Mr. Grey-Book I

31

Emilia

A few hours later, after dinner, we all headed upstairs. I retreated to my room to prepare for bed, changing into a long shirt that fell just above my knees. Comfortable, if a bit revealing.

I was about to slide under the covers when a knock at the door interrupted me. Sighing, I padded over and opened it to find Lucas standing there.

"Hey, I—" he began, his eyes drifting to my bare legs. I shifted behind the door, suddenly self-conscious. "Can we talk?" he asked, his voice tentative.

Despite my discomfort, I stepped aside to let him in. "Thanks," he murmured, entering the room. As awkward as this might be, I needed answers. The secrets and lies swirling around me were becoming unbearable.

Lucas glanced around as if seeing the room for the first time. "I like your shirt," he said, perching on the edge of the bed. I sat down too, maintaining a careful distance.

"Thanks, I guess," I mumbled.

He chuckled softly. "Relax, Emilia. I'm just here to talk, that's all. I can't sleep, and Damien's giving me the silent treatment. I needed someone to talk to, but I can leave if you're uncomfortable."

I shook my head. "It's fine, Lucas."

"Thanks," he said with a smile, leaning back on the bed.

After a moment of awkward silence, I decided to broach a topic I'd been curious about. "How come you never talk about Lily's mom?"

Lucas took a deep breath before answering. "She was my girlfriend in college. Years later, I ran into her at a bar. We got to talking, things got cozy, and the next morning... she was gone."

"How did you end up with Lily?" I prompted gently.

"A year later, social services showed up at my door. She'd run off with her boyfriend, leaving Lily at the hospital with my contact information."

"I'm so sorry," I whispered, feeling a pang of guilt over my own past actions.

Lucas met my eyes. "I don't regret it, Emilia. Sure, I resented the situation at first, but the moment I held Lily in my arms... I knew she wasn't a mistake. I fell in love with her instantly. It was the best feeling in the world."

His words brought a smile to my face, but I couldn't shake the nagging questions in my mind. "Do you by any chance know a Danish Rob?" I asked cautiously.

Lucas's expression turned serious. "Uh, what did she tell you?"

"You knew?" I choked out, shocked.

"Yes. I found out a few months ago when I spotted them together at a restaurant in New York."

"Does Damien know?"

"Yes," Lucas admitted, and I gasped. Before I could press further, he added, "He has his reasons, Emilia. That's all I can say. I've probably said too much already."

My mind reeled. What kind of twisted game were they playing? Damien could get hurt, or worse.

"You haven't answered my question," I reminded Lucas.