Her Guardians Lost(2)

Luana crossed her shapely legs and smiled. She was never one you could easily take your eyes from. “Well, don’t leave me waiting too long, Michael. You can’t imagine how many other offers I have.”

Looking at her cheeky grin, I chuckled. “Yes, I can.”

Laying her hand on the table, she gently slid her finger over the back of my hand. “Did you ever tell her about me?”

I blushed and bowed my head. “No.” My confession embarrassed me somewhat.

Swirling her finger around my hand, she smiled. “I take it she wouldn’t like it if she knew?”

I closed my eyes for a brief second, savouring the feeling she was giving me. “I don’t think she would.”

Stopping abruptly, Luana looked into my eyes with a heated, firm expression. “You really have fallen for her. Can I ask how far you’ve taken it?”

“She is not mine. I am not hers. I think you understand my meaning.” I could see where this was headed and had to try to stop her before she made my head spin with questions.

“Don’t you think you may be letting your emotions run away with you? You were hurt.”

I had to try to change the subject, and the only thing I could think to change it to was Elizabeth. “Did you hear she was here?”

She sighed, breaking the intimate touch. Slinking back into her chair, she looked at me resolutely. “Yes. We were all very shocked about it, to be honest. I never thought she could ever be that cunning.”

“She was right under my nose and I knew nothing about it.” I shook my head again, unable to believe how I didn’t see it coming.

“Which brings me back to my original question about running away with your emotions. You could let them run away with me.” She gently placed her hand on mine again. “I can play vulnerable.”

“You? Vulnerable?” That sentence made me laugh. “There’s nothing vulnerable about you, Luana.”

“I get it,” she said, smiling. “You want a girl you can dominate and I’m far from that. We can dominate each other.” Her cheeky grin lit up her whole face as she played with the back of my hand.

“You’re quite the woman, Luana. You really are.”

“I take that as a compliment.”

I chuckled a little. “It was definitely meant as one.”

We grew silent for a minute, appreciating each other’s stare.

“So, what happens now?” Luana pulled her hand away and sat back in her chair.

“I’ll be here for Cassie for as long as it takes. I can’t abandon her. Not now.”

“What are you going to do if she wants you to stay—for good?”

I took a moment to think about that. I was conflicted. I fell for her, but I didn’t know whether a part of me subconsciously knew who she was from the start. That could have been what fed my longing in the first place.

“You seem undecided.”

“I am,” I whispered.

“I know I’m bias here, but don’t you think if you have to think about it, there’s something wrong? You should never enter a relationship without being one hundred percent certain.”

I sighed, knowing she was right…again. “I don’t think that’s bias at all. I think what you say is very wise.”

She studied me carefully. “I truly hope you find what your heart desires, Michael. I hope it is with me, but I just want you to be happy. You deserve it, and that, above everything else, is what’s important to me.”

I regarded her with admiration. “You know, I always thought you had the heart of a lion, but I’m completely wrong. You’re really just a big softie.”

She shrugged, giving off this air of indifference. “I try my best. You know how much I like you.”

“I know. I appreciate everything you’ve said.”

She sighed and patted my hand. “Good. I’ll support any decision you make, as I’m sure the others will, too.”

“So you’re not angry with me for wanting to stay?” I had to know. I didn’t want to string Luana along. I knew she had liked me for a while but, I must admit, she was right in her assumption of dominating. That was probably another reason I fell for Cassie. She was sweet, innocent—fragile. Something called for me to protect her and care for her. Luana was a woman who could take care of herself. She was very headstrong and knew exactly what she wanted. I could understand why some men would find that appealing. Maybe I just needed to calm down a little.

“Not at all, Michael…if it’s what you truly want. But just remember one thing.” Her back straightened as she leaned over the table to take my hand. “If you decide to come back, I will be waiting. All I ask is that you give us a chance. Just spend some time with me and see how you feel. No pressure.”