BILLIONAIRE'S UNINTENDED BRIDE

Chapter 68: Absolute Whirlwind

Chapter 68: Crossing Lines

Yesterday was an absolute whirlwind. Luke and I shared a kiss that nearly led to more. I wanted it, but fear held me back, urging us to take things slowly. This kiss marked our first since the breakup, a significant moment that deserved careful handling. I wanted us to do things right this time. We hadn't even discussed the status of 'us' yet. As much as I longed to be with him physically, I knew it was crucial to have a clear understanding about our relationship first.

This moment of personal reflection was abruptly juxtaposed against the shock that unfolded later. The look on Luke's face when he saw his brother Sebastián after a decade was unforgettable. They were just seventeen when life brutally tore them apart. Now, here they were, standing face to face, a whirlwind of emotions etched on their faces. The air was thick with the weight of years lost and the uncertainty of years to come, creating a poignant scene that I knew would stay etched in my memory.

Sebastián, tall and well-built, mirrored Luke in many ways, though they didn't have identical features. There was, however, an undeniable brotherly resemblance. And yes, he was undeniably handsome – it seems good looks run in the Walton family. Their eyes, that same intense blue, were like looking into a mirror. And when they laughed, it was this eerily synchronized sound, echoing a shared childhood.

After their unexpected reunion, Sebastián stayed over, and I left the brothers to their deep, late-night talk, retreating to my own solitude after a brief chat with Sebastián. Boy, is he a flirt! He was relentless, teasing and playing around right in front of Luke, clearly trying to get a rise out of him. Luke, for his part, was visibly frustrated with Sebastián's antics, his lack of seriousness about anything. Their laughter and muffled conversation echoed through the house late into the night, a reminder of the complex dynamics at play.

This morning, I found a different scene. Wandering into the kitchen, I was greeted by the sight of Sebastián shirtless, nonchalantly drinking milk straight from the container before carelessly returning it to the fridge. He then grabbed the orange juice and repeated the action.

As he noticed me, he didn't skip a beat. "Well, if it isn't the sexy lady of the house. How do you manage to look so gorgeous in pajamas?" His comment, overly flirtatious, sent a mix of embarrassment and amusement coursing through me.

"Rolling my eyes, " I managed a "Good morning to you too," trying to match his light tone.

He closed the distance between us, his flirtation escalating. "My morning would've been better waking up next to you," he said, winking.

Sebastián, can't you have a conversation without turning it into a flirt fest?" I asked, half-exasperated, half-amused. "You do realize Luke and I are together, right?"

Sebastián's eyes danced with a mischievous glint, undeterred. "Oh, I'm well aware. But then why the hell are you two sleeping in separate rooms? I asked Luke, but all I got was a 'mind your own business'. But you, Emily... I'd much rather make you my business."

I couldn't suppress a smirk despite myself. "It's complicated, Sebastián, and it's definitely not your business," I replied, trying to maintain some semblance of control in the conversation.

His laughter, rich and carefree, filled the room. "Oh, come on, Emily. I thought there was something special brewing between us," he teased, his charm almost infectious.

Despite myself, I chuckled. "Sebastián, we've known each other for what, a handful of hours? There's no 'brewing' happening here."

He leaned back casually against the counter, his demeanor relaxed yet filled with a palpable intensity. "Life's too short for slow burns, Emily. Why not dive into the deep end?" he suggested, his gaze playfully probing.

The moment was abruptly interrupted as Luke walked in, shirtless, his muscular torso on full display. The air in the room seemed to thicken with tension. His expression was a mix of annoyance and a clear, silent warning. "Step the fuck away from her, Sebastián," he said firmly, his voice leaving no room for argument.

Sebastián stepped back with a shrug, his easy going facade still intact. "Relax, bro. Just getting to know our lovely Emily here. You know, family bonding," he said with a nonchalant smirk.

Luke then turned his attention to me, closing the distance between us. His arms wrapped around my waist, pulling me into the warmth of his bare chest. "Good morning, beautiful," he whispered, his voice deep and resonant, sending a shiver down my spine. I couldn't help but melt a little at his touch, at the familiar warmth of his body against mine. I missed this – missed us.

He gently kissed my forehead, a tender gesture that made me blush. As I tried to look away, shy under his intense gaze, he gently lifted my chin, drawing me back to meet his eyes. His lips brushed mine in a light, fleeting kiss, then returned to my forehead. There was a restraint in his touch, a respect for the boundaries I had set last night when I told him we should take things slow. But every fiber of my being yearned for more, a deep, passionate kiss, a rekindling of the fire between us. Yet, there was something sweet in this moment of restraint, a promise of what could be as we slowly navigated our way back to each other.

Sebastián, unfazed by Luke's earlier warnings, had taken it upon himself to whip up breakfast for the group. It was a thoughtful, almost defiant gesture, offering a fleeting reprieve from the undercurrents of tension that had been building. In the meantime, my thoughts were consumed by Luke – specifically, the memory of his bare, chiseled chest. As we each retreated to our showers, a part of me ached with the wish that we were together under the steaming water, our bodies close. The intensity of my longing for him was overwhelming; it was becoming increasingly difficult to keep my desires at bay.

Refreshed from the shower and dressed in a casual outfit, I made my way downstairs, thoughts of breakfast momentarily distracting me from the turmoil of emotions. As I neared the kitchen, I suddenly felt strong arms encircling my waist from behind. It was Luke; his presence was both unexpected and intoxicating. The warmth of his body against mine sent a surge of electricity through me, igniting a mixture of surprise and longing

He leaned in close, his breath warm against the nape of my neck. "You're so damn beautiful, Em," he whispered, his voice a velvety murmur that resonated deep within me.

I turned to face him, my heart pounding like a frantic drum. Luke's eyes burned with an intensity that both scared and excited me. He cupped my cheeks gently, his forehead resting against mine in a tender gesture.

"I'll wait for you, Emily," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "But God, it's getting harder by the minute, especially seeing you like this." He gestured to my scant attire. "I just want to scoop you up and disappear into my bedroom with you." His words were laced with a raw honesty that sent a jolt of longing through me.

We were on the brink of a kiss, our lips mere inches apart, ready to seal the emotions simmering between us. But at that very moment, Sebastián's voice echoed through the hallway, "Breakfast is ready, lovebirds! Come and eat."

With a reluctant sigh, I pulled away slightly. Our moment, ripe with unspoken promises and desires, was cut short. Luke and I exchanged a look that conveyed more than words ever could. Despite the tangled web of our relationship and Sebastián's unintentional intrusion, one thing was crystal clear: our connection, our love, was something worth waiting for.

We joined Sebastián in the kitchen, where a spread of breakfast awaited us. The room was filled with an intricate dance of emotions – a silent acknowledgment of the complexity of our intertwined lives