Falling For The Kingpin

⋄CHAPTER 3⋄

A few days had went by and Kelsey hadn't heard from Lucas or Pinch since her first delivery, and it was starting to make her anxious. She checked her phone every few minutes, hoping for a message or a call, but there was nothing. She thought she'd get another gig soon since she did a good job the first. But each day waited for instructions and much to her disappointment, there were none. The money she received was more than she made in a month at her day job. She was able to make payment towards many of her bills. If she expected to make that amount after every delivery she'd be up to date in no time. But was that the only reason she wanted to do another delivery? Was it just the for the money?

Maybe she wanted to see Lucas again. She remembered the night of the delivery vividly. She couldn't seem to think of anything else. His voice plagued her mind as she thought back, remembering how his breath felt against her skin and how tenderly his fingers caressed her face. She tried to suppress the tingling feeling she felt when he was standing close by, but it kept creeping up on her.

Trying to distract herself, she focused on getting ready for Freddie's birthday dinner. Yes, the dreaded dinner that he ex was also invited to. She wanted to look her best, so she opted for a chic and classy outfit with a touch of sexiness. She wore a black, knee-length dress with a plunging neckline and paired it with strappy heels. She styled her hair in loose waves and opted for light makeup to bring out her natural beauty.

As she stood in front of the mirror, Kelsey couldn't help but feel nervous. She knew that Dylan and his new girlfriend would be at the party, and the thought of seeing them together made her stomach churn. She took a deep breath and reminded herself that she was over him, that she had moved on.

As she grabbed her lipstick, her phone rang, displaying an unknown number. She hesitated, then answered. "Hello?"

A deep, smooth voice on the other end. "Hey, Kelsey. It's Lucas. How you doing?"

"I'm good, Lucas. What's up?" Kelsey replied, trying to sound casual. How did he get my number? she wondered as she brought her hand to her lips, trying to suppress her smile.

"I was just wondering if you were free tonight. I have a delivery that needs to be made, and I could really use your help."

Kelsey hesitated for a moment. She knew she needed the money, but she already had plans for the night. There was no way in hell, she wouldn't show up to that party with her head held high. "I'm sorry, Lucas. I can't. I have other plans tonight."

Lucas sounded disappointed. "Ah, that's too bad. I really need someone I can trust for this job. You did such a great job on your first delivery, and I was hoping we could work together again."

Kelsey felt a pang of guilt. She wanted to help Lucas out, but she didn't want to let down her friends either. "I'm sorry, Lucas. I wish I could help, but I really can't tonight."

"I see," Lucas let out a frustrated sigh. "Fine. But just remember that this is a business, Kelsey. You need to take it seriously."

"I know," she said with a soft sign. She felt like she was stuck between a rock and a hard place. No matter what excuse she gave to her friends, Dylan would assume that she was still hung up on him. He would win - again. She couldn't let that happen, her pride wouldn't let her. "I'm really sorry for letting go you down but I can't back out of this. I hope you understand."

Lucas sighed. "Okay, I understand. Maybe next time then."

Kelsey felt relieved but also disappointed. She wanted to work with Lucas again and maybe even get to know him better. But she knew she had to prioritize her commitments. "Yeah, next time for sure," she said.

As Kelsey was about to end the call, she couldn't help but feel a bit curious. "Hey, Lucas. By the way, how did you get my number?" she asked.

Lucas chuckled on the other end of the phone. "Let's just say I have my ways," he replied smoothly.

Kelsey couldn't help but smile at his response. There was something about his confidence that was appealing to her. "Well, you're going to have to tell me your secret someday," she said playfully.

Lucas chuckled again. "Maybe I will, if you're lucky," he teased then said goodbye.

Kelsey rolled her eyes but felt a flutter in her stomach at his playfulness. She tried to push the thought out of her head and focus on the party, but she couldn't help but wonder if there was something more between her and Lucas.

She shook her head, trying to clear her thoughts. She had too much going on to be worried about a guy she had just met. She grabbed her clutch and made her way to the door, taking a deep breath before stepping outside.

