Ch. 41..45: My Husband Wants An Open Marriage Chapter 41-45

CHAPTER 041 The Second She Opened Her Mouth

country, and you're trampling on her human rights."

Emily shoots me a quick, grateful glance before clearing her throat. "I know... whatever decisions Mr. Martinez is making, they're not personal. But maybe... maybe if we made it personal, just a little?" I raise an eyebrow, curious. "How?"

Emily looks around, her gaze nervous but determined. "What if Ryan drops all charges against Julie? And Julie drops hers against him. They agree to split everything fifty-fifty... and we all just walk away. In peace."

Her words land like a bomb. For a moment, everyone is too stunned to speak. Then Ryan erupts, his face turning mottled red. "What the hell? Are you out of your mind? I don't even want to split with my wife! And now you're suggesting I hand over half my money?" Adeline's eyes are cold and calculating as she watches her son, waiting for him to wind down. When he finally does, she says, "Ryan, darling, I don't think you have that much money to be so worried about an equal split. What you do have, however, is a concubine with a surprisingly good idea."

Ryan's face turns even redder, but he doesn't say a word.

Adeline shifts her gaze back to me. "Mr. Martinez, we're willing to drop all charges against your... friend, as long as she agrees to do the same."

I give her a slow smile. "Which is rather sweet of you, but I thought we were here to talk business."

"Business is business. But I agree that sometimes it can be personal, too." She pauses, watching me, calculating every flicker of emotion on my face. "And if you're not satisfied with just that, we can adjust the terms of the joint venture agreement. Five-year contract instead of ten. Sixty-forty split, with the sixty on your side, of course. And we'll not be forced to take anything to court."

"Take what to court?" I ask.

"Your illegal contract termination." Her voice is so calm, so matter-of-fact, it takes me a second to process the threat wrapped in her polite words.

I'm about to snap back when Jerome, my lawyer, leans close and whispers in my ear, "Luke, we need to discuss this. Outside."

I clench my jaw, forcing myself to stay calm. I turn back to the room, giving them all one last, hard look, and nod. "Excuse us for a moment."

Jerome and I step out into the hallway, the heavy door closing behind us with a soft click.

I exhale, running a hand through my hair.

Jerome sighs beside me, shaking his head. "You alright?"

I nod, trying to keep my expression neutral, even though my blood is boiling. "Yeah. Just... processing."

"You're handling it a hell of a lot better than I would. They're offering you a pretty sweet deal, but you know, as well as I do, that's just the bait. She's setting a trap, Luke."

I let out a dry laugh. "Yeah. I saw it the second she opened her mouth."

CHAPTER 042: The Weight Of The Room CHAPTER 042: The Weight Of The Room

"Good. Because Adeline doesn't want you to stay. She wants to control you, and this whole thing is her attempt to wrap you around her little finger. The 'peace offering,' the adjusted contract... She knows exactly how to make it look like she's giving you power while keeping you under her thumb."

I look away. He's right; Adeline's deal is nothing more than a leash disguised as a lifeline.

Jerome lets out a heavy sigh, crossing his arms. "Listen, if you're serious about walking away from these people, then that's exactly what you need to do. Don't let them manipulate you into staying. They want you here for their gain, not yours."

I nod. "But who says we can't have both?"

"What do you mean?" he says.

Jerome's eyes are narrowed. He's studying my face like he's searching for cracks. I know he doesn't trust Adeline, and he's right not to. But this is bigger than Adeline, bigger than this boardroom, bigger than this deal.

"Let me ask you something," I say, my voice low.

"What?"

"Have you ever been in love, Jerome?"

He scoffs, looking at me like I've lost it. "I've been married twice, so yeah. I guess."

"You're not sure? Because if you have to guess, we could argue that maybe you weren't actually in love."

He shrugs, giving me a sideways glance. "Alright, philosopher. What's your point?"

I pause, choosing my words carefully. "The thing is... I am. And it changes the way you see things." My voice dips. "Name one thing you love, Jerome. One thing."

He looks at me, then sighs. "My kid."

"Good," I say. "So let's say you have superpowers, yeah? And your kid is standing in the middle of the street, a car coming at them full speed. You could use some kind of magic to blow that car away, right? But you know there's a chance the blast might hurt your kid, too. So instead, you put yourself between the car and your kid, absorbing the impact yourself. Would it hurt? Yeah, probably a lot. But you've got superpowers. You'll live."

