Pawned Virtue - #wattys2015 BK4 TPBS - Completed 1st draft

-14-

Not edited. 

"Oh.. hey Lucas" she replied nervously.

Lucas chuckled softly "Hey Tara. How's things?"

"Oh yeh. Umm... not bad. You?"

"Busy as hell but good."

"Oh I'm sorry, I should let you get back to work."

"Nah, it's ok. I was due for a break anyway. Oh hey, happy birthday!" he said with a grin.

Tara smiled "Thanks and thanks for the roses."

"I wasn't sure..." his voice trailed off. It was his turn to be nervous.

"Oh they were great, honest. Very pretty."

"Like you Tara."

She blushed. Thank god he couldn't see her!

"Eh... thanks?"

Lucas laughed out loud "Just take the compliment Tara."

"Ok" she laughed with him. This was awkward but not quite as bad as she thought.

"So what's the plans for this evening? Got a hot date?" he teased as his fingers clenched.

"Ew.. um no. Just the movies with my friends."

"Yeh? So what're you going to see?"

"We'll decide when we get there."

"Don't forget to take Adam and..."

"Jones... yes yes ok Maggie" she said in a grumpy voice.

Lucas laughed "so you've heard it before huh?"

"Every damn time I want to go somewhere!" she growled.

"You don't like it?"

She sighed as she sat up and tucked her legs beneath her

"It's not that I don't like it. They make me feel safe but... I guess... it's just not usual you know?"

Lucas started to nod before he felt like a fool because she couldn't see him.

"Yeh I know and I'm sorry Tara but with my business I need you safe."

"Why would any one want me?"

Her voice sounded almost strained and he had to bite down on his tongue before his thoughts became verbal. I want you.

"Like I said, my business and the fact that you're my wife... believe me Tara, this is the safest option."

"What exactly is your business? I mean, I know you're a sorta loan shark but is that it? Do you do anything else?"

Lucas knew exactly what she was asking but at the same time he knew she wasn't ready to hear the truth.

"I won't talk about this over the phone but I promise that one day we'll talk... ok?"

Tara stayed silent and if he didn't hear her breathing he would have thought the phone died.

"Tara? I'm not talking about now. No pressure. When you're ready ok?"

Again she was quiet before she exhaled deeply.

"Yeh, ok."

Not wanting to scare her Lucas knew it was time to change the subject.

"So, what friends are you going out with?"

"Just the usual gang. Maggie knows them all."

"These are the ones who helped you right?"

She was surprised that he remembered and her stammered.

"Um... ye.. yes"

"OK cool. I'm paying for the movies."

"What?" she didn't hear that did she?

"I said I'm paying for movies.. for all of you. Anything and everything tonight, it's covered ok?"

"Why?" she was baffled.

He smiled softly and spoke in a gentle voice.

"Because they helped you."

His explanation was simple but meant so much.

"Really?" she was in shock.

"Really" he laughed "Now go and get ready and I'll call Jones and get it organised ok."

"Ok... thanks Lucas."

"No worries. I'll call you next week ok?"

Her head was swimming. Did she want him to call?

"Ok."

Lucas grinned from ear to ear.

"Have a great night Tara."

I wish I was going with you.

"Thanks, we will."

"Oh and Tara?"

"Yes Lucas?"

"I know I said it before but... Happy Birthday Beautiful." His voice confident while his heart rate went through the roof in case she freaked out.

"Thanks" she squeaked as she hung up blushing.

***********

OK first contact... DONE! Don't expect a full on relationship between this pair for a while. There's a long way to go.