Kelsey pulled up to Angie and Freddie's modern and elegant home, feeling a bit nervous about what the evening might bring. Just before she stepped out of the car, her phone rang, and she saw that it was Pinch.

"Hey Pinch," she answered, trying to keep her voice steady.

"Hey, Kels, just checking in on you. Send me your location." he asked.

"What?," she blurted, "Why? Everything okay?"

"Yeah, everything's good. Just making sure you're safe. You know how it is."

"No I don't." She said fiercely, "Its weird that you'd want my location."

"Sweetheart, you should've guessed by now that we aren't an established business. It's protocol to keep tabs on our employees." he said sternly, "Consider it as an 'employee benefit' or something."

Kelsey signed feeling frustrated. Trust be told, she was terrified of Pinch and was not about to argue with him, "Fine, I'll text you."

She hung up and quickly sent him her location and took a deep breath before walking into Angie and Freddie's home.

She felt a sense of relief when she saw the modern and elegant decor. The soft lighting and the tasteful artwork on the walls created a warm and welcoming atmosphere. She briefly thought of how Angie and Freddie managed to afford such a beautiful home. They were both candidate attorneys, well on their way to excel in their careers. The thought made her smile and she felt a sense of pride for her friends but as Kelsey stepped into the living room, her heart sank when her eyes landed on Dylan and Jessica seated comfortably on the couch. It was a moment she had both anticipated and dreaded, a collision of emotions that threatened to overwhelm her.

Dylan's piercing gaze locked onto hers, and she could feel his eyes tracing over her body. In that instant, a surge of confidence coursed through her veins, pushing back the doubts that had haunted her since their breakup. She held her head a little higher, determined to show him that she had moved on.

Jessica, however, wore a scowl that seemed to radiate pure disdain. The venom in her glare was unmistakable, instantly casting a shadow over Kelsey's newfound assurance. Her eyes flickered to Jessica's baby bump, a tangible reminder of the life they were building together, a life that Kelsey had once dreamed of sharing with Dylan.

With a deep breath, Kelsey fought to shake off the uneasy feeling that threatened to consume her. She made her way to the kitchen, seeking solace in the familiar surroundings. Her trembling hand reached for a crystal glass, and she poured herself a glass of champagne. Savoring the effervescent bubbles, she hoped to find refuge amidst the bustling crowd, blending in with other guests engaged in animated conversations.

Yet, behind the facade of composure, turmoil swirled within her. Each sip of champagne brought a bittersweet taste, a mingling of memories and shattered dreams. The room buzzed with laughter and merriment, but Kelsey couldn't escape the weight of her past, the lingering ache of a love lost. She thought tonight would be easy but it turned out to be harder than she anticipated.

Carmen walked over and stood beside her. A warm smile graced her lips as she reached out to offer support. "Hey babes, how's it going?" she asked, her voice filled with genuine concern.

Kelsey managed a weak smile, appreciating Carmen's presence. "Not great, to be honest," she confessed, her vulnerability shining through. "I'm a bit nervous about being here."

Carmen nodded empathetically, fully understanding the waves of emotions crashing over her friend. "I get it," she said softly. "It's never easy to see an ex with someone new. But remember, you're so much more than what he left behind."

Kelsey took another sip of champagne, letting the bubbles tickle her tongue. "Yeah, and it doesn't help that his girlfriend is giving me the death stare," she admitted, attempting to inject a touch of humor into the situation.

Carmen's eyes sparkled mischievously. "Oh, don't worry about her," she replied with a dismissive wave. "She's probably just jealous. I mean, you are the hot ex-girlfriend."

A faint blush colored Kelsey's cheeks at the unexpected compliment. She appreciated Carmen's ability to lift her spirits even in the most challenging moments. "Thanks, Carms," she said gratefully. "That's really sweet of you to say. So, how's the wedding planning coming along?"

