Page 114 of A Win-Win Situation
I reach out and take Lucas's hand, pulling him closer. "Lucas, you've worked tirelessly for this. Your best is more than enough, and everyone knows it," I reassure him, trying to convey the strength and confidence I have in him through my touch.
His eyes meet mine, and I can see the doubt that still lingers. His shoulders, burdened with the weight of responsibility, slump slightly. "I just don’t want to disappoint you."
I gently lift his chin with my finger, forcing him to look directly into my eyes. "You will never disappoint us. I’m more than proud of you, Lucas. We all are."
A warm, grateful smile spreads across his face, and he pulls me close. "While I can't do anything about their opinions of me," Lucas continues, his voice lighter now, " I can at least help you. I have something for you. In fact, I've had it for about a week now." His eyes sparkle with mischief.
My curiosity piqued, I stop my frantic search and turn to face him. "What are you talking about?"
He grins. "You'll see. Just wait here." He leaves the room, and I'm left to wonder what on earth he's up to.
A minute later, Lucas returns, holding three boxes. One is larger than the others. He sets them down on the bed and starts handing them to me, one at a time.
"Open," he urges.
I tear into the first small box and find a beautiful diamond necklace. This must have cost a fortune. My heart flutters, and I look up at him in surprise. Lucas nods. "That's for you to wear at the opening." He hands me the second of the smaller boxes and I open it, revealing a pair of elegant silver earrings that match the necklace perfectly.
"Lucas, these are stunning," I whisper, touched by his thoughtfulness."But it’s too much, I can’t?—"
"You can," he says matter-of-factly, and I must have a funny expression on my face because he chuckles again.
"Do you like them?"
"I love them."
"I’m glad, but we're not done yet." He gestures to the large box, and I eagerly lift the lid.
Inside, I find the most beautiful evening gown I've ever seen. It's a deep, blood red, with intricate lace detailing around the chest and a flowing, ethereal skirt that shimmers in the light. I'm rendered speechless by its beauty.
Lucas grins proudly. "You'll wear this," his voice soft and filled with affection. "You know what I think about you in red," he says, and I feel my face flush. I'm so overwhelmed with gratitude and love that I can't hold back my tears.
"Lucas, you didn't have to do all this."
He takes my hands in his and looks into my eyes. "I wanted to. I wanted to make sure you felt like the most beautiful woman in the world—exactly the way I see you."
I wrap my arms around him in a tight embrace, my heart bursting with what I can only describe as love. "You're amazing, Lucas."
He kisses the top of my head. "I try."
I sigh and press myself against him further, and he turns rigid for a second before he leans down and whispers in my ear, "After the opening, I’m going to take you back home and I’m going to rip that dress off of your body."
My breath hitches when he kisses my neck. "Then, I’ll remove the lingerie you’ll be wearing—using only my teeth—until the only thing you’ll be wearing is the jewelry and your heels." He licks the shell of my ear and my breathing ceases.
"And then?" I ask with a shaky breath.
"Then, I’ll—" His phone interrupts the moment, and when he looks at it, he swears under his breath. He angles the phone so I can see the name on the display,Ammo Antoine.
"I have to take this," he says as he leaves me standing in my room, all hot and bothered. But not before I got a good look at him; he was also all hot, bothered, and hard.
FORTY
LEORA
We did good—no, we didgreat.
As soon as I step out onto the rooftop terrace, my mind is blown. It’s exactly how we planned it to be. String lights hang gracefully above, casting a soft, warm glow that dances in the evening breeze. Tables are adorned with fresh flowers and flickering candles, offering intimate nooks for conversation. Plush, cushioned seating arrangements invite guests to linger and savor the moment. The open sky above and the cityscape below make for a breathtaking view as the starlit sky enchants us.
But what makes me the most excited is the big wall that welcomes the guests as they step in. It’s filled with a collage of framed photos of Antoine’s life—a rich tapestry of memories starting from where he grew up in Lebanon, to him standing outside the entrance of his first hotel in France. The photos have already welcomed an audience and they all share smiles as they take it all in. I can’t wait for him to see it.
