Desperate Arrangement: Bouncing Back, Book IV

29

Getting to the apartment with Markus and Jaxon after Trace joined them, Lukas decided to torment his best friend for a few moments. Having been without his much calmer partner for so long, he wanted to get a bit of ribbing in.

Despite knowing that Lukas hated overly large gatherings and surprises, Jaxon had kept the meal he’d made under wraps until he was able to fill Lukas in. The aromas wafting from the kitchen were tantalizing, a mix of spices and home-cooked comfort. After watching them banter back and forth, Johanna relaxed a little more, her previous tension easing. She couldn’t help giggling when Jaxon scolded Lukas for sitting on the counter, his commentary too funny not to laugh at as he worked to put the finishing touches on the food.

Before they sat down to enjoy the meal, Lukas took his friend’s advice and brought Johanna to his room to put their stuff inside. The room was cozy and well-kept, reflecting Lukas’s tidy nature. Once there, he sat her down on the bed, the mattress giving a soft creak under her weight. Crouching in front of her, he asked, "How are you holding up?"

She raised her eyes to him, nervously biting her lip. There was real concern in his voice – something she rarely received openly until she met him. Thinking over her feelings, she sighed softly. "I'm not entirely sure. It’s all so intense and different from how things were back home."

He chuckled, the sound warm and reassuring. "Listen, I know you’re probably absolutely exhausted, but are you hungry? Jaxon’s a really good cook, and I’d hate for the food to go to waste."

"I think I could eat a little," she admitted. Johanna offered a small smile, appreciating the effort Lukas was making to comfort her.

"Good," Lukas said, standing up and offering her a hand. "Let's go enjoy Jaxon's masterpiece." As they made their way back to the kitchen, the smell of the meal grew stronger, making Johanna’s stomach rumble softly in anticipation. Jaxon, standing proudly by the table, grinned as they approached.

"Hope you're ready for a feast!" Markus, already seated, said as he looked up with a smile. "Jaxon’s been working on this all day. You’re in for a treat."

Johanna felt a wave of warmth and acceptance as she took her seat, the sense of belonging settling around her like a comforting blanket. Despite the challenges and the newness of everything, she realized she was starting to feel a bit more at home. Lukas hadn’t lied about his protectively devout father, his older brother’s teasing, and his best friend’s abilities.

Lukas motioned for her to go by the stove, where he held up a fork with something Jaxon had made on it. Initially thinking that nothing could compare to home, Johanna was shocked as the flavorful, perfectly cooked schnitzel left her senses reeling. The combination of flavors and the tenderness of the meat made her moan. “Goodness, you were not kidding. That is extraordinary!”

“Hearing that from a German woman who only just set foot on Canadian soil, I’m honoured to have received your praise, my lady,” Jaxon said, theatrically bowing to her as he stepped out of the way. “Ladies first, Johanna. You go ahead and take what you like first. Us big, strong men can starve a minute more.”

After presenting Trace with an expensive Asian brew and finishing the feast, Jaxon and Markus headed out for their scheduled suit fittings for their upcoming wedding, leaving Lukas and Johanna still seated as they carefully ate their fill.

Trace got up to do the pots and pans that were piled in the sink, leaving the plates and utensils for Mark to do when he got home. While he didn’t look like he was paying attention, the man was actually listening to the conversation of the couple still eating.

Lukas, his voice a mixed of strained patience and calming encouragement, seemed distracted as he spoke. "Johanna, you remember how the very first promise I gave you was you could have freedom, but you needed a guard, right?”

She nodded, “I recall.”

“I also promised you that I wouldn’t touch you until our wedding night, right?” he pressed his voice carrying the weight of what needed to be done. Once she acknowledged him again, he let out a breath. “The reason I’m bringing this up is because I saw your reaction in the room. I know you're scared, but you also need to remember that you’re supposed to speak up, sweetheart. I need you to tell me things need to change or whatever because I can’t do that for you. Only you can set your own boundaries, no one else."

