I can’t get my keys into the door. I’m so damn nervous.
“Are you okay?”
I glance up at Luke, “I’m fine.” Finally, the key slides in, and I open my door. Benny isn’t around this evening to take the edge off. Quinn picked him up while he was in the city for a client and took him to Mum’s. Luke closes the door behind him.
“Welcome to my home.” I drop my keys in the small bowl on the hall table. Nervously I walk on ahead; just brazen it out, Lillian, just brazen it out. I start showing him around my apartment, finishing the tour with the lounge room.
“And that’s it.” I stay a couple of feet away from him. I’m so out of my depth here. “Would you like something to drink?”
Luke doesn’t answer right away. His eyes are firmly on something else. I take a small step closer and notice his overnight bag on the floor next to the couch.
“Oh um.”
Luke grins at me, “Don’t worry about it babe, I’m glad it’s here. Saves JJ the trou
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“Wake up, beautiful. It’s time to face the day.” Luke whispers affectionately.I smile and breathe him in. Hmmm, he smells so good. I kiss his chest and slowly run my tongue over his nipple and tug gently with my teeth.He growls. That’s a delicious sexy sound to hear first thing in the morning.Luke pulls me up and kisses me eagerly. God, yes, I could get used to waking up like this.“Lilly”, he breathes my name.“Yes?” I gaze into his eyes, and he smiles tenderly, tucking a curl behind my ear.“We should talk,” he says ominously. Oh? I frown and pull away. What guy wants to talk rather than have incredible sex? Well, Luke. But I don’t give in that easily.“Do we have to talk right now?” I ask, going back to kissing his neck and down his chest towards a very happy trail.“Yes, baby, we need to do this now.”I sigh and
Mum is in full operation hostess mode. I’ve received several phone calls since last night asking about Luke’s favourite meals, beverages, right to his favourite colour. My mother would have been a great interrogator. She has pulled more information about Luke than I have, and I’ve been with him intimately. It’s been nice having Luke around this weekend. I frown, but mum had to remind me that if I’m going to have a serious go at having a relationship with Luke that I must tell him everything. That’s a bubble I’m not ready to burst just yet. I’d like to have a few days of happiness before I drop another bomb into our very fresh relationship. I smile and sip my coffee. Luke has spent most of this morning in my study after JJ arrived with a fresh bag of clothes, his laptop and other things. We were sharing my study for a while, but with his constant phone calls and then the conference calls, I finally left and here I am using my kit
Ren and Dax have built a great little bonfire for our small gathering tonight. Abby, Quinn, and Luce have gone home. Abby is sure Luce will have a belly ache after all the roasted marshmallows she ate earlier, especially when we were all sneaking her more when we thought my sister wasn’t paying attention. The poor kid might not make it to school tomorrow. Mum and Joe have gone to bed. Leaving us to continue our evening under the stars. The boys have their acoustic guitars, while Justin plays around on his tablet. He’s always playing on his tablet if not a game, then music. I catch Andy staring into the fire pensively. She has a lot to think about with her girlfriend and boyfriend. I can only imagine what it would be like to not only navigate your feelings but two partners as well. I can barely navigate my feelings, let alone Luke’s. Adding another person to the mix would blow my mind. “You alright, love?”, Luke asks. I snuggle further
“Good morning baby, wake up my sweet girl, it’s time to face the day.” Luke whispers sweetly in my ear, but a shadow takes over the sweet whisper and turns into a growling grunt, “My sweet, sweet Lillian.” I open my eyes and smile up at him cautiously. “What’s wrong Lily?” “It’s far too early in the morning for this conversation.” “No. What’s bothering you? I need to know.” “Please never girl me sweet.” He laughs, “But you are sweet.”“I’m not being cute, Lucas.” Luke sits up. “What’s wrong with the word sweet?” “Dean called me his sweet. Often during….” I trail off, unable to finish the sentence. “Fuck.” He scoops me up into his arms, “I’m so sorry Lily.” I snuggle into him, “Don’t be. Just don’t use that term of endearment. That’s all.” I lean back and smile up at him, kissing the tip of his nose. “I want to kill him.” His voice darkens with his eyes. “I want to fucking kill him for what he has done
