2. Bridget
CHAPTER 2
brIDGET
NINE MONTHS LATER
I ’ve watched Ronan fall head over heels in love with Nora. I’ve never seen him so happy, and I couldn’t be more pleased for the two of them. Even though he married an Englishwoman, I don’t hold it against her; she’s an incredible mum to Leo and loves my brother fiercely.
I’m not jealous… All right, I’m a bit jealous . I’ve never known an all-consuming love like they share. My ex-husband and I married when we were young, and we struggled with infertility for years, which put a strain on our marriage. Ultimately, it was too much for him, and he left when I was pregnant with Gavin. My own father wasn’t around growing up, and I hate that the cycle isn’t broken.
As I’m packing a bag for Gavin’s match, my phone vibrates on the counter. Secretly hoping it’s cancelled, I unlock my phone and hold back a grin seeing Lucas’ name illuminating my screen.
Lucas
G’day, pup. Are you free for dinner tonight?
When Luc and I first met, he caught a glimpse of my one and only tattoo on my shoulder—a paw print I impulsively got when I was twenty. His little nickname has stuck for the past year. I should tell him to stop, but I selfishly don’t want him to. My stomach wooshes every time he calls me pup.
Lucas had only planned on staying with us for a few months while his custom home was being built. In the middle of the project, the contracted company was investigated for money laundering and Lucas never found a replacement to finish the house. He sold the land and has been with us this whole time.
As much as I love having him here, it’s time I gently insist he move out. I’ve developed feelings for him that grow deeper each day, and it’s only a matter of time before I get hurt. While he’s a massive flirt, there’s no chance he’s in love with me as much as I am with him. It’s best to keep it to my fantasies. There’s also no reason he should be living in my ridiculously small apartment with me. He’s worth millions and could do so much better.
I glance around nervously even though I’m alone. His teasing has increased exponentially in the past few months. With Gavin at Ronan’s home, I’m free for dinner before Leo’s birthday party, but spending time with Luc alone is a terrible idea.
No, sorry, I’m not free.
Yes, you are.
Come have dinner with me.
Is that supposed to be a question or a command?
Neither. It’s a request.
Well, my answer is still no.
Why not?
I already ate.
Liar.
I’ll see you at 7:15.
I’m going to leave the flat at 7.
Then I’ll be sure to come home at 6:45.
You’re impossible.
No, I’m your date for the night.
For the hundredth time, you don’t need a date for Leo’s birthday party.
As much as I long for more with Lucas, it would ruin everything if it ended badly. Gavin loves Luc, so do I, which is why I need to keep my gorgeous flatmate at arm’s length.
Either I’m your date tonight, or you’re going to tell me why your hand was between your legs thinking of me while you were in the shower yesterday.
I should lie, but he's caught me in the act twice. Who knows how many times he’s heard me and didn’t say anything.
The first time, he thought I was having a nightmare, which wasn’t too far off. Fantasising about your brother’s friend is one thing; it’s all pretend. Coming down from your mind-blowing orgasm to find the sexy as fuck man sitting next to you on the bed is… There is no word to describe the torture. The way I wanted his hands on me, swirled with embarrassment of being caught, it was absolute hell.
The second time was yesterday morning. While I was showering, the bastard heard me moaning his name while I fucked my vibrator. He was supposed to be out for a run with Ronan but came home early. He heard me call out his name and he burst into the bathroom, thinking I needed something. My luck is absolute shite. I’ve avoided him since.
I already told you I wasn’t calling out your name.
You absolutely did. There’s no shame in touching yourself thinking of me.
I wasn’t. I was imagining a different Luc.
Yeah? Which one?
Panicking, I type without thinking.
Luke Skywalker.
If you want a man to make you see stars, pup, say the word. I’m more than happy to oblige.
Lucas!
We shouldn’t be talking about this.
I disagree. We need to talk about it, which is why I asked you to dinner. Also, I have important news I want to share.
I chew on my lip; I’d much rather pretend yesterday never happened.
You should go to the party without me. I’ll tell Nora I’m not feeling well.
You can’t avoid me forever.
Watch me.
I glance at the clock, and if Lucas is true to his word, he’ll be here in forty-five minutes. He knows damn well I wouldn’t actually miss Leo’s party, and part of me is curious what his news is.
I rush to get ready, hoping to make it out the door before Lucas is home. Per usual, luck isn’t on my side, and the click of my entry door closing makes me jump. Scurrying out of my bedroom to make my exit, I faceplant into Lucas’ hard chest. I’m not a short woman at 5’9” but he’s a 6’6” giant towering over me. And, fucking hell, he smells good. I hold my breath to avoid his earthy pine and citrus scent.
“Someone’s in a hurry,” he purrs. I attempt to step back but he slips his hand to my back, keeping me close.
“I… Um…”
“Ready for dinner?”
I wince and don’t dare glance up. If I do, all it’ll take is his hazel eyes meeting mine for me to do whatever he wants. “We really shouldn’t,” I insist, though my voice shakes.
