6
917 Words
Luke watched as Cassie stood by the door of his office, arms crossed, clearly ready to leave. “I’ll take a cab,” she said curtly, refusing to meet his gaze.
“That’s not happening,” Luke responded, his tone firm. “You’re my fake fiancée now, and as far as the investors are concerned, appearances matter. What would they think if they saw you hopping into a cab while I drove off in my Bugatti?”
Cassie scowled. “They’re not going to see me.”
Luke raised an eyebrow, a small smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. “Are you willing to take that risk? I’m not.”
Cassie opened her mouth to argue, but the truth hung heavy in the air. If Luke was anything, it was stubborn and unfortunately, he was right. Letting out a frustrated sigh, she finally muttered, “Fine. Whatever.”
“Good.” Luke grabbed his keys and gestured toward the door. “Let’s go.”
Cassie followed him reluctantly, feeling trapped in more ways than one. The thought of being in his car, in such close quarters with him again, made her uneasy, but she reminded herself this was temporary.
Soon, this ridiculous arrangement would be over, and she could go back to her life, or what was left of it.
They descended to the underground parking garage, where Luke’s sleek, royal-blue Bugatti sat like a jewel among the other vehicles.
Cassie had been too angry earlier to truly take it in, but now, standing before it, she couldn’t help but stare. The car gleamed under the fluorescent lights, its elegant design intimidating and beautiful all at once.
“Get in,” Luke said, pulling open the passenger door.
Cassie hesitated for a moment before sliding into the seat. This time, she didn’t have to sit awkwardly in his lap, and she let herself relax just slightly.
The interior of the car was breathtaking soft leather seats, illuminated dashboard displays, and the faint smell of luxury that clung to everything.
Cassie ran her fingertips along the door panel, silently admiring the craftsmanship.
Luke settled into the driver’s seat and started the engine. The low growl of the car reverberated through the space, a sound that seemed to suit him perfectly: confident and powerful.
“Address?” he asked, glancing at her.
Cassie swallowed her pride and gave him the address of Aunt Linda’s house.
For the briefest moment, she thought she saw something flicker across Luke’s face, confusion, or maybe surprise, she wasn’t sure, but it was gone as quickly as it had appeared.
He didn’t say anything again, he simply drove the car out of the garage with practiced ease.
The ride was smooth, the hum of the engine filling the silence between them.
Cassie gazed out the window, the city lights blurring into streaks of gold and white as they drove.
Every now and then, she glanced at Luke from the corner of her eye. He looked perfectly at ease behind the wheel, one hand resting casually on the steering wheel, the other draped on the armrest.
He didn’t look like someone who had spent his day handcuffed to a stranger, and that irritated her.
When they reached the edge of the city, the glitz and glamour gave way to narrow streets and run-down buildings.
The slum area was a stark contrast to the sleek skyscrapers Luke was used to. The air felt heavier here, the streetlights dim and flickering.
Cassie pretended not to notice the subtle way Luke’s brow furrowed as they entered her neighborhood. She was sure he didn’t often drive through this part of town.
“Park here,” she said suddenly, pointing to a spot a few blocks away from Aunt Linda’s house.
Luke glanced at her. “Why here? I can drop you off at the door.”
“No,” Cassie said quickly. “This is fine. I’ll walk the rest of the way.”
Luke didn’t argue, though his gaze lingered on her for a moment longer than necessary. “Suit yourself.” He replied.
He pulled the car to a stop, and Cassie unclipped her seatbelt. “Well, thanks,” she muttered, opening the door. She stepped out onto the cracked pavement and turned back to him. “Goodnight, Luke.”
“Goodnight, Cassie,” he replied, though his voice carried a faint curiosity.
Without waiting for anything more, Cassie shut the door and began walking down the street, her steps quick and purposeful.
The soft rumble of the Bugatti’s engine lingered for a moment before she heard it pull away, and only then did she let out a shaky breath.
She didn’t want to explain anything to her mom or her aunt. What would they say if they saw her stepping out of a billionaire’s car?
They’d demand answers, answers she didn’t even have. Her life was complicated enough as it was.
The distance to Aunt Linda’s house from where he dropped her was very short, yet it felt like forever.
She had used the period of time to think about the events of the day.
By the time she reached the familiar front door, she paused and looked back down the street.
Luke Hudson’s world was so far from this one, and yet, for the next few weeks, their lives were intertwined.
With a sigh, she pushed open the door and quietly slipped inside, hoping there was no one waiting to ask her questions.
- Writer
