Chapter Sixteen

My body deflates against the plush leather cushioning of the sleek black chair. Traveling anywhere in a limo seems excessive, really. A taxi would have sufficed or anything that doesn't involve Tyson's radical driving. I've been scared enough today.

"Are you okay, Alessia?" I almost leap out the window from fright. I peer further down the almost pitch black limo to see Luke pressed against the chair casually. The passing street light flickers against his facial features. I'm creeped out by the fact he's here but I suppose the actual Alessia would notice the difference between cars. The fact the driver asked me where we're going is oddly surprising. Does he know where we're going? Cause I don't.

"Luke?"

"I grabbed my car when Kade's mother explained you were feeling off," he explains. "I also thought it would be the perfect time for us to escape Kade. I hate how he watches you. When did he start caring about what you want?"

"Uhh." I bite my lip. "Appearances are deceptive."

"They sure are," he agrees.

Instead of worrying about this, I relax and gaze out the window. Unfortunately, Kade's mother comes to mind. Her flustered and out of breath appearance leaves me unsure. Who is that out of breath at a function like that? In fact, I don't want to know. It's not my problem and I shouldn't be reading into it.

"I'm sorry for the trouble," I say. "Kade could have driven me home." Hopefully, Luke has some sense to drop me home without coming in. I'm sure he can't be that daring, even with alcohol flowing through his system.

"I heard he was busy in the storage cupboard with another woman," says Luke. "You deserve better."

"Hm," I mumble.

"I'm happy he's distracted," Luke notes.

I have to hold the laughter inside. Luke probably thinks this means he can come into Kade's apartment with me. I'd hate to see his reaction if Luke ever found out I was the woman. People are deceptive, even the best of us.

"Luke, I don't think this is a good idea," I explain. "Kade could be on his way home and I'd hate for something to happen." The character within me comes to play, however, I'd be amused to see Kade in a fight. I know it's horrible to like the idea, though.

"No, I doubt that," says Luke. "His mother encouraged me to reach out to you. I'm glad I agreed." He sighs happily.

"She did?" I frown.

"How much have you had to drink?" He chuckles.

Luke moves from his spot and over to me. He wraps his arm around my shoulder and brings me to rest my head on his shoulder.

"I'll take care of you, don't you worry." And as he says those words, my stomach knots with nerves. I haven't drunk enough wine to feel comfortable.

I don't bother moving, I just close my eyes and wait. The sooner this ride ends, the sooner I can climb out of this vehicle and into bed. Hopefully forgetting everything that's happened tonight. Working with this many secrets is difficult and certainly not worth the money. This wasn't something I expected when I signed up for the job.

When I crack open my eyes, it feels like it's been hours. Instead, it's only been fifteen minutes and I don't know where I am.

"Luke, where are we?" I question.

"Driving to my place," he softly replies.

"Why are we doing that?" I tell myself not to panic but the nerves set in regardless. I certainly don't want to be stuck in the lion's den!

"Because I want to take care of you Alessia, you don't look well."

"I could do with another drink," I quietly mutter.

"We can do that as well," he explains.

"Sounds wonderful." I plaster on a smile.

"I could take you to Jenna's house after," he suggests.

"You really don't have to worry about me," I insist.

"I've certainly never minded if you stayed the night at mine." He smiles.

I have to stop myself from gagging at the thoughts that come to mind. I know I wanted to help Alessia out, but I'm not going to be helping Luke with anything. I draw the line there.

"I'd hate to worry Kade, though," I try to say.

"Never bothered you before." Anger swirls through my body. Does he seriously have an answer for everything? Can't he take a hint? Instead of saying something, I bite my lip and grin. I can suffer through one drink and then demand to go home. Wine usually makes my cheeks flush.

I'm sure if I called Kade to collect me, there wouldn't be any issues. However, I'd like to believe I can get myself out of this situation.

"Well. Let's believe I'm a changed person." I huff back.

"If you'd like to, whatever helps you sleep at night, Alessia." The air falls silent, thankfully, as we continue our drive to Luke's place. The fuzzy cloud in my mind begins to clear up as the flashing lights whizzing past no longer make me feel sick. That's when I know it is time for another drink.

Luke's car finally comes to a stop and I'm thrilled. I'm happy enough to throw the door open and step out. With freedom swirling through my system for a total of three seconds, I rejoice. Luke's arm wraps around my waist as he guides me towards the entrance of another apartment block.

"Ready for a drink?" he asks.

"Yes." I nod.

Do all rich people live in apartments or is this just a Kade and Luke thing? Who's got the best apartment? I let Luke lead me inside and towards an elevator. He presses some buttons and we start moving upwards. All the while, I'm left with an unsettling feeling as Luke never moves his hand from my back.

