16. Chapter 15
Chapter 15
Eden
W alking with the group, I lag behind with Luca, our fingers intertwined as I lean on him for support. Up ahead, Zoey chatters nonstop at Aiden, nudging him until a genuine smile finally breaks through. Zack keeps glancing back at me, his gaze burning into me, but I keep my focus anywhere else.
The trail opens up to a small lake, its waters reflecting the vibrant colors of the setting sun. The scene is peaceful, almost surreal, as the forest surrounds us like a protective barrier. Luca, carrying both our bags on his back, gives me a reassuring nod.
"If you’re worried about anyone seeing you, I can hold a towel up until you’re in the water," He offers with a kind smile.
A buzz in my pocket breaks the moment between us. Tugging my phone free, my stomach drops when I see the contact name on my screen.
Roman.
Why the hell is he calling?
I can’t answer this. Not here .
I hit decline and look around as the others begin to strip down and dive into the cool water.
"You go ahead," I grin at Luca, feeling my phone buzz again. "I’ve got to take this—it’s my dad."
He nods, accepting the excuse, and does something unexpected. He leans in and kisses my cheek, a sweet, comforting gesture that catches me off guard.
I watch as he strips off his hoodie, his body a welcome sight. Meanwhile, the buzzing phone in my pocket starts to feel like it’s burning a hole through my pants.
I answer the call, snapping. "What do you want?"
"Where are you?" Roman asks, ignoring my question entirely.
Zoey squeals as Aiden tries to dunk her under the water.
"None of your fucking b-business, Father," I slur, the alcohol blurring my thoughts.
"Have you been drinking?" Roman asks, disbelief lacing his voice.
I smile, feeling warmth spread in my stomach at the sound of his voice. "Maybe."
"Eden, what the hell are you doing—"
"Eden!" Luca shouts, waving from the water. "Get in! It feels fucking amazing!" The water clings to his perfectly sculpted body, every ripple highlighting his muscles, making the temptation nearly impossible to resist.
But it’s Roman’s voice that sends a fire scourging between my things.
"Is that the fucking coffee boy?" Roman’s tone is thick with anger .
"It is," I sigh, unable to resist poking the bear. "Zack’s here too. You really did a number on him, Father—"
"Eden, I’m not fucking around. Where are you—"
"Hey," Luca says, catching up to me as I lower the phone. "Everything okay?"
Instead of answering, I pull him into a kiss, making sure Roman can hear. Luca wraps his arms around me, his lips trailing down to my neck, each kiss sending a shiver through me that makes me giggle.
"I could get used to being greeted like that," Luca laughs, pulling back with a grin.
I lift the phone back to my ear, "I’m sorry, Dad, I’m kind of preoccupied right now—"
"You’re at the reservoir. I’m coming," Roman says coldly before the line goes dead, leaving me staring at the black screen.
Whistling and cheering from the group fills the air as Luca and I kiss again, but my nerves are on edge.
"You ready?" Luca asks, completely unaware of the storm that’s heading our way.
Tucking my phone back in my pocket, I stare at the water. "Of course," I smile, tearing off my clothes. I grab Luca’s hand, and take off towards the water.
An hour later, drenched to the bone, we trudge back to our cars. Luca’s hoodie is a comforting weight as I cling to his back, his hands brushing over my scarred skin with a casual intimacy that sends shivers down my spine.
Zoey is nearly out cold in Aiden’s arms, her head lolling as he struggles to keep her upright.
"I’ll drive Zoey home and bring her back for her car in the morning," Aiden says, adjusting her limp form.
"I’ll take Eden," Luca offers, his smile warm. "And I’ll help you with Zoey’s car tomorrow if that’s cool with you, Eden."
Aiden looks to me, waiting for my approval. I give a small nod, forcing a smile.
After we get Zoey settled into my car, I cross my arms and wait by Luca’s truck, feeling the weight of a gaze on my back.
"So, who were you really on the phone with?" Zack’s voice cuts through the night, low and unsettling.
"What do you mean?" I ask, turning to face him.
He leans against Luca’s truck, his nod slow and deliberate, eyes fixed on mine with an intensity that makes my skin crawl.
