17. Love Amongst Lies
Chapter seventeen
Love Amongst Lies
E melia
My hands rested on my still-flat stomach as I sat on the edge of the tub.
Lucas’ reaction to my pregnancy news kept replaying in my mind.
The shock and uncertainty in his eyes, the way he'd stormed out... had hurt more than I cared to admit.
At that point, I hadn’t been sure whether I wanted the baby. I was still trying to process the reality of its existence in my life.
I never planned for motherhood amidst the dangerous, nomadic life we led.
And I wasn't sure where Lucas and I stood anymore. Were we still partners? Lovers? Friends? Or would the baby tear everything between us into shreds?
My swirling thoughts were interrupted by Lucas’ voice. "Emelia? We should get moving if we want to prep for tonight."
We had decided to return to Bruno’s mansion for an artifact that was in the painting. I took a deep breath and pushed aside my doubts. We had a mission to focus on.
Under the cover of night, we infiltrated Bruno’s mansion once again. I felt Lucas’ eyes on me as I nimbly disarmed traps and squeezed through tight spaces.
His concern was obvious, despite his efforts to disguise it. Every time he steadied me climbing up a treacherous passage, his touch lingered protectively.
Irritation flared in me. I didn't need coddling just because I was pregnant.
I almost snapped at him, but held my tongue. Lucas meant well, even if it came off as overbearing.
We successfully retrieved the artifact, though the escape was a harrowing one.
My acrobatic maneuvers across the rooftops made my stomach lurch with retrospect anxiety.
But Lucas never faltered as my partner, trusting in my abilities even if worry lurked behind his eyes.
In the ancient crypt, the final hidden chamber unlocked revelations about my father. That chapter of my life could finally close, but a new one was beginning inside me.
As we left the shadows of the crypt, the future opened up.
For the first time in years, I had a glimmer of something that was just mine, with no conditions or secrets. A baby—‘my’ baby. The thought flooded me with hope.
Lucas was gentle as we entered the apartment, insisting on making me tea and toast. "You should rest," he said, guiding me to the couch. "I drew you a bath, if you want to relax."
His sudden doting kindled my simmering irritation. I lashed out, "I don't need you forcing this. I'll be okay on my own."
Lucas looked stricken. Before I could retreat further into anger, he pulled me close, cupping my face in his hands.
"You won't be on your own. We're in this together," he said softly. He drew me into a kiss, tender yet full of restrained longing.
When we finally parted, faces flushed, Lucas met my eyes with sincerity. "We'll raise this child together, no matter what."
I stammered in surprise, "You mean... you want this? The baby?"
Lucas smiled—that rare, beautiful smile that made his eyes crinkle at the corners.
"More than anything. I was scared at first, but now... I want nothing more than our own little family. With Claydon."
Overwhelmed with emotion, joyful tears spilled down my cheeks.
Lucas gently brushed them away, then placed a hand on my belly with hope-filled wonder.
"I hope she has your eyes," he murmured. "Or your hair."
I laughed through my tears. "What if he takes after his daring father instead?"
We spent the night wrapped in each other's arms, imagining our future together.
A family, a home—things that had always seemed out of reach during our dangerous crusade—now felt tantalizingly close.
We fell asleep dreaming up names, bickering playfully over preferences.
Lucas wanted old-fashioned ones like Eleanor or Augustus. I argued for something bold and adventurous.
“Lycan,” I said, and we both burst out laughing.
"We'll figure it out," Lucas whispered, kissing the top of my head as we curled up together on the lumpy couch, our legs intertwined.
Tomorrow we could be on the run again, our mission and our very lives still at risk.
But tonight, cradled in Lucas’ arms, I felt completely at peace for the first time since I learned I was pregnant.
The baby growing inside me was a light guiding us through the darkness.
No matter what trials lay ahead, together, our little family would make it through.
The next morning, sun streamed in, stirring me from sleep.
Lucas’ arms were wrapped snugly around me, his breath warm on my neck.
I smiled, remembering our intimate night and whispered plans for the future.
Lucas blinked awake and pulled me closer. "No missions today," he murmured, trailing kisses down my shoulder.
I raised an eyebrow. "No missions? That's unlike you."
"I just want to take care of you," Lucas said. His hand drifted to my stomach, his eyes full of wonder and affection.
"You know I missed Claydon’s pregnancy, and I don’t want to miss any part of this.” He leaned in and kissed me. “Let's forget everything else right now and focus on us."
My heart swelled. I curled into Lucas, feeling truly safe in his embrace.
We spent the morning lazing in bed, talking and laughing softly beneath the sheets.
Lucas brought me breakfast—chocolate croissants, my favorite. No detail was too small for him today.
When I finally rose, he drew me a luxurious bubble bath. "Only the best for you two," he said with a wink.
The steamy bathwater enveloped me in its soothing warmth as I settled in with a contented sigh. Lucas knelt by the tub, rolling up his sleeves.
