Page 37 of Pucking My Off-Limits Billionaire Boss
Andrew laughs, a sound that grates on my nerves. "Always so independent, aren't you, Lucy? Just thought I'd offer my support.”
I can practically feel Lucy's frustration, her body tensing beside me. It's clear that Andrew's words are a twisted version of whatever their past was, and it's just as clear that he's here to stir up trouble, not to offer support.
"Andrew," I say, my tone firm, "I think it's time you leave."
Andrew pauses at the edge of the site, his departing figure momentarily framed against the backdrop of our hard work. He turns, casting a look over his shoulder that sends a clear message: this isn't the end.
"You know, Lucy," he calls out, his voice carrying a sinister edge that belies his casual stance. "Construction projects can be so unpredictable. Inspections, regulations... they can really throw a wrench into things. It would be a shame if any... complications arose here."
His words hang in the air like a dark cloud, and I can feel a knot of anger and concern forming in my gut. It's not just a casual comment; it's a veiled threat, a hint that he could be a significant obstacle to our project.
Lucy's posture stiffens, and I sense her anxiety spike. "We're well aware of the process, Andrew. Thanks for the concern," she replies, her voice laced with a mix of defiance and apprehension.
Andrew smirks. "Just offering some friendly advice. After all, I'll be in town for a while. Wouldn't want to see your little project run into any... issues."
I feel my jaw tighten, my protective instincts flaring up. Standing a bit taller, I meet Andrew's gaze squarely. "Lucy will be just fine, Andrew. As I said, she's with me now. Her 'issues,' as you call them, are no longer your concern or your business. We've got everything under control here."
There's a steely edge to my voice, one that I rarely use but reserve for moments like this. I need to make it clear to Andrew that his manipulative tactics won't work on us, that he can't just walk in and expect to intimidate or control the situation. Lucy's safety and well-being are my priorities now, and I won't let him or anyone else jeopardize that.
He fires me one last withering look before turning and striding away, leaving a palpable tension in his wake. His parting shot is a clear indication that he plans to be more than just a brief disturbance in our lives.
As his figure recedes, I turn to Lucy, who's watching him go with a troubled expression. "He's bluffing," I say, though I'm not entirely convinced myself. "Just trying to rattle us."
Lucy nods, but her eyes are shadowed with worry. "Maybe. But Andrew... he's not the type to make idle threats. He's got the means and the spite to cause trouble."
I place a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "We'll deal with it, whatever he throws our way. He's not going to derail us."
She looks up at me, her eyes searching for reassurance. "I hope you're right, Jake."
19
Lucy
I'mstandinghere,lostin a fog of worry and confusion after Andrew's unexpected appearance. His words hang in the air like a bad smell, and I can't seem to shake off the unease.
Jake's voice breaks through my daze. "Lucy?" he calls out, but I'm barely registering his words. It's like I'm underwater, his voice muffled and distant. His hand lands gently on my shoulder, grounding me. "Hey, you okay?"
I blink, trying to focus on his face. He looks worried, his brows knitted together in concern. "Yeah, I'm... I'm fine," I stammer, but even I can hear the lie in my voice.
He doesn't push, just gives me a small, understanding nod. "Let's take a break, get some lunch. Clear our heads a bit." His support is comforting, especially now when our relationship has taken a turn towards something neither of us had planned.
The diner we pick is cozy, the kind of place that serves hearty meals and hot coffee. It's comforting, but I can't seem to shake off the chill, not just from Andrew's haunting presence but also from the pretense Jake and I have created.
As we settle into a booth, the weight of our recent charade bears heavily on my mind. Glancing across the table at Jake, I find the words spilling out before I can stop them.
"Jake, about what happened back there..." I start, my voice laced with a mix of shock and disbelief. "That whole 'we're together' thing. Why did you say that?"
Jake looks at me, his expression a mixture of resolve and slight apprehension. "I know it was sudden, Lucy, but I saw an opportunity. Andrew was trying to get under our skin, and I thought throwing him off with something unexpected might work. Plus, I could see how uncomfortable you were around him. It was clear you didn't like him, and I guess... I just wanted to protect you from that, in any way I could."
His words sink in, and I realize he's been more observant than I gave him credit for. He noticed my distress and acted on impulse to shield me. It's a surprisingly sweet gesture, one that warms me despite the weirdness of the situation.
I ponder his words, the gears in my mind turning. "And did it? Work, I mean?"
He nods, a hint of relief in his eyes. "I think so. He didn't see it coming. It put him off balance, even if just for a moment."
I bite my lip, considering the implications. "So, we're just... pretending now? To be a couple?"
Jake reaches across the table, his hand offering silent support. "Only if you're okay with it. It's just a tactic, nothing more. But I understand if you're not comfortable with it."
