Page 64 of Saved By A Dark Billionaire
"I'm fine," I answered almost breathlessly, like the kiss he gave me winded me.
"If at any point it gets to be too much, don't be afraid to tell me. I'll take you home whenever you want to go," he promised, to which I nodded my head. Lucas kissed my lips one more time before grabbing my hand and guiding me out. Hailey waved at me as I passed her by with a wink. She was enjoying this more than she probably should.
"I'll lock up when I leave, don't worry. Have fun," she called after me.
Lucas had driven a car I had yet to see. It was a royal blue Rolls Royce with a wide tail. It shone in the sun beautifully, giving it a more elegant feel, if possible. As usual Lucas opened my door, helping me into the car before making his way around to the driver’s seat. I couldn't help but watch him as he walked. The slacks he wore hugged his ass in the right way. I felt like a perv sexualizing him as he walked, but the man was too damn fine.
"Okay, so tell me what I need to know about your mom?"
I clutched onto my purse, which held the small present I had gotten for Sarah. I have no idea what her likes or dislikes are, but there was no chance in hell I was going to a birthday party without a gift. It's not much, but I hoped she’d like it. Lucas smirked again, keeping his eyes on the road as he spoke.
"There's not much to tell. Mom is a pretty open book. She believes in being polite to a fault. She loves the warm sun and a cool breeze. Sun hats are her favorite, any occasion to wear one and you will find her in one." Lucas smiled as he spoke about his mother. I could tell, unlike his father, he loved her. "She's quick to tell someone when they've done something wrong. She can be pretty funny too, but she's got a specific sense of humor many don't understand. You have nothing to worry about, Rose. She's going to love you."
Lucas grabbed my hand, bringing it to his mouth, and kissing my knuckles as he drove. He never once took his eyes off the road, but we continued our conversation. He recounted childhood stories about his mother and sister. It turns out his father would abuse his mother, too. She was able to leave him with the help of her brother Kane. I didn't miss the way Lucas spat out Kane's name. I am not sure why there was so much disdain in his voice when he spoke about him. As the man who helped his mother escape abuse, I would think he would say his name with a tone of admiration.
"If you can, try to avoid Kane. He sounds and acts good on paper, but behind closed doors he's anything but," Lucas warned me as we exited the interstate.
I was curious what he meant, but I would heed his warning. There’s not a chance I will be left alone with Kane, anyway. I'm going to be glued to Lucas' side, he being the only one I feel comfortable around. We pulled into this beautiful bed and breakfast. The place was huge, more of a mansion than anything. There was a gravel road leading to the gravel driveway. The driveway was circular, with a large fountain in the center that spewed crystal clear water from the middle.
Lucas opened my door, holding his hand out for me to take. I grabbed it, sliding out of the car, immediately regretting wearing heels. Heels on gravel are asking for a twisted ankle. Lucas wrapped his arm around my lower waist, gripping my hip as he pulled me close. He steadied my steps, somehow letting me make it to the front door without hurting myself.
The inside of this place was charming. There was a large staircase to the right as you entered with a large wooden check-in desk in front. Keys hung along the wall behind it, giving it a more rustic feel. Around the desk were two passageways and to the left was a large foyer with a grand piano and several Victorian style chairs and loveseats.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Porter. Your mother is waiting for you on the terrace already. Please go right ahead." The receptionist greeted Lucas, gesturing to the passageway on the right.
"Thank you, Marcus." Lucas nodded. They must be well known here. I didn't miss the way Marcus looked at me like a meal as we passed him by. I suddenly felt highly exposed in my heels and dress. The high slit exposed more skin, but it would make it easy to kick in if I needed to roundhouse someone.
"I apologize in advance," Lucas whispered to me as we stepped out of the opened French doors to the beautiful terrace. God only knows what he's apologizing in advance for. I guess I'll find out.
On the terrace stood a large white oval table, with rounded wooden chairs. The sun was bright and warm against my skin. I could hear the waves crashing against the shore before my eyes spotted the ocean. The breeze was cool, carrying with it the smell of the ocean. I closed my eyes as I inhaled, letting the air cool me while the sun warmed me. It felt so perfect outside today.
There were beautiful white potted lilies in every corner and the center of the table. The tiny fork nightmare continued as I saw it staring at me from its place on the table. Hopefully, nothing we eat calls for me to use it. I wouldn't know how to, anyway. I spotted Lisa first as she leaned against the white wooden railing facing the beach. She wore a long off-white maxi dress that showed her shoulder blades in the back. Her black hair flowed in neat waves around her, covering some exposed skin. She looked absolutely radiant, like a still frame photograph.
Laughter caught my attention, making me turn to see a tall woman with large black sunglasses and an elegant Aubrey Hepburn style sun hat. It was white with a black thick ribbon around its base. Her dress matched her hat perfectly. It was all over lace with a black silk tied belt. It was sleeveless with a round neck and filled bust, relaxed through the hips. This woman had a smile as bright as the sun. She was so elegant with her white gloves and pearl necklace. A real Audrey Hepburn herself.
In front of her was a man, in what I would guess to be his early 40s. He was a hunk of a man with large biceps, nicely hugged by the sleeves of his button-down shirt. His short black hair was styled like Henry Cavill. He had chiseled angular features and a sharp jawline. He looked intimidating, but the way he smiled just invited you in. Lucas was guiding us right to them.
"Happy birthday, Mother." He greeted her, kissing her on the cheek, but never once removing his hold on me. "I'd like you to meet my Rose. This is Olive Brewer." He introduced me as both Rose and Olive, leaving the choice of what to call me up to her, I guess.
"It's so nice to meet you, Olive." She smiled at me. I am not sure why, but my heart clenched and tears threatened to ruin the makeup Hailey worked hard on. Being here, seeing her, it made me think of mom, and it brought back all the hurt like a punch to the stomach. I swallowed back the pain, and reined my emotions in, refusing to cry in front of this woman.
"It's lovely to meet you as well. Happy birthday." I smiled back at her.
"Be civil, Lucas, and greet your uncle as well as introduce your guest," his mother scolded him.
"Yes, mother," he said with a nod as he turned to his uncle with a glare. "Kane, I see nothing has changed." I felt like there was an insult somewhere in there. Something only the two of them know as Kane narrowed his eyes at Lucas.
"This is Olive," Lucas introduced me, but before Kane and I could exchange pleasantries, he turned me around. "We haven't greeted Lisa yet. Don't want to be rude."
"Play nice, Lucas!" His mother yelled after him. Lisa turned, realizing we were headed her way. She flashed me an amused grin as she leaned back against the rail with her elbows resting over the top.
"You look nice, as always." She greeted us, but I wasn't sure who she was speaking to.
"She was talking to you. Lisa wouldn't dare compliment me. She thinks I have too big of a head already," Lucas said loudly, causing Lisa to laugh.
"You do!" She agreed. "I can't have you getting too arrogant."
"You look radiant yourself," I said, gesturing to Lisa's dress and overall self.
