Chapter 57

**LUKE**
I’d known Rebecca for years, and our relationship was always professional. She was my father’s lawyer for more than five years, and she was one of the people I trusted. I couldn’t believe I was having a conversation like this with her.
“But you know you cannot go back right now, right? If what you’re doing is for her sake.”
I rested my elbows on my knees and shifted my head to her side. “I trust that you can do it with Ryan.”
“Ryan and I decided to end this job in two weeks.”
“I can’t stay here for another two weeks, Rebecca.” If I stay, I won’t make it to Scarlet’s graduation.
“It’s because we think you can meet him. We are aiming to bring his club down in Cambridge as well.”
“Explain.”
“We didn’t want to tell you sooner because we need more time. As we all know, the club in London is for sale. But Velazquez does not solely own the club. Sixty percent is owned by someone else.”
He only owned forty percent, yet he managed to live like he was the top shit.
“How did you know all of this?”
“At the casino. It’s actually a good opportunity for you.”
“Since when did you start doing business?” I couldn’t help but chuckle.
“I am a corporate lawyer, Luke.” She smiled. “I have to know these things.”
“Okay, so what do you propose?”
“Make a bargain.”
“A what?”
“A bargain, Luke. Instead of going after him, find the owner of the sixty percent. We’ll take care of Velazquez. Until then, you can meet him and agree to sign the papers without him knowing your real intention.”
“How can I meet the major stakeholder? Wait, hold on.” There was something odd there. “Why are they suddenly selling the club? You said it had a good reputation.”
“They’re going to split shares. That’s all we know.”
That’s it? I believed there was something more to it. “Figure it out and tell me where to find this other owner.”
“Wait, Luke. You’re going to stay here, then?”
“Do I have a choice?”
She looked down at her lap. “I’m sorry.”
“Just make sure I’ll have the time to attend Scarlet’s graduation.”
She lifted her head. “That is up to you then.”
“What do you mean?”
“The other owner won’t be here until next week.”
“What!?” I stood up. I brushed my scalp in frustration. “You know that I fucking hate to wait.”
“But she’s coming from Edinburgh. She is scheduled to fly here next Friday.”
“Scotland?” I scowled, grinding my teeth. I wasn’t used to dealing with other people. I didn’t wait.
“Yes, sir. Her name is Cameron Waltz.”
“I don’t care about the background. I’m not going to wait here, Rebecca. I’m flying to Cambridge today. Continue what you are doing. I want to progress. I hope it’s done when I come back in a week.”