"Your dad’s out getting drinks with mine tonight. There’s no way in hell he called you. So, who were you talking to that had you so flustered?" Zack asks, stepping closer, his voice dripping with suspicion.
"What are you insinuating, Zack?" I snap, narrowing my eyes at the arrogant bastard.
"Is there a problem?" Luca’s voice cuts in, calm but firm, as he steps between us, his body shielding me from Zack, arms crossed in silent warning.
"No problem," Zack says with a smile that doesn’t reach his eyes, raising his hands in mock surrender. "Have a good night." Zack saunters away, casually twirling his keys on his finger .
"You okay?" Luca asks, concern flickering in his eyes. Roman’s angry voice from the call earlier still echoes in my mind, leaving me unsettled.
"Yeah," I smile, glancing at his truck. "Ready to go?"
He nods and opens the door, watching me as I slide into the passenger seat. As I look around, the inside of Luca’s truck feels lived-in, far from the cold, immaculate interior of Roman’s 4Runner. Sports gear is piled haphazardly on the floor, and scattered papers are shoved into the corners, a chaotic mix of school assignments and workout routines. The faint scent of sweat and cologne lingers in the air, mingling with the earthy smell of wet grass from our swim. It’s messy, unpretentious, and entirely Luca.
He glances over at me, a smirk playing on his lips as he gently tucks a strand of hair behind my ear.
"Feeling any better?" He asks, his voice soft. My buzz has dulled, leaving me more clear-headed.
"If you’re asking if I remember and whether I regret the kiss, yes, I remember," I whisper, leaning closer, closing the distance over the armrest. "And no, I don’t regret it."
Luca’s eyes drop to my lips, and he closes his eyes, letting out a groan of surrender.
"You’re making it really hard to remember that you’ve been drinking," He murmurs, his cheeks flushing as a familiar strain presses against his sweats. He moves his hand to his lap to adjust himself, embarrassed.
"I didn’t drink tonight to forget," I lie, replacing Luca’s hand with my own. My fingers curl around his hardened length through his sweats, his eyes widening at the sudden contact. " I did it to give myself the confidence for my little speech," I murmur, glancing down, "and for this."
Luca’s head presses back against the headrest, a look of conflict in his eyes.
"Eden, after what you said—"
"Just watch," I whisper, sliding my hand up to his waistband, tugging it down just enough to reveal his boxers.
Before he can protest, I lower my head, silencing him with the touch of my lips against him, teasing him through the thin fabric of his boxers. A startled gasp of pleasure escapes him as I kiss up and down the length of his cock, tempting him with grazing the fabric covering his dick.
I wait for the familiar harsh tug on my hair, anticipating the roughness that usually follows.
Instead, his fingers thread softly through my hair, offering only tender touches.
Oh.
I scold myself for expecting anything other than his gentle touch, but I don’t stop.
Grabbing the hem of his boxers with my teeth, I slowly start to tug the material down, his eyes widening in response—
"Eden," He interrupts, his hand gently grasping my chin, lifting my gaze to meet his. "Trust me, I want this," He murmurs, a sudden light approaching from behind us. "but you’re still tipsy," He whispers, "and we have company."
I raise my head and glance outside, staring directly into the blinding lights of a car parked behind us. A car door slams shut, and Luca anxiously fidgets with his pants as we both watch a figure lean against his truck .
The darkness obscures the figure, and Luca, alarmed, reaches for the door handle.
"Wait," I whisper, blinking until the dark outline of a 4Runner comes into focus.
"Fuck," I mutter, feeling Luca’s hand rub my back.
"Who is it—?"
"It’s Father Briar," I hiss, seeing Luca’s head shake in disbelief.
"Your fucking priest?" He asks, incredulous, as my mind scrambles for an explanation.
"My dad must’ve said something to him," I snap, lying effortlessly. "Aiden and I told him we were going to “Bible Study” with a group of friends tonight. My guess is that he called Father Briar since he knew I had service hours with him earlier today. He’s extremely controlling.”
"How did he find you?" Luca asks, genuinely puzzled.
"I don’t know," I admit honestly. "I’m going to talk to him."
As I reach for the door handle, Luca grabs my hand.