Carmen let out a sigh, her shoulders slumping with the weight of the preparations. "I never imagined it would be this stressful," she groaned, sharing her frustrations. "I can't wait until it's all over. Angie isn't helping one bit; sometimes, I swear it's her wedding, not mine."

Kelsey chuckled, fully understanding the dynamic between Carmen and Angie. Carmen's wedding was only a few weeks away and Angie was the maid of honor, while Kelsey stood as a bridesmaid. They had always known Angie's tendency to be a control freak, but her role as the maid of honor seemed to have amplified that trait. They exchanged knowing glances, silently acknowledging the challenges they faced with Angie's involvement.

The conversation drifted towards an upcoming salon appointment for the three of them to decide on their hairstyles for the big day. As they discussed various styles, Kelsey felt the tension gradually melt away. Her phone vibrated suddenly, interrupting their conversation. Kelsey pulled her phone out to see Lucas' name flashing on the screen. She hesitated for a moment, her thumb hovering over the answer button. Should she take the plunge? Curiosity won over caution, and she pressed the button, bringing the phone to her ear.

"Hello?" she answered, her voice filled with both uncertainty and a hint of excitement.

"Go outside, I'm waiting for you," Lucas commanded, his voice resonating with authority, sending shivers down her spine.

Caught off guard by his unexpected request, Kelsey felt a rush of nerves flooding her senses. "What? Why?" she asked, her voice betraying her growing apprehension.

"Just do it," Lucas replied, his voice firm and unwavering.

Kelsey ended the call abruptly, her heart pounding in her chest as she hastily made her way outside. She braced herself, preparing to encounter Lucas once more. And when she laid eyes on him, the air seemed to grow heavy with tension. He exuded authority, his dark hair styled to perfection, and his well-tailored suit accentuating his strong, athletic frame.

"Wow," Lucas breathed, his gaze lingering appreciatively on Kelsey's stunning appearance. "You look amazing."

Refusing to be swayed by his compliments, Kelsey mustered a sense of detachment. "What are you doing here, Lucas? Is everything okay?" she inquired, her voice laced with a mixture of suspicion and concern.

Lucas shrugged nonchalantly, his eyes flickering with hidden intentions. "Just checking up on you. Making sure you're doing okay. You know, 'protocol' as Pinch called it," he said, punctuating the word 'protocol' with air quotes, hinting at a deeper motive.

Kelsey couldn't help but raise an eyebrow, her guard firmly in place. "Why are you really here, Lucas?" she probed, her voice betraying a mix of curiosity and skepticism.

Lucas let out a low chuckle, a twinkle of mischief dancing in his eyes. "Can't I simply come and say hello to a beautiful woman without having an ulterior motive?" he teased, attempting to disarm her with his charm.

Unimpressed by his attempts, Kelsey rolled her eyes, determined not to fall under his spell once more. "Fine, but don't waste my time. I have things to do," she retorted, feigning nonchalance.

Lucas raised his hands in mock surrender, a mischievous smile playing on his lips. "Okay, okay. I won't keep you too long. I just wanted to see how you were doing after the other night," he admitted, his gaze lingering on her with an intensity that made her heart flutter.

The memory of their encounter during the delivery flooded Kelsey's mind, setting her pulse racing. She struggled to maintain her composure, attempting to conceal the lingering effect Lucas had on her.

"I'm fine," Kelsey replied, her voice steadier than she felt. "Why wouldn't I be?"

Lucas arched an eyebrow, his gaze piercing through her facade. "You seemed a bit...nervous, let's say," he observed, his words laced with a hint of intrigue.

Kelsey's eyes widened, her attempt to deflect his observation crumbling. "I was not nervous!" she protested, her voice slightly higher-pitched than intended. "I was just... surprised."

Before the tension between them could escalate further, Angie, Kelsey's best friend, approached the scene, her curiosity piqued by their conversation.

"Kelsey, who's your guest?" Angie inquired, her eyes narrowing as she cast a curious glance at Lucas.