“It’s only dinner.” Lucas tilts my chin, forcing me to look at him. He’s letting his beard grow out and it only makes him more handsome. Leaning in, it tickles my cheek as he whispers, “We eat together nearly every night; this is no different.”
“Except you keep calling it a date, and I don’t know if you’re serious or not.”
He pulls back and I immediately miss him in my space. “I may tease you, pup, but I would never joke about something like this.”
“Even if I wanted to, I can’t.”
“It could be your last chance.” He huffs a humorless laugh. “I was going to tell you at dinner but… You know my working holiday visa is expired. My agent has been working to secure a service employment contract but it’s a stretch seeing as I’m not a scientist or anything.” He sighs and pain seeps into his expression. “I’ll have to go back to Australia for a while and reapply for a visa.”
My breath catches in my throat. “You’re leaving? What about the club? Is there anything they can do?”
“They’re trying.”
“When would you have to go?”
“Next week.” Luc tucks my hair behind my ear, a sad smile tilting his lips. “If you can’t come with me, I want to take you to dinner. For at least one night, I want to pretend you’re mine.”
“Yours? Go with you? You aren’t making any sense. What are you talking about?” My brows pinch.
“Come home with me. I’m in love with you, pup.”
“Love?” I scoff, taking a step back. Selfish bastard. “You wait until you’re leaving to tell me? That’s not love, Lucas.”
“At least I’m admitting how I feel. You love me too. I know you do, but both of us have been too afraid to be the first to say it. I never wanted to ruin my relationship with Gavin, or with Ronan, if you didn’t feel the same way. I’d rather be your friend than nothing at all, but I can’t move to the other side of the world without you knowing how I feel about you.”
I still can’t say the words. No matter how much I love him, if I tell him, it’ll make it too real. He’s leaving. I take a deep breath and on the exhale it’s as if alarm bells are going off in my head. “You were asking me out last week. How long have you known about your work visa issues?”
Luc lets out a long sigh. “About two months, but I only found out this morning I’ll have to get creative if I want to come back. I thought for sure the league would’ve had it sorted for me, but that wasn’t the case. My agent fucked up the paperwork and I was denied.”
“Is there any way you could stay?” My heart squeezes. I close the distance and wrap my arms around his middle. Holding me tighter, he kisses the top of my head, and tears prick behind my eyes. I’m not the only one losing Luc, my whole family is.
“Come with me. You and Gav,” he whispers and it only makes it harder to keep myself from crying.
“I can’t. Gavin’s life is here. We can’t pick up and leave. Do you have any Irish family? You could apply for citizenship.”
“No.” He groans, and I feel the deep rumble everywhere. “I’d be able to stay if I married.”
I glance up, resting my chin on his chest. “Don’t joke about that.”
“I’m not joking, pup. When I looked into citizenship, it’s an option.”
I marinate with it for a moment, then blurt, “Then let’s get married.”
“What did you say?” His voice is low and gravely, making my body light up.
I swallow thickly and repeat, “Let’s get married. You’ll get to stay, and we wouldn’t need to tell anyone. If they ask, you can tell them your agent was able to extend your visa.”
“When I get married, it’ll be for love. I do love you, Bridge, but…” He shakes his head. “No. We can’t do this. Not like this. I won’t drag you or Gavin into anything with a contract marriage.”
“What if you leave and they aren’t able to negotiate anything? Then, what? We’ll never see you again?” The thought sours my stomach.
“I’d never let that happen.” Lucas says it so matter-of-factly, I can’t help believing him. His eyes dart between mine in silent question and my whole body is buzzing in anticipation. Taking my cheeks in his hands, he brings my lips to his in a sweet, soft kiss I feel all the way to my toes. He’s my brother’s mate, I shouldn’t let him kiss me, and definitely shouldn’t indulge in the fantasy he’ll stay, or return to Ireland if he leaves. Yet, here I am.
Reality barrels into me, and a whimper escapes me as I break our kiss. “I’m sorry, Luc. I shouldn’t have kissed you.”
“I kissed you first, pup.” Lucas grins, the dimple on his left cheek popping. “And I’m going to do it again.”
As he pulls me closer, his undeniably hard cock is pressed against my stomach. I can’t help teasing, “Is that a light saber in your pocket?”
“Absolutely.” He lets out a full laugh and slides his hand into my hair, tugging gently. I stifle a moan. “My apologies, pup, it doesn’t vibrate or light up.”
My cheeks heat, but my embarrassment quickly disappears as Luc leans in to kiss my neck. For the past year, I’ve suppressed how I feel about him. If it doesn’t end well, not only would it break Gavin’s heart, it’ll put a strain on his friendship with Ronan.
Except, he’s leaving… And no one would know if we spent this week sneaking around.
“Have dinner with me?” he whispers against my skin.
As he trails his kisses up my neck to my jaw, I give in and reply, “You win, Luc. I’ll have dinner with you.”