Jerome stares at me, eyes narrowed, trying to wrap his head around my metaphor. "Wouldn't it be faster to just... use the wind correctly?"

"It's an analogy, Jerome. It only makes sense when you need it to."

He sighs, scratching his head like he's just about done with me. "So, what? Julie's the kid, you're the súperhero, and that scary-looking woman in there is the car?"

I shrug. "Like I said, only makes sense when you need it to."

"So, in conclusion, what are you saying?"

"I'm saying I know what to do." I square my shoulders, my voice firm. "Let me handle Adeline."

CHAPTER 042: The Weight Of The Room

Jerome lets out a reluctant sigh but nods, clapping me on the shoulder as he leads me back into Ryan's office. I know he's not thrilled, but he trusts me enough to follow my lead. We re-enter, and I feel all their eyes on me-Adeline, Ryan, Emily. I take my seat slowly and let the silence build, letting them squirm a little longer. Adeline's face is an immovable mask of cold patience, but I see the flicker of uncertainty there, the barest hint that she doesn't quite have her claws as deeply embedded as she thinks.

I lean back, crossing my arms, and begin. "When I started my company, I had a simple goal: to make money. A lot of it." I glance around, letting my gaze fall on each of them, making sure they're hanging on to every word. "And I did. But once the money started rolling in, I found myself asking a different question. I started to wonder what else I could do, how I could use what I'd earned for something meaningful. One answer I found was philanthropy."

Adeline's eyes narrow slightly, her lips pressed into a thin line. She knows what I'm getting at, and I can see the muscle in her jaw twitch. Philanthropy-of course, she knows I'm mocking her.

"So," I continue, keeping my tone light. "I've thought long and hard about it. And, in the spirit of philanthropy, I can't leave you people stranded. For that reason, I've come up with a compromise. Seventy-thirty."

The silence is deafening. Adeline's face is a mask of shock and outrage, but it's Ryan who speaks first, his voice a hiss. "Seventy-thirty?" he says. "That would leave the company with... with practically nothing!" I hold up a hand. "I wasn't talking about our partnership."

The moment stretches, everyone trying to catch up. And then I see it-Adeline's face changing as understanding dawns. "Seventy percent... of Ryan's property?"

"He owes her more," I say, my voice flat. "But that will do."

Ryan's face goes crimson, his fists clenched, a vein pulsing at his temple. "You think you can just walk in here and... and take everything? This is a damned ambush!"

I ignore him, shifting my gaze back to Adeline. "Also, the contract term will be two years. And every other agreement we discussed will be honored. Is that going to be a problem?"

Adeline's stare could cut glass. For a moment, I think she might actually explode, her composure

fracturing under the weight of her rage. But she presses her lips together, forcing a tight, practiced smile." None at all, Mr. Martinez. You're... more than fair."

"Good." I let the word linger, savoring the small victory. But I'm not done. I lean back in my chair, crossing my arms. "There's only one problem left." Her eyes flash. "What?"

"One of you will have to speak to Julie and get her to drop the charges."

Adeline blinks, genuinely taken aback. "I don't understand. What's the point of the deal if you won't talk to Julie yourself?"

I lean forward. "There's no middleman in restitution."

"Who said anything about restitution?" She gives me a small, forced laugh, trying to regain control. "We're compromising here."

CHAPTER 042: The Weight Of The Room

"Are we? Because it sounded like you needed my help, and I'm giving you the terms of that help. So, Adeline..." I meet her eyes, holding her gaze steady, unyielding. "What's it going to be? Deal or no deal?"

She watches me in silence, her face a mask of forced calm, her eyes gleaming with barely-contained fury, For a long, tense moment, neither of us moves, each waiting for the other to flinch. Finally, she lets out a slow breath. "Pardon me, Mr. Martinez," she says. "But I don't seem to understand what exactly you want me to tell

Julie."

I smile, slow and deliberate, the kind that shows how much I'm enjoying this. "What was that thing you said before?" I pretend to think, snapping my fingers as if trying to recall. "Ah, I remember now. You said...' How about if I say please?"" Her face goes rigid, and I relish the look of shock in her eyes. She opens her mouth, but no words come

out.

Beside me, Jerome stifles a grin. Ryan, on the other hand, is scowling, looking like he wants to punch something but doesn't dare, his fists clenched so tight his knuckles are white.

Adeline's voice, when she speaks, is barely above a whisper, strained and taut. "Fine. I'll... speak to Julie."

"Oh, you'll have to do a lot more than that," I say. "You'll have to mean it."

