UntilPetitfigures out what we already know.
That he wants us right here.
And we’re exactly what he needs.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
Alaina
“Putain, t’es tellement belle.”
Luc’s lilting voice faintly registers before I even feel myself waking, his words threading through the haze of sleep in that syrupy French that should be illegal.
I don’t know what it means, but the way his fingers sweep gently across my forehead, brushing back stray hair, makes me want to stay exactly where I am, warm, soft, and wrapped in a smell that’stoo good, like clean cotton and something distinctly Luc. Sunshine and trouble.
Then he chuckles, a soft rumble against my ear. “Come on, none of those cute noises anymore, you’re driving me mad over here. Wake up,bébé.”
Cute noises?
My eyes blink open, and Luc’s face comes slowly into focus, his smug grin already locked and loaded. “How are you feeling?”
I groan, pushing up onto my elbows, my body protesting every inch. “Where am I?”
His grin widens. “In my bed.”
That jolts me upright, and I scan my surroundings. It’scozy, with wide windows cracked open, and the walls are warm wood lined with shelves bearing an array of haphazardly stacked racing trophies.
“Wait, we’re already in France?” I blink, trying to piece the hours together, but it’s a blur. I think I only woke up once, somewhere in Switzerland, dragged myself upright just long enough to use the bathroom at a gas station, only to stumble back onto the bus and collapse into Luc’s waiting arms like it was the most natural thing in the world. I don’t even remember falling asleep again, just the feel of his heartbeat against my cheek and the way his fingers curved protectively around my spine.
Luc leans back against the headboard, arms folded behind his head, lookingfartoo pleased with himself. “Bonneville,oui.We’re at mymaman’s house. She insisted on making us dinner. I was going to let you sleep longer, but Dane wanted to get the bus to the pits before the light went.”
I swing my legs over the edge of the bed, trying to stand,big mistake.Pain flares sharp and hot through my hip, radiating down to my lower back, curling around my abdomen.
“Fucking hell.”
Periods suck. Whoever designed this system should be fired.
Right into the sun.
Luc is already at my side, steadying me with gentle hands. “Here.” He grabs a small backpack and hands it to me. “Piper left this for you. Pain meds and water. You can use my en suite. It’s right there.”
“Thanks,” I mutter, forcing myself to my feet and half-stumbling into the bathroom.
The en suite is small but bright. Andthank God,there are pads tucked into the backpack. Piper is a saint!
Once I’m done, I catch sight of myself in the mirror.The dark circles under my eyes aren’t as brutal as they’ve been lately. I look almost human. Almostrested.
Which is ridiculous because nothing about this body feels rested. But somehow sleeping wrapped up in Luc’s arms did wonders I didn’t know I needed.Who would’ve thought?
Popping a couple of pain meds, I splash water on my face, then lean forward, palms on the sink, just breathing. I shouldn’t let myself want this. Ican’twant this.
I’m not allowed to fall into people like that, not when they don’t know who I really am, and when I’m a lie wrapped in racing gear and trauma.
I’ve already got one guy who can’t look at me anymore after I snapped and kissed him, and another who might be my friend, but is trying to see right through me, and yet, I let Luc hold me.
God, I liked itwaytoo much.
Because the truth is, I’mstarvedfor this.
