Chapter Twenty-Four-Maria
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR-MARIA
I know something is wrong.
I told Luc a lot today, so I expect him to be distant.
But I don’t expect him to ice me out.
I’ve sent three texts so far, but he’s not returned a single one.
Too many tears have been shed today already, and I just don’t have any more to give.
The good news is my mother’s case is being taken over by the head oncologist, and he is consulting with one of the top doctors in the state.
Amazing, right?
Someone pulled strings. Made promises. Or threats. And honestly, either is fine.
I just want Mami to get better. And for the doctors to pay attention to her.
It’s finally happening now. All because of Luc.
If I didn’t already love him, that would have probably done it.
I dress with care, pulling on a long skirt with a slide slit and a shimmery silver blouse with tiny silver hooks in the front.
It is loose and sleeveless. I have it tied at my waist and opened the first two hooks to reveal hints of my black bra.
I’ve worn this outfit before, and it gives me a confidence boost. The top emphasizes my breasts and not my stomach. And the skirt is stretchy, the slit makes it easy for me to move around.
Outside, the same driver is waiting for me, and he opens the rear door when I approach.
He doesn’t speak and I don’t expect him to. I just nod my head and thank him when I get inside.
Nerves have me gripping the fabric of my skirt, and I force myself to let go. I close my eyes and take a calming breath in through my nose. Exhaling through my mouth, I open my eyes and I feel a modicum better.
He pulls up to the back, and I frown.
I mean, I’ve been this way a few times, but I usually enter through the front of the bar.
“Ma’am?” the driver says, and I turn to see him standing there, door open, looking at me like I have eight heads.
“Ma’am? I’m twenty-seven,” I scoff, but he just shrugs his massive shoulders.
“Just call me Maria,” I say, and he’s looking at me like I’m nuts.
Then, he’s averting his gaze, and it’s probably because the crazy fuck behind me is glaring at him.
“Like hell he will,” Luc says, and I gasp as he steps right up to me, pressing his hard body into mine.
My knees are positively weak, and my blood sizzles when I feel him, so hard and heavy, against me.
“Luc,” I say, and I lean my head back, hoping he will take the hint and kiss me.
His nostrils flare slightly, and I can feel the hum inside his throat as it reverberates through his chest.
He steps back, and I moan at the loss.
“We have things to talk about.”
I nod.
“After work?” I ask.
But Luc doesn’t answer, he walks away, leaving me to follow.
There is only one door, so it’s not like I have a choice.