She narrows her eyes, her lips pressing into a thin line. "I know what you're doing, Mr. Martinez. You think you're clever, don't you?"

I lean back, arms folded, giving her my best indifferent smile. "No, Adeline. I don't think I'm clever. I think I'm necessary. For you, for Ryan... for your ancestral company." I pause, letting the words settle, watching the faint twitch of rage at the corner of her mouth. "So you're going to go to her, and you're going to do exactly as I've said."

I can see the exact moment she realizes she has no choice. She nods stiffly.

I stand, and Jerome stands with me. I turn to Adeline, meeting her eyes one last time. "Pleasure doing business with you, Mrs. O'Brien."

She doesn't respond, just watches me with that frozen, furious gaze.

I turn on my heel, not waiting for a response, and head for the door, Jerome following close behind. As the door swings shut behind us, I let out a long breath, feeling the weight of the room, of the deal, lifting off my shoulders.

CHAPTER 043: Lost Track Of Time

CHAPTER 043: Lost Track Of Time ~~Julie~~

I feel like I've been run over by a truck.

Every muscle aches, my body buzzing from a combination of Beth's brutal workout and the frustration that I still can't seem to keep up with her level of intensity. The woman practically thrives on torturing me, but today she left at least a few bones intact. Progress, right? Luke's driveway stretches out before me, long and winding, lined with perfectly manicured hedges and sprawling oaks.

I walk slowly, taking in the fading light that bathes everything in a warm, golden glow. Each step sends a little jolt of pain up my legs, but I manage. Finally, I reach the door, rolling my shoulders and wincing as I push it open.

The smell hits me first-something warm, spicy, and unmistakably delicious, filling the entire house. I inhale, surprised. Since I've been here, Paula only comes in the morning. So whoever's cooking is someone else.

Then I hear the voices, familiar laughter echoing from the kitchen, and I freeze. I can pick out Luke's voice, rich and warm, accompanied by the lower, gruffer tones of Javier. I follow the sound, padding down the hall toward the kitchen, where laughter bounces off the marble counters and gleaming appliances. When I reach the doorway, I can't help but stop and stare.

There's Javier, seated in his wheelchair by the counter, a glass of something dark and strong in hand. And there, standing over the stove, wearing a dark apron that's somehow both masculine and utterly

ridiculous, is Luke. Luke, cooking.

I blink, convinced I'm seeing things.

Javier looks up first, noticing me lingering in the doorway. His eyes light up with that familiar, sharp mischief. "Look who dragged herself home. You look like you went ten rounds with a bear, girl." Luke turns at that, catching sight of me, and his face lifts into a grin. "Julie."

He crosses the room in a few long strides, reaching me in seconds. Before I can say anything, his hands are on my waist, his lips finding mine in a kiss that's soft and hungry at once.

I melt into him, swinging my arms around his neck, forgetting for a moment that Javier's watching. But then-

"Get a room," Javier mutters, loud enough to interrupt.

We pull apart, laughing, though Luke doesn't release me. Instead, he tightens his grip around my waist and shoots Javier a look. "You should get a room, old man. You can't police me in my own house." Javier scoffs, unphased, and takes a sip from his glass. "Just doing my civic duty. Someone has to keep an eye on the hormone levels around here."

Luke turns back to me, giving me a quick, teasing once-over. "You're sweaty."

"Yeah, I burned some calories."

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CHAPTER 043: Lost Track Of Time

He smirks, his hand brushing up and down my waist. "Would you like to burn some more?"

1 laugh, shoving him playfully. "Oh, please."

"Oh, God," Javier groans, putting a hand over his eyes. "Have mercy on my ears. I preferred it when you two were pretending to be friends."

We both laugh, and I lean in, giving Luke a sly grin. "Less I forget to ask, why are you home early-and in an apron?"

He lifts a spatula in response, the handle still smeared with sauce. "I'm cooking."

"I can see that. Since when do you cook?"

"Since always." He tilts his head, a smirk playing on his lips. "I'm the eldest of six kids, you know. And I grew up in Colombia. Of course I can cook." "Six kids?" My eyebrows shoot up. "Your family reunions must be... intense."

"I had eight," Javier interrupts from the side. "Six is a decent number. Maybe you and Lucas can go for ten. Try to defeat me at something."

"Jesus Christ," I say, laughing. "The trophy is yours for as long as you want it, Javier. I don't think I was meant to have kids."

Luke leans in. "Yes, you were. I'll take you along to the next meeting."

