“Why would Sam care if Cindy knew?” I ask. Maybe he thinks she’ll be upset with Lucian and wants to protect him.
Lucian studies me for a moment, looking as if he’s carefully weighing his answer before he runs a hand through his hair and sighs. “I’ve told you I don’t want secrets between us, but I ask that you not mention this to anyone. It could cause problems if it got back to the wrong people.” When I nod my agreement, he says, “Sam is the one that got me the coke. He has a family connection that deals with a bit of everything.” He holds up my hand when my expression turns angry. I’m ready to explode. I can’t understand how someone who seems to love Lucian so much could do something so detrimental to his health. “I asked Sam to do it. He argued with me and actually quit. When he found out that I’d gotten it from someone else, he was resigned. He said he would rather know where it was coming from than have me getting it from someone off the street. I won’t go into the rest of the conversation, but just understand that he knew I was going to do it no matter what he said and it was the only way he felt he could protect me.”
I give him a skeptical look, still trying to process his explanation. In a way, I understand what he’s saying, but it still makes me feel that Sam has enabled him all these years. Had he or Aidan ever considered an intervention or some tough love? Then it hits me that I sat in his office when I caught him doing a line and didn’t try to stop him. Heck, I’d understood even. Hello, pot—meet kettle. Lucian had decided to quit and followed through completely on his own. I hadn’t pushed him or issued any ultimatums even though I was worried about him. I couldn’t throw stones at his friends when I, the woman who professed to love him, hadn’t taken action either. I had counted on Lucian to be strong enough to overcome it eventually, and quite possibly, they had as well. “I see what you’re saying,” I concede. “You know I won’t say anything.”
“And you won’t do Sam any bodily harm, correct?” His smirk tells me he knows the thoughts that have been rushing through my head.
“No, I won’t hurt him,” I grumble. “But he better not do anything else to hurt you or all bets are off. I’ll be all over him.” I’m even impressed I manage to deliver my threats in something close to a growl. I mean every word of it, too.
“Is it wrong that I’m completely turned on by this forceful side of you?” Lucian chuckles as he nuzzles against me.
“When aren’t you turned on?” I joke, and then quickly squirm as his hand circles my breast.
“Stop that!” I smack his hand away. “You can’t just grab my magic boobies anytime the urge hits.” I reach my hand out and circle one of his dark orbs. I smile when it stiffens immediately. He shakes his head, looking vastly amused.
“It’s okay for me, baby, but it’s not a direct link to my below the belt areas like it is yours.”
“Really?” I roll my lip out in an elaborate pout. “That’s not fair. You seem to like it when I use my teeth though.”
Wiggling his brows, he smirks. “That’s completely different. Having you go all animalistic is always a turn-on.” When he begins trying to maneuver me underneath him, I laughingly push away.
“I’ve got to shower and get ready for school, Mr. Quinn. I’m afraid you’re on your own…for now.”
“I could join you in the shower. It would conserve water,” he offers innocently. Oh God, I love the relaxed, mischievous expression on his face. It’s been missing for too long as he’s fought his addiction. He is so much more to me than just the man I love. He is all-consuming—my everything.
Why me? He is the gift God bestowed upon me in atonement for the horrors I endured.
I reluctantly leave the bed, with him still holding one of my hands. “It’s wonderful that you’re thinking of the environment, but I think we both know how long a joint shower usually lasts.” I drop a kiss on his upturned mouth before saying, “Rest for a few more minutes. I’ll wake you when I’m finished.” He gives my hand a squeeze before rolling over and stretching his beautiful body. I realize I’m still standing in the same spot, staring at his exposed skin like some kind of pervert. I lick my lips before walking slowly away. I wonder if it’s too late to reconsider that shower offer.
Lia