“Luc is a complicated man, but you’re good for him. Like you, he hasn’t had an easy life. For all those people who think money makes everything okay, he’s living proof it’s not always the case. He’s the man he is, though, because of all of those things.”
Before I can stop myself, I blurt out, “What happened to him, Sam? The scar on his neck, the dreams? I’ve heard enough to know it involves Cassie, but she’s almost like a ghost. People talk about her, but then act funny when I ask where she is. If you’ve been with Lucian for this long, you must have known her.” I feel guilty when he shifts uncomfortably and falls silent. My God, what is it about that name that brings such strange reactions from everyone? I have my suspicions, but maybe it’s worse than even I can imagine.
Finally, Sam says, “Have you asked Luc about her?”
“I have and also his aunt. Both just say she doesn’t live here. Well, I already figured that out; otherwise she would be around, right? I gather she was friends with Lucian and Aidan growing up.”
“She was…things were pretty bad between the three of them as they got older. A lot of jealousy, misunderstandings, and mistakes. What Luc said, though, is true; she doesn’t live here now, and he’s better off for it.” Sam expels a breath, obviously remembering another time and place. “Lia, it’s not my place to tell you about Luc’s past. He will, when he’s ready. Just give him time and be patient. You’re good for him, and I’m happy to see him looking more like the old Luc. Wasn’t sure that would ever happen again.”
At once, I feel bad for trying to question someone other than Lucian about his past. I am also intrigued about what little Sam has revealed. A few sentences from him provided insight I hadn’t previously known. I had already concluded that whatever happened to Lucian years ago involved Cassie. More and more, I feel that somehow it was a love affair gone bad. I’m uncertain, though, about the part Aidan plays in the trio. Was he actually the one involved with Cassie, and Lucian the collateral damage, or was it the other way around?
Thinking through the possible scenarios makes my head spin. If Lucian and I were normal people who were newly dating, life would be so much simpler. Instead, we are two people damaged by our pasts that clicked together like dominoes the moment we met. There seems to be no slow speed in our relationship. Maybe Lucian is correct, and things wouldn’t have progressed as quickly if I hadn’t been working in his home, but one thing I know for sure, we were destined to end up exactly as we are now. Two lost souls drawn together by the scars of the other. Are we moving fast? Absolutely. Do I want to stop? No. He has become so important to me; I only hope we can both put our pasts behind us enough to have a future together.
Chapter Eighteen
Lucian
Hitting the intercom button, I ask, “Cindy, is Aidan in yet?” I shuffle some papers on my desk, trying to make a dent in the work that seems to never end. Since Lia has come into my life, I haven’t been working the usual eighteen-hour days, and it’s showing. Perhaps Cindy is right; I need to start delegating more work, which is why I’m looking for my right hand.
“No, Luc, he’s not back yet?”
Surprised, I ask Cindy to come into my office, which she does immediately, shutting the door behind her. “What’s going on? He always comes back on Sunday.” I can tell by the worried expression on her face that she’s puzzled, as well. Aidan is damn near anal about his routine; deviations just don’t happen, especially when it interferes with his job.
“I have no idea. He emailed me earlier to let me know he wasn’t back in town yet. He just told me to pass that along but didn’t offer any explanations. I forwarded his email to you.” I take a moment to check my mail and read the forward from Cindy.
Cindy is right; his email gives no explanations as to his whereabouts, but I know he’s been to see Cassie and I worry it’s fucking with his head more than usual. I give Cindy a reassuring smile, ready to end her nervous hovering. She is damned efficient, but she worries about Aidan, Sam, and myself too much. She sniffs out problems like a bloodhound. I’m surprised she’s never caught on to my coke addiction. Maybe she knows, but I doubt it; she would have kicked my ass first and staged an intervention next. Apparently, Sam does keep some pillow secrets, probably not to protect me so much as to protect himself. He’d be the second one she’d take apart, since he handles my supply and demand.