Chapter 73

Serena's POV

A wave of heat rushed to my cheeks as Lucas pulled me closer. His breath was warm against my ear, and I found myself torn between wanting to pull away and staying exactly where I was. My heart hadn't quite settled from our earlier conversation when the door suddenly burst open.

"Oh my God! I'm so sorry!" Eleanor's voice pierced through the intimate atmosphere. She stood in the doorway, her eyes wide with genuine panic. "I really just needed to use the bathroom! I didn't mean to-I'll just-"

My body tensed instantly. Of all people to walk in, it had to be her. I tried to step back, but Lucas's arm remained firmly around my waist. The mortification was overwhelming - I could practically feel my ears burning red.

"Come here," Lucas commanded, his voice carrying that unmistakable tone of authority that seemed to make everyone comply. Eleanor hesitated for a moment before stepping forward, her designer heels clicking against the floor.

I kept my eyes fixed on the ground, wishing I could disappear. The silence felt suffocating until Lucas spoke again.

"What do you call my grandfather?" he asked Eleanor, his voice steady and deliberate.

"Grandpa Howard..." Eleanor replied, her voice small but clear.

My head snapped up at this exchange, a slight tremor running through my body. Lucas's thumb traced gentle circles on my back, a subtle gesture of reassurance.

"And what does that make us?" Lucas pressed on, his voice taking on an almost amused tone.

Eleanor's response came with an awkward laugh. "Well... you're my brother, technically. Though you never let me forget the 'older' part."

The realization hit me like a wave. I buried my face deeper into Lucas's chest, beyond embarrassed at my earlier assumptions. The silk of his shirt was cool against my burning cheeks, and I could feel the slight vibration of his chuckle.

"Now you understand?" Lucas murmured, his words meant only for me. I managed a small nod, still refusing to lift my head. The embarrassment was so intense I could probably carve out a whole apartment in it.

Eleanor's voice cut through the air, filled with jest. "Brother, what's going on with you two?"

BROTHER. The word echoed in my mind as I struggled to process its implications. Before I could fully grasp the situation, Lucas's voice took on an amused tone.

"Actually, she thought you and I were-"

Panic shot through me. I instinctively slapped my hand over his mouth, desperate to prevent him from revealing my embarrassing assumption. The last thing I needed was for Eleanor to know how badly I had misinterpreted things.

I felt Lucas's lips curve into a smile against my palm, the sensation sending an unexpected shiver down my spine. When his lips brushed deliberately against my hand in what felt distinctly like a kiss, I yanked my hand away as if burned, my face flooding with heat.

Lucas's eyes danced with barely contained laughter as he turned to Eleanor. "Aren't you leaving?" His tone carried an unmistakable authority that made his sister straighten up immediately.

"Right, I'll just..." Eleanor backed toward the door, a knowing smile playing at her lips. "I'll see you both later."

Once the door clicked shut behind her, Lucas turned his full attention back to me. The amusement in his expression had been replaced by something more serious, more searching.

"Why would you think I was involved with Eleanor?" he asked, his voice soft but intent. "More importantly, why would you think I'm the kind of person who would pursue you while being with someone else?"

I twisted the hem of my dress between my fingers, unable to meet his gaze. The fabric wrinkled under my nervous fidgeting, but I couldn't stop. How could I explain that Ian's words had planted seeds of doubt? That my own insecurities had let those seeds take root?

"I..." I started, then faltered. The truth felt too revealing, too vulnerable. Lucas waited patiently, his presence both comforting and unnerving.