HERS TO PROTECT

Chapter 29

Passion Flames

Lia woke up confused and weary in Lucas's room, the remnants of last night's reckless actions swirling in her mind. A throbbing headache pulsed at her temples, a harsh reminder of her drunken confession, the moment she had collapsed into Lucas's arms, and the bewilderment in his eyes. Panic clawed at her as she glanced around, desperately searching for him. The space beside her was empty, the sheets cold and undisturbed.

"L-Lucas?" she whispered, her heart racing.

Silence. The only sound was the distant rush of water from the bathroom, its steady hum contrasting sharply with the chaos within her. Taking a deep breath, she fought to steady herself.

It was now or never.

Lia approached the restroom door with wavering determination, her steps mirroring her apprehension. She paused outside, listening to Lucas move within, the water splashing against the tiles.

Taking a moment to gather her courage, she stepped inside. The bathroom was enveloped in steam, creating an intimate haze around Lucas, who stood under the cascading water with his back to her.

"Lucas," she called softly, her voice trembling.

He turned, surprise and confusion flickering in his eyes. Before he could react further, Lia stepped into the shower, letting the water drench her as she reached out, desperate to close the distance.

"Lucas, we need to talk."

The tension in his muscles was palpable as the water flowed over his chiseled form, illuminating every contour. His glance made Lia swoon with appreciation and longing.

God, how could someone be so achingly beautiful? Her breath caught as she moved closer, heat spreading across her cheeks. Urgent air crackled, making her pulse race.

Despite his back being turned, Lucas sensed her presence. Vulnerable and naked, he stirred something deep within her—a fierce need to connect, to remind him of the bond they shared.

"Lucas, please," she pleaded, longing to touch him, to run her fingers through his wet hair, to trace the familiar lines of his body. "I'm not giving up on us."

The intensity of her words hung in the steamy air, electric and raw. "Even if you don't remember me, I'm sure you feel our connection."

The notion of losing him again hurt. She needed him to know how deep their love ran, how it still pulsed between them, waiting to be reignited.

Lucas's breath caught as her words enveloped him, a seductive spell mingling with the warmth of the shower. Each phrase ignited a flicker of something deep within him, a primal longing battling the fog of his lost memories.

"When we were together, Lucas," Lia continued, her voice trembling with emotion. "Do you remember our first intimate moment? The warmth that enveloped us?"

His heart raced as her fingers traced patterns on his chest, each gentle touch sparking recognition and yearning. He closed his eyes, grasping for the fleeting memories just out of reach.

"Lia..." His voice quivered with desire and confusion. He wanted to understand her passionate description of the relationship.

Her eyes locked onto his, intense and imploring. Each garment she removed exposed her body and soul—a desperate effort to reclaim what they had lost.

Lucas's reaction to her heat was primordial. Lia's touch rekindled his passion, challenging his forgetfulness. When her kisses touched his neck, warmth filled his body, intensifying his attraction to her.