**SCARLET**

I miss you too. I can’t wait to see you – Luke
My heart began pounding extremely fast, seeing his name on my phone screen. It was already ten in the morning, but I was still awfully sleepy because the show at the acoustic bar ended late last night. But his message woke me up in an instant.
Are you coming home? – Scar
After sending the message, I jumped out of bed and went to the bathroom. It was finally the weekend. I could relax my brain cells and think of other things besides my thesis. I stepped into the shower and let my body relax under the warm water.
After the bath, I grabbed my phone and checked for his reply. But there was none. I wonder what he was doing. I bit my lip. Should I send another text?
What’s that message supposed to mean?
“It means I’m going to see you,” said a voice behind me.
Luke.
“Oh my God!” I almost dropped my phone in surprise. I turned and saw Luke at the door of my bedroom. He was so tall his head almost reached the corner of my door. He was so beautiful and far from my imagination. Katherine was standing next to him.
“I let him in,” she said, then grinned meaningfully.
I got my breath back in an instant. He was here. Luke came back.
I didn’t know where I got my courage or if I was allowed to do it. I hurriedly jumped on him, wrapping my arms around his neck and my legs around his waist, then I pulled him tight against my body.
Luke caught me in his arms. “Hmm. You’re heavy.” A soft chuckle escaped his lips.
I slapped his shoulder. “You’re a bad man!”
“Alright, alright! I will leave you two alone,” Katherine excused herself.
Yes, sure. Because I really missed this man. I wanted to be alone with him. I had been having a hard time since the letter came, and I didn’t know how I ended up missing him too much. I sobbed on his shoulders.
“Hey, what’s wrong?” His voice was soft and gentle.
I shook my head. I continued to cry soundlessly. Luke put me down. His arms were still wrapped around my body.
“Look at me,” he said softly, searching for my eyes.
I stared up at him. My shortcomings began rushing to my mind again. How should I tell him? How was I supposed to say I was going to leave for Scotland?
How could I say I missed him so much when we were not supposed to be together? I didn’t want to leave, but I had no choice. I had to let him go.
We were getting close to reality. At the end of the day, he was my stepbrother. I was only going to hurt myself. I would end up stalking him. I didn’t want him to see the worst things I could do when I wanted someone. I just don’t know how I could tell him. It would break my heart first.
“I just missed you,” I whimpered. “What did you do in London that took you so long?”
“I told you, it’s business. Let me make it up to you.” He leaned over me and pressed a kiss to my wrinkled brow. “You choose.”
“What?” I asked, confused.
“My place or here.”
“But Katherine’s here.”
A playful grin curved on his lips. “So what if she’s here?”
“She’ll hear us.”
He kissed my nose. “What are you thinking about, Ms. Carter?”
“But you said…”
“Shh…” He pressed a thumb against my lower lip. “I’m just asking for lunch and dinner.”
“You’ll stay here for the day?”
“Do you prefer it here?”
I shook my head. “I’m just not sure why you even made this place an option.”
“My place, then?”
“Yes, your place.”
As we entered his apartment, I could already smell the scent I’d been missing for the past weeks. It smelled exactly like him. But the place felt empty despite the luxurious furniture. I remembered how Mom slumped on the couch in front of the TV. Thomas was usually on a single chair, reading the newspaper. I still couldn’t get over how time flies so quickly.
“Wait for me here.” Luke went straight to the stairs towards his room. He loosened his neckties. “Do you need anything? Are you hungry?”
“No, water will do.”
“Then, you know my kitchen.” He winked at me. He continued to walk upstairs.
I went to the kitchen and opened the fridge. Even the fridge was empty. There was no food, only different kinds of beverages. He didn’t come here first. He came straight to the apartment to see me. Though I wasn’t sure, it still made my heart melt.
I lied about not being hungry. I was starving and couldn’t offer him anything at the apartment since I had to replenish the supplies too. And I thought I just heard my stomach crumble.
I took a pitcher of cold water and poured myself a glass. I drank the water straight. I sighed in relief when the water touched my throat.
Luke came back and found me in the kitchen. He changed his clothes to a simple white T-shirt and sweatpants. He was holding a wireless telephone.
“I ordered pizza. I remembered you hadn’t eaten anything. Why lie about something as simple as that?”
I laughed. “Are you implementing your rules on me right now?”
“Depends on how you see it.” He grinned as he walked towards me. He wrapped his arms around my waist. “You still didn’t tell me what you want for your graduation.”
I shrugged. “I can’t think of anything I want. Your father provided everything for me.”
“Ah… you must be lucky.” He leaned over and softly kissed my mouth. “I miss this,” he murmured between his smiles. “And I want you. I’m still waiting for an answer.”
“Answer to what?” I asked innocently, blinking my eyes.
“I don’t want to play this game anymore, Scarlet. You know what I’m talking about.”
“Do I have to answer now?”
He shrugged. “I’ll make sure you’ll say yes.” He kissed my lips again. “By the way…”
He let me go and walked towards the kitchen. He opened a cabinet and found nothing.
“Looks like we have to go to the grocery store this afternoon. You’ll be staying here with me this whole weekend,” he added.
I raised an eyebrow. “I didn’t say yes to that.” I crossed my arms over my chest.
“You don’t have to answer. You’ll come with me in the afternoon. And I won’t allow you to leave this evening.”
Why would I? Where would I go? Ah, to the acoustic bar. “Okay, I won’t… for now.”
“Good, now come here.” He walked to my side, pulled me against him, and then his mouth hovered over mine.