"Maybe let me—"
"No," I cut him off, stopping him before he can insist. "I’ve got it."
I step out, shrinking deeper into Luca’s hoodie as I approach Roman, who leans against the side of the truck, hood drawn, hands stuffed in his pockets.
"What the hell are you—"
He turns his head, revealing a bruised eye and wild hair.
"Jesus Christ—"
"Watch your mouth," Roman snaps, his voice edged with frustration. There’s a heavy scent of alcohol on his breath .
His eyes trail down my body, narrowing at the sight of the oversized hoodie. "Is that... Luca’s?" He mutters, his gaze shifting to the truck. "Is this his car?" He tugs at the hem of my hoodie, his eyes lingering on my bare legs.
"How the fuck did you find me?" I snap back, pressing my hand against his chest to keep him from closing the distance between us.
"Your dad might know people, Eden," he murmurs, leaning closer. "But so do I."
I shake my head, my voice low and sharp. "You’re fucking unbelievable," I bite out, giving him a once-over. "You realize you’re crossing into stalker territory, right?"
Roman scoffs, dismissing my words with a flick of his wrist. "Did he touch you?"
"What—"
"I asked, did he fucking touch you?"
"Yes!" I shout, locking eyes with him. "He kissed me without a hint of shame," I seethe, watching Roman’s expression harden. "And just before you showed up, I had my head in his lap, kissing up the side of his cock, ready to—"
"Eden?" Luca’s voice cuts through the tension. Roman and I turning to face him, our bodies inches apart. "What the hell is going on?" He asks, his tone filled with confusion as he fumbles with his clothes.
Roman’s gaze remained fixed on Luca, his voice a deadly whisper. "Get back in your car and leave. Now."
"Roman— "
"No, it’s fine, Eden," Luca says, his voice steady but laced with anger. "I think it’s time for you to leave instead Father Briar. You’re out here, stalking her like some creep—"
Roman lunges at Luca like a predator, grabbing his shirt and slamming him against the side of the truck. Roman’s eyes burn with a wild fury, his grip unyielding.
"I said get back in your fucking car," Roman growls, his voice low and dangerous. "Before I rip your limp dick off and shove it down your throat." My hands pull at Roman's shirt, desperate to break his hold on Luca.
"Roman, leave him the hell alone!" I shout, but he doesn’t even flinch.
"Fuck you, you crazy bastard!" Luca chokes out, struggling in Roman’s grasp. Roman’s hand coils around Luca’s throat, his expression nothing short of madness.
"Last warning," Roman hisses, watching as Luca’s face turns red and he gasps for air.
"Roman, stop!" I scream, hitting his back, my voice breaking with panic. "I’ll go with you, just let him go!" I yell, my words finally cutting through the haze of rage in Roman’s eyes. His body goes rigid, as if realizing that I’m still here.
Slowly, Roman releases Luca, who collapses to the ground, clutching his throat and coughing. I shove Roman aside, kneeling beside Luca, tears welling up in my eyes.
"Just go," I whisper, my voice trembling. "I’ll be fine. Please, just go." I glare at Roman, the disappointment in my eyes sharper than any words could be. "Are you fucking happy now?"
As I help Luca to his feet, he tries to pull me with him, concern etched across his face.
"I have to go with him," I murmur, fabricating a lie on the spot. "Or else my dad will do something worse." The truth—that Roman might kill him if I stay—lodges like a stone in my throat.
Luca looks conflicted, his eyes flicking between me and Roman, who stands by his car, jaw clenched tight.
"Just go home, Luca, please. I’ll be fine," I sigh, forcing my hands to unclench. "I should never have dragged you into my mess," I apologize, watching as he slowly nods, his expression a mix of hurt and confusion.
"Yeah," He whispers, his voice strained. "Maybe they were right about you."
His words hit me like a sucker punch, leaving me breathless as he turns and climbs into his truck. The engine roars to life, and he drives off, a cloud of dust swirling around me, thick and suffocating.
I turn back to Roman’s car, anger simmering just below the surface of my skin.
If he wants to push his way into my life...
Fine.
Let’s see how deep into the madness he’s willing to go.