""What meeting?"

"My family. You'll love Colombia."

His words catch me off guard. I don't even have time to process them before he's already turned back to the stove, stirring something in a pan with focused, expert movements. I can't help but just stand there and watch him, taking in the way his shirt clings to his back, every line and muscle moving under the fabric. There's something magnetic about him, even in the simplest movements, the way he focuses, the way he's so at home here.

My thoughts drift, my mind slipping into a dangerous place, the way his hands would feel on me after dinner, the way that little strand of hair falls over his forehead-

I snap back to the present, my cheeks flushing as I realize Javier is watching me, a smug, knowing smile plastered on his face. Ugh. I can't even have one lustful moment in this house without the old man catching on.

I clear my throat, suddenly very interested in my shoes. "Uh, I'll... I'll go freshen up for dinner."

Luke doesn't look away from the stove, but he calls over his shoulder, "Don't take too long. Dinner's almost ready."

I manage to nod, my voice a little too high. "Right. Be right back." And I all but bolt from the kitchen, feeling Javier's eyes follow me as I make my escape.

Once I'm upstairs, I peel off my gym clothes, groaning at how sore I am, but the hot water from the shower is a welcome relief, washing away the remnants of Beth's brutal workout. I take my time, letting the warmth seep into my muscles, my mind drifting back to Luke in the kitchen, to the way he looked at

CHAPTER 043: Lost Track Of Time

me, the Wa

he kissed me. There's something surreal about this evening, something almost... domestic. A part of me wonders if I should be wary, if I should be questioning what all this means. But the other part? It's too busy enjoying it, reveling in this strange, happy moment. I'm so caught up in my thoughts that by the time I step out of the shower, I realize I've probably been up here longer than I intended. I grab my phone to check the time and see a couple of texts from Luke. "Hey, almost done?"

"Dinner's ready whenever you are."

I quickly text back, "Sorry! Lost track of time. Be right down."

I throw on a dress that's a little shorter than necessary, something casual but flattering, leaving my hair down. Just as I apply gloss to my lips, my phone rings. I answer quickly, already speaking as I put it to my ear, "Luke, I'm so sorry! Got carried away in the shower. Definitely coming down now."

There's a pause. And then a voice that chills me to my core. "Julie?"

I pull the phone away from my ear, blinking in shock. Adeline's name stares back at me, cold and intimidating. I put the phone back to my ear, my voice barely more than a whisper. "Adeline?"

"We need to talk," she says, her tone clipped, no room for argument.

CHAPTER 044: For The Audience

Before I even realize what I'm doing, my thumb presses End call.

I stare at my phone screen, the name lingering there like a stain, and then I hit Do Not Disturb.

I'm having one of the best evenings in a long time, and I'll be damned if I let a spawn of the devil ruin it for

1. me.

I look at myself in the mirror, taking in my flushed cheeks, rosy lips, and visible cleavage. I can feel a ripple of adrenaline, a little spark of excitement. Luke's waiting for me downstairs, and from the way he looked at me earlier, I can tell it's going to be... memorable. With one last sweep of my hair, I smooth down my dress, letting it hug my curves just right, and head out the door.

The scent of Luke's cooking fills the hall as I make my way down the stairs, warm and savory. I catch a glimpse of him and Javier already waiting at the table, and the second our eyes meet, Luke's entire face lights up. There's something in his gaze, an intensity, like I'm the only person in the room. My breath catches for just a second, and I know exactly where this night will end-in complete, blissful surrender.

Javier, seated by the table, throws up his hands. "See? She's alive, Lucas. I kept telling him he'd have a heart attack if he kept pacing like that. Told him to get used to these things. Women are always late."

I roll my eyes, grinning. "No, we're not."

"Says a late woman."

I can't help but laugh. I settle in beside Luke, close enough that I can feel the heat of him. Leaning in, I gently hold his chin, drawing him toward me. "Tell your grandfather I'm not a latecomer," I murmur, my lips just a breath away from his.

Luke's eyes darken, his smile slow and wicked. "Julie's never late," he says, his voice low, with just a touch of that edge that makes my pulse race. "The most it's ever been was a minute."

Javier groans, realizing what we mean. "I hate you both. This is sexual harassment."

Luke chuckles, glancing over at him. "Pretty sure that wouldn't fly in court, Grandpa."

"I'm pretty sure you're harassing my ears," Javier shoots back. "Let's eat, for god's sake. I'm salivating here."

