HERS TO PROTECT

Chapter 27

Seducing Lucas Marsden: A Struggle for Memories

Lia jolted awake, the moonlight flooding the room and casting eerie shadows that danced across the walls. Her heart raced as she realized Lucas was missing from their bed. Throwing aside the blanket, she hurried across the creaking wooden floors.

Outside, she found him standing near the edge of the porch, his silhouette stark against the moonlit landscape. With his arms crossed tightly, he appeared lost in thought, oblivious to her approach.

"Lucas," she called softly, taking cautious steps closer. "What are you doing out here at this hour?"

He turned abruptly, his expression guarded. "I can't sleep," he muttered, irritation evident in his voice.

Lia bit her lip, sensing his defenses rising—a familiar wall he built to protect himself when vulnerable. Reaching him would be a challenge, but she was determined.

"Come on, let's go back inside," she whispered, gently touching his arm.

Lucas jerked away, annoyance flashing in his eyes. "I don't need your pity," he snapped, his tone sharp against the stillness of the night.

Undeterred, Lia pressed on. "This isn't about pity, Lucas," she said, holding his gaze steady. "I just want us to be okay."

His jaw tightened. "Okay? How can we be okay if I can't remember who I am? Or who you are?"

The sting in his words cut deep, but Lia didn't waver. "Even if you can't remember, you can still feel it," she insisted softly. "You can feel our love, Lucas."

He scoffed, yet Lia noticed a flicker of concern in his eyes. "You're trying to control me," he replied uncertainly.

Lia took a step closer, grounding herself. "This isn't manipulation, Lucas," she argued gently. "I just want you to feel the love you once felt."

Lucas's shoulders sagged, his resolve weakening. "You're impossible," he muttered, yet his gaze remained fixed on her.

Sensing his uncertainty, Lia took a risk. "Then let me remind you," She said before kissing him.

At first, Lucas resisted, his hands clenching at his sides. But as Lia's lips brushed against his, a flicker of warmth surged through him, awakening long-buried memories of love once known.

They stood, unsure how long they had kissed and broke apart, both breathless and uncertain.

Lucas's gaze searched hers, his gruff exterior softening. "Why do you do this?" he asked quietly, no longer accusatory.

Lia smiled sadly, her hand brushing against his cheek. "Because I believe in us, Lucas. And because somewhere inside, I know you do too."

A heavy sigh escaped him as his walls began to crumble. "You're stubborn," he mumbled, a hint of enjoyment lacing his words.

Lia wrapped her arms around him, her heart swelling with hope. "And you love me," she teased gently, her voice filled with affection.

With a reluctant sigh, Lucas stepped back, releasing her from his embrace. "Sleep in another room tonight; I don't want you beside me," he said, walking away, though his gaze lingered behind him.

Lia watched him leave, her thumb brushing her lips. "Pretending not to like that kiss, huh?" she thought, a smirk forming as she watched him walk away. "Let's see how long you can hide your true feelings."

***

As Lia entered the room, Lucas surprised her by handing her a pillow and blanket before attempting to close the door. Lia swiftly blocked it with her body, infuriating him further.