The Queens of San Diego (18+)

Chapter 4

Martina

I shifted in my seat, the leather of my G-Wagon creaking softly as I glanced at the mansion ahead of me. The sprawling estate in Rancho Santa Fe was practically a piece of art—a multi-million-dollar property that looked like something straight out of a movie. The kind of place you'd only imagine seeing on the cover of a magazine. Normally, I'd be mentally prepping for the meeting, fine-tuning every detail for the walkthrough, but today, my mind was split between work and the steamy gossip Izzy had just dropped into my lap.

"Wait, wait, wait—Lukas and JJ?" I blinked, gripping the steering wheel a little tighter. "They had sex? At the party? You're kidding."

Izzy's laugh echoed through the phone, the mischievous kind she let out whenever she was about to drop something scandalous. "Oh, honey, I wish I was. They didn't just kiss—they went all the way. I mean, they were all over each other. Passionate doesn't even begin to cover it."

I had to close my eyes for a second to process that. Lukas, my sweet, sensitive Lukas, and JJ? I mean, I knew Lukas had been crushing on JJ for years, but to actually hear it happened—like that? I opened my eyes, shaking my head in disbelief. "Okay, spill. How did this even start?"

"You know how it is. One thing led to another during that ridiculous drinking game," Izzy said, her voice dropping into a low, teasing tone. "But after a few too many shots and some very bold dares, Lukas finally made his move. He kissed JJ, and then, well, one thing led to another. They snuck off to one of the rooms upstairs, and... let's just say, they didn't come back for a long time."

I raised my eyebrows, biting my lip. "Wow. That's... a lot." I drummed my fingers against the steering wheel, my mind racing. Lukas, always so reserved and careful, had finally let loose. "How's Lukas handling it now? He must be feeling... everything."

"That's the thing," Izzy said, and her voice turned a little more serious. "He told me everything. He's in love with JJ, Martina. Like, not just a crush anymore. Full-on head over heels. He thinks this means something, like maybe this is their chance."

I sucked in a breath, feeling my heart twist a little. Lukas falling in love with JJ? That was a delicate, dangerous situation. "And what about JJ? How's he feeling?"

"That's where it gets tricky," Izzy replied. "You know JJ. He's confident, he's charming, but emotionally? He's still a mess after Alejandro. I don't think JJ even knows what he wants right now. And that's what scares me."

I let out a long sigh, sinking back into the plush leather seat. "I'm nervous for Lukas, Izzy. If he's falling for JJ and JJ isn't ready... This could go south fast. JJ's still not over Alejandro's betrayal. He's been putting on a strong front, but I can see it. He's still hurting. If he's not ready for something real, Lukas could end up getting his heart broken."

"Exactly. That's what I told Lukas," Izzy said, her voice softening. "But he's so set on JJ. He's convinced that this could be the start of something real."

I stared out at the mansion in front of me, a perfect image of success and stability. But life? Love? It wasn't nearly as clean and predictable. Especially not for JJ and Lukas. "They'd make a cute couple," I mused aloud, a smile tugging at my lips. "But it's risky. Lukas is putting his heart on the line, and JJ... He's still tangled up in Alejandro's mess."

"That's exactly what I said," Izzy agreed. "But Lukas is in deep. You know how he is—once he's in, he's all in."

I nodded, the familiar protectiveness swelling in my chest. Lukas had always been that way—loyal, loving, and all heart. And that's what worried me the most. "I just hope JJ figures his stuff out before he breaks Lukas's heart."