“Is JJ picking you up from here?” I ask as we step into my apartment. “I was hoping to stay here tonight. Unless I’ve been taking up too much of your time, in which case I can call JJ and have him pick me up.” Luke rambles, taking his phone from his pocket. “No, no. Of course, you aren’t. I’m happy for you to stay. But um, don’t you need a bodyguard?” I laugh. It just seems outrageous to have a bodyguard. “Not always. I was safe at your mothers, and with you,” he jokes. “Okay, what would you like for dinner?” “You,” he grins slyly. I smile. “Not right this minute, babe. I have to feed Benny and get him settled. Sally will be here in a couple of hours to take him for a walk.” Luke pouts. I roll my eyes, “Adorable but no,” I tap his nose. “You’re just so irresistible” he folds me into his arms, his lips lightly touching mine instead of kissing me as I want, he hovers waiting for me to answer. Fuck it! I lean up and kiss h
The peaceful sound of rain wakes me. I love the sound of rain. I glance at the soft glow of the alarm clock on my bedside. It’s 4:12 am. I roll onto my back and peek over at Luke. He’s sleeping soundly.I wish I could sleep as peacefully as he does. At least we’ve got through the baby thing. I can’t pinpoint why, but I still feel at odds.I try to go back to sleep, but the radio of voices inside my head is getting loud. I don’t think there’s any point in trying to go back to sleep when the voices are practically shouting.With a small sigh, I get up out of bed, throw on my fav jagger tee and lounge pants. I grab my phone and pick up my kindle and wireless earbuds on the way to my balcony.My building has no obstructed views of the ocean. It’s beautiful watching the sunrise from here, but it’s still a little early.It’s why I brought such a large outdoor day bed. It’s almost like a little c
As soon as I get out of my car, I put my earbuds in and blast my music. It’s been a day and I could use either silence or music to chill. I stop by the foyer and pick up the mail before heading up to my apartment. I flick through my mail as I walk in. So many damn bills this month. Benny bumps my leg; I pet him absentmindedly and head straight to my bedroom. I kick my shoes off and pad over to my study, fire up my laptop I might as well pay them now. I definitely need to have a chat with Abby. She’s overspending on the new flip. I always have to rein her in. The Divinyls blast in my ears–Touch myself. Oh, the memories this song brings. I sing to myself, shut my laptop down and feed Mr Benny. I look longingly at my bathtub, but I think I’d rather take a shower. I grab some fresh clothes; my shower’s busted so I have to use the guest bathroom. The plumber’s coming tomorrow, thank goodness. Fucking hell, Dax has let himself in today. He’s s
It’s been an interesting couple of days without Luke. After his meetings with his brothers, he had to leave and travel all over Australia to complete business transactions and check their other businesses while out there.Still, we talk every day and night, no matter what, and I love it.We were both hoping that he would be back tonight. But his brothers knocked out another deal in Brisbane, so Luke will stay another night.This evening has been really great. The band took advantage of Ren being here and invited him to be our “Secret special guest”. The turnout is incredible, and it’s been so much fun singing with Ren again.Our set’s done now we get to party. Usually, Justin will do a DJ set, but tonight Joe hired an up-and-coming DJ so we can celebrate Ren’s farewell. He is going back on the road with his band.“Here you go, Drink up.” Joe shouts over the music as he places dozens of s
I watch the woman my brothers tell me I loved. The One. That’s what my journal tells me. Lillian Blackwood is my one. The problem is I can’t remember her. Not a single thing. All the descriptions I wrote about her don’t do her justice. Even while I watch her breakdown. While I watch my brother comforts her, over a dog named Benny. She’s still incredibly beautiful. “Are you willing to let that go?” Dylan asks as he watches the commotion in front of us. “I can’t let go of something I didn’t know I had.” I shrug and walk outside. The house is beautiful. I’m told it’s her mother’s or was. “You need to think about this.” Dylan pulls the ring from his pocket. “You commissioned this piece, Lucas. That’s how serious you are,” he shakes his head, “Were about Lily. She’s a wonderful woman, and she is going through a lot right now. Decide.” He storms off back inside. I take in the view of this beautiful piece of land. It’s just as I described in my journal. Decisions…. Stay or leave?