She sobbed, nodding as she realized he wasn’t trying to control her as much as he was teaching her how to be strong for herself. "You know I don't have the best history with men, Lukas. Other than the few professionals and you and Julian, I never had many people to count on. Submission was beaten into me, but I do appreciate your patience."

"I know," he whispered. Reaching over for her hand, he gave it a gentle squeeze. "We'll learn as we go. There's no rush. We'll get some sleep tonight, and that’s all we’re going to do. We need to rest after that bullshit we went through in Germany. Tomorrow you and the girls are going shopping. When you get back, we’ll work through a few things."

Lowering her eyes, she let out a huff of air, "Lukas, I have no money to go traversing around like that."

"I'll give you my card," he replied. "You can get anything you want, okay? Shoes, clothes, jewelry – I don’t care as long as it’s what you want and not what the other girls talk you into. I need you to learn how to put your foot down and make your own decisions. Even if I’m right there with you, I need you to learn how to be bold and speak up for yourself.”

Trace smirked as he worked on the dishes, feeling a sinful amount of pride seeping into his mind. He glanced over one shoulder in time to see his daughter-in-law scowling at Lukas. ‘Good girl. Make yourself strong just like he wants you to,’ he thought.

The young woman leaned back in her chair. "But-"

"No buts, Johanna. You need clothes and other necessities, so take my card and go buy whatever you feel comfortable in. You’re not asking for anything, sweet girl. I’m giving you what you need to survive here. Besides, going out for a girl’s day isn’t something you’ve ever done, is it?" He slid the plastic card across the table and smiled at her.

She blinked, her fork pushing the food around her plate as she thought over his words. “I think I understand where you’re coming from. You were right about my not having any female friends back home, too. It was always my sister who was invited out, only because my father pitched a fit any time I asked about joining them. He always said I’d cause nothing but trouble.”

“It’s likely because your father wanted one of each and ended up with two girls,” Trace groused.

Watching her take the card, Lukas sighed with relief. “I’m in no way short on money, honey, but if you want to keep your frugal personality, you may want to stomp on Skylar’s toes. She’s got no problem blowing anyone’s money, including her own, on designer crap. Clothes are meant to be comfortable, not overtly flashy.”

Sitting with them as he finished the dishes, Trace barked a laugh. “No joke there. So, Johanna, is there anything I can clear up for you right now, or is my son doing okay without Daddy’s guidance?”

“Dad!” Lukas gasped, a squeal of embarrassment escaping. “I’m not Mark. I actually learned how to keep a good woman by watching the others screw up.”

The unexpected burst of belly-deep laughter that suddenly filled the air had both men staring at the little woman in shock and awe. Trace snorted a laugh before joining her. “What’s so funny?”

“It’s just, this is quite different from my old life. I feel like I can finally be free, finally be myself rather than just simply surviving in someone else’s shadow.” Johanna admitted.

Lukas smiled softly, his eyes reflecting the joy of seeing her so happy. "That's a great start, Johanna. Letting us know that stuff helps us help you, okay?"

Taking in the warmth and comfort that surrounded her, Johanna felt a sense of belonging she had never experienced before. Weeks ago, she was berated and brought to death’s door, and now, because she took the fabled leap of faith, she was able to smile and laugh without looking over her shoulder. Her new husband had given her the greatest gift when he chose her as his wife – the gift of a new beginning. "I think I can do that,"

Trace, still chuckling, couldn’t help putting his two cents in. "You know, as confusing and hard as this might seem, you’re part of the family now, Johanna. I think I like you already. After all, if my son chose you, then he obviously saw something special worth saving."

The words filled her heart with warmth. For the first time in a long time, she felt genuinely cared for and accepted. Feeling tears of gratitude welling up in her eyes. “I have no idea what he saw. I just know he saved me time and time again, gifting me with so many words of encouragement and a sense of hope. Things I’ve never in my life been privy to.”

“That changed the day I spotted you walking up to Oma’s house. One confession though. Julian had a hand in turning my attention your way,” Lukas said with a grin as he gave her hand another reassuring squeeze.