Kelsey's heart sank, a mix of worry and uncertainty flooding her. She quickly composed herself, hoping to maintain control of the situation, but it was too late. Angie had already spotted Lucas and her suspicious gaze fixated upon him.

Lucas stepped forward, effortlessly pulling Kelsey to his side, a possessive gesture that didn't go unnoticed. "Lucas," he introduced himself, extending his hand to Angie. "I'm a friend of Kelsey's."

Angie's eyes widened in surprise, a glimmer of realization crossing her features. She shot Kelsey a knowing look, silently acknowledging the unspoken history between them. "I'm Angie, Kelsey's bestie," she said, her tone tinged with curiosity. "We were just about to sit down for dinner. Would you like to join us?"

Kelsey's heart raced, her mind in turmoil. She wasn't prepared for Lucas to meet her friends, especially not under these circumstances. But before she could voice her reservations, Lucas had already accepted the invitation, tightening his grip on her hand as Angie led the way.

As they made their way to the elegantly decorated dining room, Kelsey couldn't escape the weight of eyes upon her, especially the piercing gaze from Dylan and Jessica. The room seemed to hold its breath as Lucas confidently introduced himself to everyone, his charm and charisma making a favorable impression on Kelsey's friends. However, Dylan's reception was far from warm, his disdain for Lucas thinly veiled.

Seated around the table, Kelsey attempted to immerse herself in the conversation unfolding around her. Angie and Carmen chattered excitedly about their latest shopping spree, their laughter filling the air. Meanwhile, Dylan and Jessica discussed their plans for the upcoming weekend, their eyes occasionally darting toward Kelsey and Lucas. It was an uncomfortable atmosphere, and Kelsey struggled to find her footing in the midst of the tension.

Throughout the dinner, Kelsey's mind was a whirlwind, unable to fully engage in the discussions at hand. She was keenly aware of Lucas sitting beside her, his presence both comforting and distracting. She didnt understand why he was there. His hand rested casually on her thigh, a subtle touch that sent electric jolts of desire coursing through her veins. In that moment, Kelsey's thoughts danced with anticipation, imagining the sensations his hands could evoke elsewhere on her body.

Suddenly, Freddie's voice broke through the haze, redirecting Kelsey's attention. "Kels, have you found any buyers for the apartment?" he inquired, his genuine concern evident.

Kelsey sighed, her frustration seeping into her response. "Oh, I've had no luck," she confessed, her voice tinged with a touch of resignation. "But I'm managing somehow, just glad I can handle the bills."

Dylan, never one to miss an opportunity to strike, scoffed dismissively. "I find that hard to believe. You barely managed when I was staying there," he sneered, his words dripping with condescension.

Kelsey's heart sank at his cutting remark, and beside her, Lucas tensed, his protective instincts flaring. The audacity of Dylan to belittle her in front of everyone only fueled Lucas's anger.

But before Lucas could unleash his fury, Carmen spoke up, her voice filled with conviction. "Well, Kels has a good head on her shoulders, not to mention she's an incredible accountant, she'll get through this in no time." she interjected, her words a shield against Dylan's disparagement.

Angie, ever the loyal friend, chimed in, her voice brimming with support. "Agreed! You got this, girl. You're one of the greatest people I know," she proclaimed, her unwavering belief in Kelsey shining through.

Dylan rolled his eyes, refusing to let go of his bitterness. "Oh please, she's not that great. You should get your priorities in check instead of moving on from one guy to the next," he jeered, his words laced with spite, "You leave nothing but problems wherever you go."

A pang of hurt gripped Kelsey's chest, the sting of Dylan's accusations reverberating within her. She had fought so hard to find happiness and move forward, but Dylan seemed determined to undermine her at every turn.

But then, like a knight in shining armor, Lucas's voice cut through the tension. "I think that's none of your God damn business," he declared, his arm wrapping protectively around Kelsey's shoulder. "You should worry about your own problems, and from what I can see, Kelsey isn't one of them. So why don't you just leave her to me to care for."

