Strangers To Lovers

Chapter Fourty-Two

Following Luke and I’s departure from the hotel, I could feel the weight of Isabella’s knowing gaze and Levi’s smug smirk. I groaned and pressed my head against the headrest of the car. Everything had spiraled so quickly that it felt like a whirlwind had swept me up, leaving me confused and embarrassed. It didn’t hit me until much later what I had actually done—standing outside with Luke's older brother and the woman Luke was supposed to date. I hadn't realized just how complicated things had gotten.

As we made our way back to Luke’s apartment, I noticed a soft, content smile playing on his lips, one that made my stomach twist with both warmth and anxiety. Levi had offered to take Isabella home after we’d discussed the aftermath of the showdown with Mrs. Connor. It spared me the humiliation of being around her any longer.

Luke glanced over at me and, with a chuckle, said, “It’s natural between couples to go through all that.”

I could have buried myself alive right then and there. The way he said it so nonchalantly, like it was no big deal, made me want to vanish. How could he be so calm, especially after everything that had just gone down?

“That’s what you’re focusing on?” I shot back, a mix of exasperation and disbelief in my voice. “After all of that?”

He just smiled, the kind of smile that said he was too damn comfortable with himself. “What, am I wrong?”

I turned to look out the window, trying to hide the growing blush on my cheeks. “You say stuff like that so easily,” I muttered, more to myself than to him. “How are you not embarrassed?”

“Because I mean it,” he replied, voice smooth, causing my heart to skip a beat. “I’m not ashamed of what I feel for you, Ella. You’ve known that for a while now.”

The sincerity in his words made my chest tighten. He wasn’t the same person who had once been dismissive or cold. He had changed, and now that change was staring me in the face, making me question everything. I wanted to laugh, cry, and scream all at the same time. My hands flew to cover my face, trying to process what he had just said.

He chuckled softly, a warm sound that filled the car. “What, don’t believe me?”

“I believe you,” I whispered, but the words felt heavier than they should have. Was I really ready to believe him? To trust again after everything?

Luke’s hand brushed against mine, sending a jolt of warmth through my body. “I’m glad you forgave me, you know.”

I glanced over at him, unsure how to respond. The truth was, I had forgiven him, but I was still scared. Could we really make this work, or was I setting myself up for more pain?

His voice broke through my thoughts. “I know it’s not easy, but I want us to try. I want you to stay at my place tonight. We can take things slow.”

I nodded, feeling the weight of his words settle in my chest. “Yeah, okay.”

He flashed me a grin, but it wasn’t just playful—it was filled with relief, hope even.

When we finally pulled into Luke’s driveway, my nerves spiked again as I saw Levi’s Maserati parked to the side. Luke stiffened next to me, gripping the steering wheel a little too tightly.

“I’ll wait in the car,” Luke said after a moment, his voice laced with tension.

“No, you should go in,” I urged, glancing toward the house. “Levi’s probably waiting for you.”

“And why do I have to deal with him?” Luke muttered, jaw tight.

“Because he’s your brother,” I reminded him softly. “And you both have a lot to sort out.”

He sighed, undoing his seatbelt reluctantly. “Fine. But I’m not in the mood for his shit.”

We got out of the car and headed toward the front door. The tension in the air was thick as we approached Levi, who was lounging on the couch, his feet propped up on the coffee table as if he owned the place.

Luke shot him a glare. “Nice of you to make yourself at home.”

Levi smirked, not even bothering to remove his shoes. “I figured since you weren’t using it, someone had to.”

I shifted uncomfortably, sensing the brewing storm between the two brothers. Levi’s posture was casual, but his eyes held a challenge that Luke clearly wasn’t in the mood to meet.

“Can we not do this right now?” I interjected, trying to diffuse the situation before it escalated.

Levi shrugged. “No problem here. Just having a chat with my dear brother.”

Luke clenched his jaw, but to my surprise, he didn’t take the bait. Instead, he turned to me. “You can go to my room if you want, give us some space.”

I nodded, grateful for the chance to escape the inevitable confrontation. I started toward the hallway but paused when I heard Levi speak again.

“Good to see you two worked things out,” Levi said with a sly grin, his eyes flicking between me and Luke.

Luke shot him a warning look. “Levi, shut up.”

“What? I’m just saying, it’s nice to see some things go right for once.”

Luke crossed his arms, the tension between them crackling like electricity. “We’re not doing this right now.”

Levi raised an eyebrow, clearly enjoying himself. “Not doing what?”

“This,” Luke snapped, gesturing between them. “I don’t need your commentary or your smug attitude. Just... stop.”

For a moment, Levi’s expression softened. He looked at Luke, really looked at him, as if seeing the weight he was carrying. Then he sighed, running a hand through his hair.

“Fine. I’ll lay off,” Levi muttered, surprising both of us.

Luke relaxed slightly, the tension in his shoulders easing. “Thanks.”

I stood there, watching the exchange, feeling like an outsider in their world. These two had so much history, so much baggage, and I didn’t know if I could ever fully understand it.

Levi glanced over at me and gave a small nod. “You’re a good influence on him, Ella. Keep him in line, will you?”

I smiled weakly. “I’ll try.”

Luke rolled his eyes but didn’t argue. Instead, he took my hand and gently pulled me toward the stairs. “Come on, let’s get out of here.”

As we climbed the stairs, I could feel the weight of everything between us—the unresolved tension, the lingering doubts, the unspoken promises. But despite all of that, there was hope. For the first time in a long time, I felt like maybe, just maybe, we could make it work.

When we reached his room, Luke closed the door behind us, shutting out the world. He turned to me, his eyes soft and searching.

“Are you okay?” he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

I nodded, my throat tight. “Yeah, I’m okay.”

He stepped closer, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear. “I mean it, Ella. I’ll fight for us. I’ll do whatever it takes.”

I believed him. And for the first time in what felt like forever, I wasn’t scared of believing.