After returning from another MRI scan and more blood tests. I visit Luke. JJ is sitting in the corner talking on the phone. I wave to him and sit by Luke’s bed, squeezing his hand gently. “I was just on the phone with Dylan. He and Declan are on their way here. They’re currently in Singapore for the layover.” He tells me. “Okay.” it’s not the best setting to meet Luke’s family, but I do hope that he wakes before they get here. They should come home to some good news. I smile at JJ. “Any news?” “Yes, they’re taking him out of his coma tomorrow.” He grins. “That’s wonderful news.” I gaze down at Luke. I can’t wait for him to wake up. “Yes, it is. I’m very sorry about your Mum. Esther, she was a real sweetheart.” I frown, “You know Lily, it isn’t your fault. Dean and Mel are their own people. They did this.” “Thanks, JJ, I know, it’s not my fault,” I sigh. “Well, the rational part of my brain knows it, but I still can’t help feeling guilty. It’ll take a while; I guess.” I shrug
“Hi, baby.” Luke smiles sweetly, stroking my face, his other hand playing with my hair.“Hi, I think I had another bad dream, and you were in it this time. Dean shot you.” I tell him, staring into those beautiful hazel eyes. He frowns.“It was a dream, wasn’t it?” I ask, as his frown deepens.“No baby, not a dream.” He smiles lovingly. “Will you sing me that lullaby song?”“Always.” I sing the song as he holds me tightly and says, “I love you, baby.”I blink up at an unfamiliar ceiling. Jesus, I must have been on a hell of a boozy night out. I look around the room. It’s all off-white, except for the curtains, they’re grey. Definitely not at home. Did Luke take me to his place? He needs a new decorator. Who has a mini-fridge in a bedroom?“Luke?” I whisper, my voice dry and horse. I try to turn but the pain is excruciating, my back, and chest ache like nothing I’ve ever felt before. My head, I touch my head, fuck, it hurts. Someone yells.“Lily!” it’s Abby. Good god, did she need to sc
I swallow hard. My throat feels both dry and full of saliva at the same time. What the fuck happened?Slowly, I open my eyes. I try to bring my hands up to rub my eyes, but my hands won’t budge. I blink slowly and look around. It’s dark, but there is some sort of light coming in, God knows where. How did I get here?I try to move my hands, but they’re pinned to my side. I look down, but I still can’t see shit. I think I’m sitting.Fuck my head! I shake my head, but it only makes the throbbing worse.Something scatters across the room, making me jump. I whip my head in the general direction, but I can’t see shit. The adrenalin spikes which help’s clear the drug haze a little.That’s when it clicks. Fucking Dean. And Mel?!Motherfucker jabbed my neck with a motherfucking needle. Fuck! Fuck! Fuck! I try to say the words out loud, but of course, the arsehole has taped my damn mouth. I creak my neck, something’s covering my eyes. No wonder I can’t see. The bastard blindfolded me.I try to
Luke is stroking my hair. I smile sleepily. “You look so beautiful and peaceful when you sleep,” he smiles.“I do?” I can’t remember the last time I felt any kind of peace whilst sleeping unless Luke’s here.“Yes, you do.” He kisses me.“I think you should stay here more often.” I grin seductively.He laughs. “I bet you do; Are you asking me to move in with you?”“I think I am. You stay often enough. But I can’t imagine you would like to stay in a place so small.”“I like your place. It’s much cozier than mine. Hmm, I should take you to my place.” He gets up out of bed. “Would you like me to make you something or get you a drink?”“Yes, please. A juice, surprise me.” I get up and put on my robe. “I need to make a few calls and I’ll be right out.”I call Mum, no answer, I leave her a voicemail, letting her know we’re still safe and making sure she’s okay.I call Mel, but again no answer, I don’t bother with a voicemail. I’ve left enough.I call Stacie, knowing she’s in school and may n