As soon as the elevator door opens, I rush forwards. The room is grand, beautiful, and rather elegant. I bet this place has been professionally styled for Luke. I don't foresee him as the type to be decorating his own place - same goes to Kade and any other fancy, rich person.

I avoid gazing at the beautiful space so it doesn't look like I'm experiencing his for the first time. However, it's hard not to be curious about new places.

"Glass of red?" he asks.

I want to say no, but to keep in character, I nod my head. Red wine it is.

We walk through the elegance entrance and down a short passage to an open entertaining area with an attached kitchen. The room opens to a beautiful view of the city skyline. Twinkly lights shimmer in the distance and it takes my breath away.

Luke grabs two glasses out of the kitchen and places them on the bench. I rest my arms on the bench and watch Luke grab a bottle drop the fridge. He opens the top and pours the dark red liquid into both of our glasses.

"Remember last time we were here?" He tries to flirt.

It's an effort, but I manage to straighten up and smile. I take a large sip from the glass and then decide to chug the content of it. We're both surprised when there's nothing left but perhaps a drop or two.

"Thirsty?" he asks.

"Yes." I nod my head.

Luke quickly refills the glass and I swoop in to make a toast.

"To us," I cheers. Luke clinks the glass against mine and I down this next drink. As I place the glass on the table, I place my hand over the top to prevent him from pouring anything else in there.

"I'm going to the bathroom." I nod my head. "But where is that again?"

"Down the hall, to your left." He smiles pleasantly.

"Everyone and their hallways," I mutter to myself.

Following his directions, I walk down the hallway and through the first door to my left. It opens up to a bedroom, which makes me slightly worried. True to his word, I find another door with a bathroom attached to it. I flick on the light and then lock the door behind me.

I close the lid on the toilet and pull out my phone. I have a few hundred missed calls and text messages from Kade Taylor. Nervously, I unlock the screen and start reading through all of the messages.

9:08PM: Message me when you arrive at your apartment safely.

9:15PM: Have you arrived? Please message me promptly.

9:25PM: I heard you left with Luke, please let me know you're safe.

9:29PM: I'm going out of my mind, Lydia! Tell me where you are!

9:31PM: Don't ignore me.

9:35PM: Lydia, answer your phone, NOW!

I don't bother reading through the other messages, I assume they are about the same as these ones. I tap the call button and flush the toilet and then turn the sink on. Within seconds of calling, Kade answers the phone and starts yelling angrily.

"Where are you? I've been worried sick!"

"I'm with Luke and he's taking care of me," I explain.

"Why are you at his place?" He growls down the line.

"Why do care?" I argue back.

"I'm coming to get you." I'm left gobsmacked. I bring the phone away from my face to look down at the blank screen. I growl under my breath and shove my phone back in my bag and then toss it on the side of the sinks bench.

I turn the water off and fix my make-up before unlocking the door and stepping out. I almost leap back into the bathroom when I see Luke sitting at the end of the bed with only the bedside lamp on.

"Here." He hands me another glass of wine.

"Thanks." I take a small sip and tug a smile onto my lips.

"Is everything okay?"

"Fine."

"Let's enjoy out time before Kade storms in here." He lightly chuckles.

Luke closes the gap between us. The alcohol flowing through my system riddles the nerves away. He grabs my hips and drags me closer to his body. He snuggles his head into the crook of my neck and kisses the skin. My body deceives me and a heavenly feeling floats through my body sending me limp to his touch.

The sound of smashing glass sends me spiraling out this trance. I look at the ground to see the glass smashed and the red liquid splattered among the ground.

"I'm going to be sick." I push Luke away and step into the bathroom. Slamming the door shut, I lock it so that he can't get in.

"Alessia, what are you doing? Let me in."

I was a fool to think I could handle this situation by myself. Taking a seat on the toilet, I hold my spinning head. I really might be sick if I don't get out of here soon. I'm relieved to feel my phone buzz in my bag.

"Downstairs." – Kade.

Scurrying to my feet, I unlock the door and hurry out. Like tries to grab my arm, but I frantically push him away and dash for the elevator.

"Sorry Luke, vomit in my hair." I hide my face as I rush inside. I press all the buttons until it begins to go somewhere. When the doors begin to close, locking Luke inside his place. I press my back against the wall and slide down. That was close.

When the elevator reaches the ground floor, I don't bother jumping up. Instead, the familiar aftershave of Kade Taylor fills the air around me.

"You're safe now." Kade scoops me in his arms and carries me towards his car.

*****