to ignore. After everything I'd been through, heartbreak had lost its sharp edges. Whatever was growing between Lucas and me wasn't deep enough to leave lasting scars. At least, that's what I kept telling myself.

"So you're stepping aside for her?" Lucas's voice carried an edge I'd never heard before, cutting through my thoughts.

I maintained my composure, forcing a gentle smile. "It's not about Eleanor. You two are well-matched, and I genuinely wish you happiness. We can all be friends - Eleanor, you, and me."

"Friends?" He nearly spat the word. "You think I need another friend, Serena?"

"Then... goodbye, Lucas." I turned to leave, my movements deliberately steady despite my racing heart.

"You're really something, aren't you?" His words dripped with icy sarcasm. "Always so damn composed."

I hesitated, my thoughts drifting to Milo and Stella. If there was any regret in this situation, it was leaving these sweet kids. But before I could take another step, Lucas's hand shot out, gripping my wrist with surprising force.

"What kind of man do you think I am?" The raw anger in his voice made me flinch.

Everything happened too fast. He yanked me toward him, and I collided with his chest, the impact sending a sharp pain through my nose. The familiar scent of his sandalwood cologne mingled with whiskey, making my head spin. Then his lips found my earlobe, teeth grazing the sensitive skin.

"Lucas, stop-" I tried to push away, my nails digging into his arms. But he only held me tighter, his embrace a contradiction of punishment and desperation, like a man terrified of losing something he'd only just found.

The warmth of his body against mine felt dangerous, awakening feelings I'd been desperately trying to suppress. His heartbeat thundered against my cheek, matching the frantic rhythm of my own. This wasn't the controlled, sophisticated Lucas Harrington I knew. This was someone else - someone raw and honest and frightening in his intensity.

Time seemed to stretch and compress all at once in that moment, the outside world fading until all that existed was the sound of our ragged breathing and the desperate grip of his hands.