Gamble on Love

Chapter Thirteen

It's the dreaded night: Lucas meets the parents. I've tried many times to talk Lucas out of it but he refuses to back out. "I said I'd go and I will." Is what he told me. I eventually gave up trying to talk sense into him.

If today is the day he wants to die then so be it.

I call up Kiara in a panic. "What? Lucas is meeting the parents? Wow. That's a big step. The brave soldier."

"Kiara!" I hiss down the phone.

"What? You agree with me! You told him to not meet them!"

"I know! But he didn't listen to me! It's just a bet so why is he so adamant to meet them?" I can hear Kiara facepalm through the phone. I frown. "What?"

"Oh Rae you are so clueless."

"What?" I repeat, impatient.

"You stupidly agreed to a bet but why do you think Lucas asked for a bet in the first place?"

"Because he thought he'd win?"

"Because he probably realised it would be the only way you'd give him a chance. Obviously he likes you and figured he could get you to like him back through the bet. And because you're so stubborn you wouldn't back out. He asked you to be his girlfriend for fuck sake, meaning you guys have been official for a while now. So why wouldn't he meet your parents?"

"Because he has some dignity?" I suggest.

"Oh my fucking God. I can't even be bothered. Call me later and let me know what happens." Kiara angrily hangs up.

How rude. My phone buzzes.

Cocky dickhead: On my way

Me: You should start playing "Highway To Hell" cos that's what you're on rn

Cocky dickhead: Ye of little faith. Cya soon baby

I head downstairs and help my parents set up for Lucas's funeral - I mean dinner.

************************************************
As soon as the doorbell rings, I sprint to the front door and yank it open. "It's not too late to escape."

Lucas rolls his eyes, leaning to kiss me quickly on the lips. "Don't be so melodramatic." He walks past me.

I close the door and follow behind. "Hello Mr and Mrs Blake. I'm Lucas Rain, your daughter's boyfriend." He holds out his hand to shake.

Dad reaches out and shakes his hand. "I'm James." I can tell he's squeezing the shit out of Lucas's hand but Lucas barely flinches. Okay I understand his point about having been able to put up with Jesse. She is violent.

"I'm Tarryn. Lovely to finally meet you properly Lucas." Mum smiles awkwardly at him, remembering the last time they saw him and the circumstances.

"You too Tarryn." Lucas flashes her a charming smile. She looks charmed already. Dad looks less impressed.

"Come on in." Mum gestures to the lounge room and he follows behind them.

Oh great yeah cool don't worry about me I'm fine. I head into the lounge room and sit beside Lucas, who takes my hand in his and winks at me.

"What are your intentions with my daughter?" Dad demands, glaring at him. Wow I'm ashamed my dad used such a stereotypical question. How inventive of him.

"I really like her." Lucas stares my dad dead in the eye. "I'll be here as long as she wants me. I'm not going anywhere."

My breath hitches in my throat and Kiara's words float through my mind: obviously he likes you. Does he really? Could he?

Mum cooked her lasagne with garlic bread and peas for dinner. "So Lucas." Mum starts. "Have you had many girlfriends?"

I wince. "I've had my fair share of one night stands." Lucas admits, running a hand through his hair. It's the first time I've seen him nervous. Seeing the look of disapproval and disgust on their faces, he adds, "But Rae is my first proper girlfriend."

"Rae isn't some slut you can fuck then ditch." Dad's voice is hard.

"I know that. I would never do that to her." Lucas says, vehemently.

"You better not. If you do I'll hunt you down and kill you." Dad threatens. Mum places a hand on dad's arm, giving him a look that says enough.

Lucas shifts in his seat. "I wouldn't expect anything less."

Dad nods, seeming satisfied for now. They start talking about football (lame I know) meanwhile I absently push food around my plate as feelings of indecision and regret rise. Why did I say yes? I could've said no and avoided him. But no I just had to be stubborn and try to prove him wrong.

As I look at Lucas I can see the passion in his eyes; his smile; the way his eyes light up when he looks at me. And that's when I realise why I'm suddenly so apprehensive: I'm starting to fall for Lucas Rain. I'm starting to lose the bet.

Fuck. Abort mission. I repeat: abort mission.

"Are you okay sweetheart?" Mum asks, worriedly.

Pushing away my feelings, I force myself to smile convincingly. "I'm fine. Just not hungry."

Lucas narrows his eyes at me, not believing a word I say. But luckily my mum does. "Don't force yourself sweetheart."

I push my plate away, and Lucas keeps flickering his eyes in my direction, his lips turning down at the corners.

After dessert, Lucas takes his leave, looking pointedly at me to follow him out. I sigh before following him out, walking him to his car.

"What the fuck is going on?" Lucas demands.

"Nothing." I lie smoothly. He looks at me as if he doesn't believe me so I lean towards him, grab his top in my hands, and crash my mouth onto his. He doesn't respond at first but as I kiss him more passionately, he finally responds. Pulling away, I look into his eyes and whisper, "I'll see you later."

Seeming satisfied for now, he kisses me quickly. "I'll see you soon." He gets into his car and drives off.

************************************

A/N: Oh shit Rae is having doubts.

Shit is gonna go down.

Please vote and comment as usual!