The smell from the dishes in front of us is downright heavenly, and my stomach growls in agreement. Luke serves me a generous helping of what looks like a perfectly seasoned dish of rice and chicken with a rich, fragrant sauce that has my mouth watering before I even taste it. I take a bite and nearly melt on the spot.

"This is amazing," I say, savoring each flavor as it bursts in my mouth. "What is this?"

Luke leans back, looking smug. "It's arroz con pollo. I thought I'd go with something traditional."

"It's wonderful," I say between bites, "but maybe not as wonderful as hearing you pronounce it."

Javier perks up, grinning as he takes a long sip of his drink. "Did I tell you Lucas won a cooking competition once?"

My eyes widen, and I give Luke a look. "Oh, really?"

1A

CHAPTER 044 For The Audienc

Luke waves a hand, looking almost sheepish. "Let's... maybe not bring that up."

But Javier ignores Luke's protests. "His little sister signed up for this big cooking competition when she was a kid, but the poor thing caught the flu the morning of. Being the good big brother he is, Lucas here went in her place." Luke groans, rubbing his face.

CHAPTER 045: Gossip Column

I keep my eyes on Luke, forcing myself not to let the anger boil over too soon. I see the hesitation in his eyes, the way he shifts in his chair, trying to calculate just how much of this evening he can salvage. But I'm not giving him an inch.

"What's in the article?" I ask.

Luke sighs, running a hand through his hair, but his eyes refuse to meet mine. He's doing that thing-holding back, hesitating, as if he can cushion the blow,

"Julie," he begins, "I'don't think it's necessary to ruin a good meal with some tabloid garbage."

"I want to know what they said. No games, Luke."

Javier clears his throat, and Luke gives him a quick glance.

"Maybe we should at least enjoy the food first. Just... breathe a bit, you know?" Luke says.

Javier leans back, folding his arms. "Lucas, just tell her. Or would you rather I do it?" His tone is matter-of-fact, tinged with something that almost sounds like sympathy. Luke's jaw tightens, and finally, he gives in. "Fine. But remember, it's a blog. It's mostly assumptions."

"Read it to me. The most important lines. I want to hear it."

After a moment of reluctance, he scrolls through Javier's phone until he finds what he's looking for. His eyes dart to me once before he starts reading, voice low and tense. "The blog says they got a tip from a very 'reliable source' that there's some kind of 'battle' going on between Ryan and me... over you." He pauses, gauging my reaction. I feel my cheeks flush. "Go on."

"And it seems I am winning, as the source also confirmed that Julie O'Brien left her home recently."

My pulse quickens, anger coiling tighter with every word.

"They say it's unclear where you're staying, but the writer concludes, 'If we had to take a wild guess, we'd say she's with her new lover, Mr. Lucas Martinez. This, of course, comes just a few days after the news of Julie's divorce filing leaked to the press. The last words echo in the room, mingling with the simmering tension. I feel my blood pounding in my ears, the fury threatening to break through my careful restraint.

I grit my teeth, forcing myself to stay calm, but my voice cracks as I say, "I'd bet anything this is Adeline's doing."

Luke shakes his head, surprising me with a quick, blunt answer. "I don't think it is."

"Why?"

He looks almost guilty for a moment, glancing at Javier again before he speaks. "Because we talked yesterday, and she... she proposed a deal."

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CHAPTER 045: Gossip Column

"A deal?" I repeat. "What are you talking about?"

"Remember, I told you I was going to terminate the partnership?" He sits up, bracing himself. "I went to Ryan's office, and Adeline asked me to reconsider. To stay on, just for another few months-well, two years actually. I told her I'd think about it." "You... considered it?" I say.

"Julie, hear me out. I didn't even want to tell you this, but you need to know what she's offering." He takes a breath. "They're willing to drop all charges. Give you seventy percent of Ryan's assets. All you have to do is drop your lawsuit."

I sit in stunned silence, a thousand thoughts swirling in my mind. How dare he make decisions on my behalf, even consider deals with people who would sell my sanity for a dollar.

"That was my decision to make," I say.

He holds his hands up in surrender. "I didn't make any decision. I just... thought you should know."

"No, Luke. You don't get it. You don't get how Adeline operates. You can't trust a snake like her with something like that. This-this whole article? Clearly, she's behind it. She's playing nice on the surface, while she's sabotaging me in the press!"

His brows knit, and he shakes his head. "I still don't think it's her. It doesn't make sense. She knows I'd cut the partnership if she tried to pull a stunt like that. It doesn't fit."