Another terrifying scream breaks the silence. What–the–fuck!We jump out of bed, scrambling to put on clothes as we race downstairs. I hear movement coming from the kitchen and bolt. Luke close behind me.Mum is holding onto the bench in the kitchen, clutching her chest.“Mum?” I yell.“S-someone’s out-outside!” she says breathlessly.Luke and JJ race to the back door. Shit! Dean! Daniel’s immediately calling the police.“Come sit down. Are you alright, mum?” I move her to the dining room table and sit her down gently on one of the dining chairs.“I’m alright, Darling. I wasn’t expecting to see someone outside, that’s all.” She coughs while trying to catch her breath.“Who screamed?” Stacie asks wide-eyed.“Mum, she saw someone through the kitchen window. Luke and JJ are outside. Can you look after Mum?”I don’t wait for an answer. I race upstairs, throw on a pair of sneakers and grab Benny. Like most teenagers, Lucy has slept through the whole commotion.“Come on Benny, let’s find th
I wake feeling blissfully happy, wrapped in Luke’s strong, comforting arms. He tightens his arms around me as I cuddle deeper. I look up at his smiling, sleepy face.“Good morning, beautiful.” He says as he kisses the top of my head.“Good morning.” I don’t think this smile will ever leave my face; my cheeks are hurting.“That was quite an evening. How are you?” I ask warily.“I’m fine. I was actually wondering how you are?” His eyes glow affectionately.“I’m good. I’m sorry about last night.” He presses his finger against my lips to quieten me.“Don’t be.”“Reset?” I ask.“We already did last night.” He winks at me.“Aren’t we cheeky this morning?”“We are.” He winks and leans down to kiss me. “I love you so much, Lillian Blackwood.”“I love you too,” I tell him after our kiss ends. I hold on to him tighter, never wanting to let go, or move, for that matter. But then Benny barks.“That’s ‘I’m hungry’ in dog language.” I glance at the clock. 7:30 am. Yep, breakfast time.I quickly get
It’s been a couple of days since my panic attack. Lucas has respected my wishes and hasn’t contacted me at all. Which stupidly doesn’t make me feel any better.Why hasn’t he called to make sure I’m alright? I thought he loved me!I roll my eyes. Damned if you do, damned if you don’t. I’m sure I would have told him off if he called me yesterday. But today, I guess I expected at least a ‘Good Morning’ text or something.I sigh. I should really get up and out of bed today.Yesterday I spent all day in my PJ’s wallowing. I need to get out and get some fresh air.I decide to take Benny on our usual walk when I have a free day. We haven’t done this in a while. We go to our café; Benny has his Pupa-chino, a small cup full of cream, and a mini vanilla cupcake. Then we do Benny’s favourite part of our little day out, playing with his mates.Benny had a blast playing with his doggy friends in the off leash fenced off dog park. Once he’s had his fill, we sit under our favourite oak tree. Benny l
I smile at my reflection. Yes, you are a lucky bitch. I finish the last touches of my makeup and check my outfit to make sure it’s all in the right place. I’m wearing a white sleeveless fitted scoop neck top with a mini black leather corset, tight black jeans, a black leather jacket and black heels. “Oh!” I pick up my new platinum gold necklace with a key and heart charms on it. Luke said he commissioned the necklace from his brothers a week ago and here it is all the way from Dubai.“Yeah, you are one lucky bitch.” I murmur to myself as I knock on the door to my study again. This time I don’t hesitate. I walk right on in. Luke looks me up and down and whistles.“Wow, you look hot. Maybe I should put this aside for later.” He smiles playfully, “I can’t let you go out looking like that!”“What are you going to do? Tie me up?” I tease.“Maybe I will” He stalks towards me, his eyes glowing darkly. The look makes me shiver in an oh so good way. He wraps me in his arms and kisses me zealou