Kelsey's eyes widened in awe as she gazed at Lucas, her heart swelling with gratitude. His unwavering defense of her struck a chord deep within her, rekindling a sense of self-worth she thought she had lost.

Carmen and Angie nodded in agreement, their unwavering support echoing Lucas's sentiments. Meanwhile, Dylan's arrogance faltered, his facade of superiority crumbling in the face of Lucas's conviction. Even Jessica looked uncomfortable, her eyes darting between the two men.

But Lucas wasn't finished. "Kelsey is an incredible person, and anyone would be lucky to have her in their life," he asserted, his voice filled with sincerity. "I sure as hell am."

Kelsey's heart swelled with gratitude, her eyes brimming with tears of appreciation. In that moment, she realized the depth of Lucas's affection and the lengths he was willing to go to protect her.

As the night drew to a close, Kelsey and Lucas exchanged their goodbyes, their steps in sync as he walked her to her car. The air crackled with an undeniable energy, a palpable connection that seemed to envelop them both. Kelsey's heart danced within her chest, a mix of gratitude and a growing fondness for this enigmatic man by her side.

As Kelsey reached her car, she turned to face Lucas, her eyes shining with sincerity. She wanted to express her gratitude for his unwavering support, but her words caught in her throat when she saw his dazzling smile. Her heart skipped a beat, and for a moment, the world seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of them in the midst of an ethereal moment.

"You don't have to thank me," Lucas said, his voice smooth as velvet. "I couldn't let that jerk talk to you like that."

Kelsey blushed, her gaze drifting away, unable to withstand the intensity of his gaze. The tingling sensation running down her spine intensified, leaving her momentarily breathless. "Well, I appreciate it," she managed to utter, her voice a delicate whisper, hoping it conveyed the depth of her emotions.

Closing the distance between them, Lucas took a step closer, his presence enveloping her. Kelsey's heart quickened, anticipation coursing through her veins. And then, in a voice laced with longing, Lucas murmured, "You know, you looked really beautiful tonight."

Kelsey's cheeks flushed a deeper shade of crimson, her eyes unable to meet his penetrating gaze. Her heart fluttered within her chest, threatening to reveal the intensity of her emotions. "Thanks, Lucas," she replied, her voice soft, her vulnerability exposed.

Aware of the moment slipping away, Kelsey attempted to retreat, to regain her composure. "I should get going," she said, her voice betraying a hint of reluctance. She hugged him quickly, but as she released him, her heart raced as Lucas's grip on her lingered. Her body tensed, her mind spinning with a myriad of thoughts, as he held her close.

Lucas sensed her hesitation and maintained his embrace, locking eyes with her. Time seemed to stand still as he delicately tilted her chin upward with his finger, their gaze locked in a dance of desire and uncertainty. Kelsey's breath hitched, her heart pounding in her chest as his gaze bore into her soul.

The words slipped from Lucas's lips, his voice barely a whisper. "Can I see you again?" he asked, the intensity of his gaze melting her resolve.

Caught off guard by the question, Kelsey felt a whirlwind of emotions surge within her. Her mind raced, teetering on the edge of caution and the undeniable allure of Lucas's presence. "I don't know," she stammered, her lips pressing together in a nervous gesture. "I'm not sure if that's a good idea."

"Why not?" Lucas asked, his voice softening.

Kelsey looked away, feeling conflicted. "I don't want to mix business with pleasure," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Oh f**k, did I just say that?

Her words hung in the air, a palpable tension settling between them. And in that moment, Lucas's smile deepened, his eyes sparkling with a hidden knowledge. "Well, I guess it's a good thing I have a job for you coming up," he revealed, leaning in closer, his voice brimming with anticipation. "I'll see you soon, Kelsey."

With those tantalizing words, Lucas turned and walked away, leaving Kelsey standing there, a flurry of emotions swirling within her. Excitement and confusion intertwined, a dance of emotions that would shape their uncertain path forward. Kelsey couldn't help but wonder what lay ahead, the enigma of Lucas drawing her further into his captivating world.