"Let me take care of you," he murmured, gathering my wet hair and lifting it off my neck.
He began kneading my tense shoulders, his strong fingers finding every knot.
I moaned softly as he worked out the tightness, my head rolling forward.
Lucas slowly traced his fingers down my spine, palms pressing firmly along either side. I shivered at his touch on my bare skin.
His hands moved underwater to massage my lower back in smooth circles.
The aching tension of the last few weeks melted away under his attentive ministrations.
Closing my eyes, I focused only on the feel of his hands gliding over my shoulders, arms, and down my legs, gently flexing my stiff joints.
When Lucas’ fingers massaged my swollen feet, I sighed in pure bliss. No part of me went untouched by his loving care.
As droplets beaded on my skin, Lucas tenderly cupped warm water in his hands and trickled it over my neck and collarbone. Rivulets cascaded down between my breasts.
My heart swelled, overcome with gratitude for this man who so selflessly gave of himself to nurture me in body and soul.
His caresses washed away all doubts and fears, leaving only a profound sense of peace.
After my bath, I found him fixing lunch in the kitchen—spinach omelets and fresh cranberry juice. He pulled out my chair with gentlemanly flair.
"Thank you for this," I said, squeezing his hand. "It's exactly what I needed."
"Anything for my girls." Lucas kissed my knuckles gallantly.
I laughed. “Or boy.”
“Believe me, a dad always knows.”
“Hmmm.”
We ate leisurely, simply enjoying each other's company, our feet playing under the table.
Lucas insisted I rest after lunch. I settled onto the couch while he brewed chamomile tea. As I sipped it, Lucas slid in behind me, letting me lean back against his chest.
He slowly brushed my damp hair, patiently working out knots. His hands were attentive, massaging my scalp until I was nearly lulled to sleep.
When he was done, he planted a soft kiss on top of my head.
"I never want this day to end," I sighed contentedly.
"Who says it has to?" Lucas murmured.
As the afternoon sun dipped low, he took my hand. "Dance with me?" The corner of his mouth quirked up boyishly.
"There's no music," I laughed.
"We'll make our own." Lucas pulled me close and began slowly swaying.
I rested my cheek against his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heart as we danced languidly around the room.
Our meandering steps led us to the bed, where Lucas lay me down tenderly.
Lucas caressed my hair, his expression full of wonder. "I don't know what I did to deserve you," he whispered.
We kissed unhurriedly, hands wandering each other's bodies.
His fingers traced delicate patterns down my spine, raising goose bumps on my skin.
My palms roamed the firm muscles of his shoulders and back as our lips met again and again.
We took our time, letting anticipation build.
Lucas worshiped every inch he uncovered, kissing down my neck to my chest, paying homage to my most sensitive areas. I arched into him, dizzy with desire.
When we finally came together, Lucas held my gaze, connection swirling in our eyes.
We moved together in unison, each thrust resonating to my core. Pleasure mounted slowly, inexorably, carrying me away on its crest.
Our rhythm built, bodies undulating until sensation crested and broke like waves on a moonlit shore.
We clung together, hearts thudding against each other, as fulfillment rippled through us.
Lucas caressed my face, eyes shining. "You are everything to me," he breathed.
I drew him into my arms, basking in the intimacy of skin on skin, the boundaries where he ended and I began blurred blissfully.
Curled safely in Lucas’ arms, I fell into the soundest sleep I'd had in months.
Tonight, there were no worries lurking at the corners of my mind—just joyful anticipation of the future we would build together.
The morning sun spilled across the rumpled sheets as I blinked awake. Lucas was already up, brewing tea in the kitchenette.
"Sleep okay?" he asked, handing me a steaming mug.
"Mmm, best in ages," I sighed, pulling on one of his t-shirts. Lucas’ eyes roved over me appreciatively.
We sat cross-legged on the bed with the documents laid out before us.
I translated the elegant script detailing my father's quest for the treasure's secrets.
With each new revelation, Lucas gave my hand a supportive squeeze.
"This passage seems to indicate your father knew the truth would put you in danger," I said slowly. "He sacrificed himself to protect you."
Emotion lodged in my throat. The selflessness of his motive gutted me.
Lucas wrapped an arm around my shoulder, drawing me close. "You never stopped believing in him," he said softly. "Your faith kept his spirit alive."
I wept silently into Lucas’ chest. He didn't offer false platitudes; just held me with unwavering strength until the storm of grief passed.
We spent the day reading through my father's journals, retracing the winding path that led him to sacrifice.
Each page revealed new depths of his courage and integrity.
Lucas never rushed my process, letting me uncover difficult truths at my own pace.
With him by my side, I found the will to face my pain and begin healing.
That evening, he drew me a bath, washing my hair with infinite tenderness. "You amaze me," he murmured. "Your resilience, your heart."
Afterward, Lucas prepared a simple dinner. He served us OJ in wine glasses.
"To finding closure," he toasted. I smiled gratefully, letting my glass clink with his.