"Great. Now you're defending her?"

"I'm not defending her. I just think someone else could be behind this, someone who stands to gain from stirring up chaos without being directly involved."

I laugh, bitter and hollow. "The only person that points to is Adeline. Can't you see that?"

Luke throws his hands up, his patience visibly thinning. "Why are you being so unreasonable, Julie?"

"Unreasonable? I'm the one who just got called a slut on the world wide web. Forgive me if I'm lacking in

reason."

"Jesus, Julie, it's a gossip column!"

"And tomorrow it'll be on every news station from here to the other coast."

The tension between Luke and me snaps with the sound of someone clearing their throat. We both turn to find Denise, Javier's caregiver, standing a few feet away, watching us with a raised eyebrow and an expression that's somewhere between sympathy and bemusement. Her stance is composed, one hand resting on her hip while the other dangles at her side, giving off an air of practiced patience-as if she's used to clients' late-night theatrics.

She greets us with a polite, knowing smile. "Good evening, Luke, Julie," she says. "You two seem... lively tonight."

Javier snickers, shaking his head as he nudges his chair back with a grand gesture. "Oh, don't mind these two. They're just blowing off steam. Just another Tuesday night." He looks up at Denise, his face lighting up as he takes in her neatly pinned hair, the simple, understated necklace resting at hér collarbone, and the soft blue blouse she's wearing. He gives her an appreciative nod. "Denise, you're a vision tonight, as

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always."

Denise rolls her eyes-she's clearly used to Javier's antics-but there's a spark of amusement in them. You're full of charm, as usual, Javier. Let's get you back to your room before you start any trouble."

"Oh, Denise, don't tempt me," he quips, throwing a wink her way as she pulls his wheelchair away from the dinner table. "Try not to burn down the house, you two. He's pointing at Luke and me.

 

ER 046: On Your Side

CHAPTER 046: On Your Side

When they disappear down the hall, the echo of Javier's laughter fades, leaving a silence that feels deeper, more profound. It's as if all the energy he brought into the room has vanished, replaced by an air thick with everything left unsaid between Luke and me. Luke reaches across the table, his hand hovering just a second before it lands on mine. "Julie," he says. "I just want you to be okay."

For a moment, I let his touch calm me, but the anger still simmers beneath my skin. I pull my hand away, looking him straight in the eyes.

"If you really wanted me to be okay, you wouldn't make decisions for me," I say. "I don't need protection, Luke. I need honesty. I need you on my side."

"I am on your side, Julie. More than you realize. And as much as you keep saying I made this decision for you, it doesn't make it the truth. I told Adeline to talk to you about it. And if you agree, then I'm in. That's why I didn't say anything before now. I wanted her to reach out first, see if she's serious. Don't you want peace? Don't you want to be happy with me?"

I stare at him, feeling the tension ease under his gaze, but only slightly. My mind is a jumble of thoughts, the conflicting urges to trust him, to believe him, and to demand more. And then, like the release of a clenched fist, I feel myself relax, a smile tugging at the corners of my mouth.

"Do I want peace?" I say. "I'd love it more than anything. But as long as these people are involved, peace is just this... distant, mythical thing. It's like trying to sleep with sirens wailing right next to your bed. And yes, Adeline called me a couple of minutes ago." "She did?"

"Mmhmm."

He leans back, still watching me like I'm some mystery he can't wait to solve. "Did you... talk to her?"

"Technically, yes. Technically, I also just... bounced it." I shrug. "One of the most satisfying moments of my day, to be honest."

Luke laughs, a warm, rich sound that seems to vibrate straight into my chest. "Now that sounds like the Julie I know," he says. "Did you at least give her some colorful words before cutting her off?"

"Nah, I saved those for you," I say, smirking. But my voice softens, and I add, "Look, Iwant peace, Luke. I want that with every fiber of my being. But if they're still pulling the strings, it's never going to happen. Javier was right all along." "Right about what?"

"He told me I'd just end up dragging you into my mess. I look down, feeling a mix of guilt and frustration. I don't want him caught up in my world of deception and manipulation.

Luke reaches out, tilting my chin up so I'm looking into those intense brown eyes. "Hey. I'm willingly stepping into this mess. It's not like you tricked me into it. I'm here because I want to be. You're worth it."

"Oh, so you're agreeing there's a mess?"

He leans in, his face so close I can feel his breath. "Sure. But you're my kind of mess, Julie."