I tip my head backward, banging it against the headboard a few times. I don’t want to disappoint Elizabeth, but I can’t bear to hurt Ava. She deserves nothing less than true love, a fairy-tale wedding…the works.
I’m not asking her to marry me for some fucking oil and canvas.
Chapter Twenty-One
Ava
More than three hours later, I emerge from the spa. At first, I was a little annoyed that Lucas went overboard—and rather sneakily too, getting the spa people to give me what he wanted. But with my muscles feeling like warm clay, my skin scrubbed and glowing, and my nails shiny with a coat of gorgeous pink lacquer, I can’t complain. He was right to give me the works.
I claim my purse from the locker and check my phone. I have a couple of texts from Bennie.
First: Guess you had a good time. Don’t make it too good for him. He deserves to suffer a little for what he’s done to you. And good god, why did he have to send the moving crew so early? They showed up before coffee.
Second: Lucas said you were leaving today, so I’m going to host a party starting at seven for you. Tell him to hold the damned plane until midnight or something.
I frown. I had no idea we were leaving today. Lucas said he sent people to get my things today, but…flying out today?
When I reach the suite, Lucas opens the door and says, “Wow. You look amazing.”
“Thank you. I feel great.” I give him a smile. I’ve never been so thoroughly spoiled before, and not even Bennie’s text can take away my glow. “But what is this about us leaving today?”
“Where’d you hear that?”
“Bennie.”
Lucas mutters something under his breath. “Yes. I told him that, but only because he was pissing me off. But like I said before, I can’t linger too long.”
“Okay.” I breathe out shakily. “You’re right. Why delay it?”
He takes my hand and kisses the back of it tenderly. “I swear you won’t regret this.”
“I know you’ll do your best. You promised.”
A man who allowed himself to be as vulnerable as Lucas isn’t a man who intends to screw up.
“Thank you.”
“Apparently there’s a going-away party tonight. I want you to come with me.”
His eyebrows rise. “Me?”
I nod. “You should. I’d love you to meet some of my friends before we leave.”
He shifts his weight a bit. “If you’d like.”
“I’d like.” I press myself against him. “So…what should we do until then?”
“What do you have in mind?”
“I think you know.” I give him a wicked smile, rocking against him.
His gaze glitters. “Do you now?”
I let my hand brush against his cock. “It’s a bit too obvious.” I grip his broad, thickly muscled shoulders and steer him toward the bed. “And I think you’re too tense.” I run the back of my fingers along his shaft through his jeans.
“I think you’re right.” His voice is taut.
“You should be pampered too.”