Later, curled up on the couch, I rested my head on Lucas’ chest, feeling content.
His steady strength had guided me through the chaos. Now my heart could finally be free—open to new possibility and joy instead of lingering grief.
I tilted my face up to look at this man who had proven to be my unshakeable pillar.
Lucas lowered his mouth to mine, kissing me with heartfelt intensity that left us breathless.
In his arms, I sensed the seeds of something extraordinary blossoming between us, watered by adversity and deepest trust.
As I drifted off to sleep, I realized that whatever unknowns lay ahead, our connection would be a light to guide the way.
The phone rang, jolting me awake where I was curled against Lucas’ side. He reached over, voice hushed.
"Slow down... you've got a new lead? Are you sure?" Lucas’ eyes widened. He mouthed 'a contact' to me.
I sat up, shaking off sleep. Lucas’ brow furrowed as he listened intently.
"Got it. I'll come check it out." He hung up, energized.
"A contact claims he knows who Antonin Dvorak is, that he was Bruno’s boss and he has evidence that’ll take down his entire smuggling network," Lucas said. "But we have to meet him at a coffee shop downtown tonight."
His face lit up with excitement. "This could be huge, our chance to finally nail this Dvorak guy and end this entire fiasco."
I bit my lip, hesitant. "I don't know... Isn't it odd your contact would risk meeting in person just to hand over evidence? What if it's a trap?"
Lucas took my hands, his eyes resolute. "I need to at least scope it out, make sure the intel is solid. This could be the breakthrough we've been waiting for."
I pulled back, anxiety rising. "No, it's too dangerous. You can't go alone."
Lucas caressed my cheek. "I know you want to watch my back. But I need you safe here. Please."
We argued back and forth, me insisting I should go as backup, Lucas adamant about me staying behind. Finally, I threw my hands up in frustration.
"Lucas, we're partners. I'm not some delicate flower just because I'm pregnant!"
He pulled me close, his expression pained. "I know. But if anything happened to you or our baby..." His voice broke.
My anger dissipated at the fear in his eyes. Lucas only wanted to protect our future family.
I took a deep breath and relented. "Okay. But you have to promise me you'll leave at the first sign of trouble. No unnecessary risks. I need you back here safe and sound. The baby needs its father."
Lucas kissed me soundly. "I promise. We've got too much to look forward to now." His hand gravitated to my belly.
Lucas hurriedly donned a baseball cap and jacket. "Wish me luck. I'll be back before you know it."
I walked him to the door, nerves pitting my stomach. He gave me a rakish wink before disappearing down the hallway.
I paced the apartment, unable to shake a sense of dread. Ten minutes passed, then twenty.
The coffee shop wasn’t that far away. Shouldn’t I have heard from Lucas by now?
Finally, I grabbed my coat. Lucas needed backup whether he agreed or not.
I hurried through neon-lit streets toward the address Lucas had shown me earlier.
As I entered the coffee shop, my blood ran cold.
The scene was chaos—overturned tables, broken glass. No sign of Lucas or his contact.
A group of armed men came out of nowhere and flanked me. I spun, heart hammering.
Before I could react, a hood was thrown over my head and I was dragged outside and shoved into a vehicle.
Oh my God. Lucas. My baby. Was this the end?
Tires screeched as it accelerated. I struggled furiously against the men holding me down.
“Stay down!” But the more the man ordered me, the more desperate I felt and the harder I struggled. I wasn’t about to make anything easy for them.
Then the hood was ripped off. We were in a van speeding through the city.
A heavyset man grinned coldly at me from the passenger seat.
"You and that troublesome boyfriend have been a real pain," he said. "But Mr. Dvorak sends his regards. For the last time."
Fear surged through me. I had to get away and find Lucas.
As the van veered around a corner, I smashed my elbow into one thug's face and slammed my heel down on the other's foot. They howled in pain, grip loosening.
I lunged for the door, barreling outside into the street. I landed with a roll and jumped to my feet with a run.
Behind me, van brakes screamed as I sprinted into an alley, back in the direction of the coffee shop. Lucas couldn’t be that far from it.
“Hey! Hey, stop!” Shouts echoed behind me, but I didn't look back.
Reaching a busy intersection across the street from the coffee shop, I frantically scanned the crowds. Where was Lucas?
My desperate eyes caught a familiar profile—Lucas was standing across the street. He had a hat pulled low over his eyes. He must have been tailing someone.
“Lucas.”
Relief flooded through me and I rushed toward him. But the traffic was too heavy, separating us. Lucas’ eyes found mine. I could see the panic rising.
Just then, the van screeched to a halt behind me. The goons spilled out, closing in fast. I had seconds to act.
I met Lucas’ terrified gaze across the impenetrable divide. "I'll find you!" I cried.
Then I disappeared into the chaotic crowds, my pursuers hard on my heels.
Lucas’ distant shout echoed after me as I raced into the night, a protective hand on my belly.