Chapter 7 Stay Out Of My Life

The taxi rolled up to the terminal, and Gillian, nerves on edge, made her way through check-in and settled into the first-class lounge. Her phone hovered in her hand, the chat with Ashton still open, but every possible message she thought of died before she could type it.

Should she just ask outright if he was with Meagan? Demand the truth about that necklace, or if he'd really betrayed her?

Despite knowing he no longer had feelings for her, Gillian felt her courage fail her.

She sank into the plush lounge chair, lost in thought. Without warning, the door opened.

Gillian barely glanced up, assuming it was just another traveler, but the scent of tobacco and amber reached her before the footsteps stopped behind her.

"Well, what a scene. Am I interrupting your romantic texting session with your fiancé?" said a low, playful voice as a hand began to caress the back of her neck.

The second Gillian felt that touch, every muscle in her body went rigid.

She twisted around and found herself staring up at Luke's smirk, a chill sliding down her spine. How did he keep appearing out of nowhere?

The answer was right in front of her-Luke was dressed in a sharp pilot's uniform, white shirt crisp, gold stripes gleaming on his sleeves, his tie knotted perfectly.

It hit her then. Of course, Luke was an airline captain. Of all the lounges, of all the days, he had to show up here.

She bit back a groan. Why was Luke always hanging around her?

"Keep your hands off me!" Gillian snapped, shoving at his chest, but Luke only tightened his grip, pulling her right into his lap.

The motion sent a jolt of pain through her already sore legs, and as she landed against him, tears pricked her eyes. Her strength faltered, and for a split second, all she could do was brace herself on his solid thighs.

"Let go of me! This is a public place! Are you out of your mind?" Gillian shoved against his chest, her eyes brimming with angry tears. "What are you up to? Have you ever heard of boundaries?"

Luke just grinned, unfazed by her outrage. "You really want to know what I'm up to?"

He adjusted her easily so she ended up sitting astride his lap, as if she was just another toy for him to arrange. "Since when did you start mouthing off? Someone's gotten awfully bold. Maybe you need a little discipline."

Gillian's whole body went rigid, and she sucked in a sharp breath as his hand slipped beneath the hem of her dress and started tracing up her thigh.

Outside, the constant hum of airport noise drifted in, voices, footsteps, announcements, while the frosted glass hid everything happening inside the lounge.

"Get off me, you creep! If you don't stop, I'll call security right now!" Her voice cracked as she struggled harder, trying to break free.

Luke just gave her a light tap, a lazy smile on his lips. "Go ahead, scream all you want. Draw a crowd. Let everyone see you like this. You want the spotlight? We can give them a real show."

His taunting smirk never faded as his hand continued to roam. "Honestly, I don't care if the whole world's watching. Think of the headlines, Gillian. Our names would be everywhere."

It struck her then-he really was out of his mind.

Her eyes grew even redder, but she lowered her voice, desperate to escape. "Please, let me go. If people find us, it won't end well for you either. What will people talk about your family?"

"The Moore family's reputation isn't my problem." Luke let out a soft laugh. "I'm more interested in how we're going to keep ourselves entertained until your flight leaves. We've got two hours to kill, after all."

Gillian's heart lurched at his words. "How do you even know which flight I'm on?"

His grin only widened. "Simple. I'm the one piloting your flight, and when I checked the manifest, your name jumped right out at me. So here I am, just doing my rounds."

He leaned in and grazed her earlobe with his teeth. "You're the only passenger in first class. Tell me, how do you want your captain to take care of you today?"

Gillian went quiet.

Was the universe really this cruel? How did she always end up tangled up with this man, no matter where she ran?

Biting down hard on her next words, she growled, "I don't need you to serve me. I need you to leave. Is that too much to ask?"

A metallic taste filled Gillian's mouth, and tears burned at the corners of her eyes. "Why won't you just let me go? Someone like you could have anyone-why chase after me?"

"But you're the one I want." Luke nuzzled against her neck, his tone rich and persuasive. "Yesterday, you didn't seem so opposed to being in my arms. Whatever Ashton can offer, I promise I can give you more. Why won't you even give me a chance?"

Gillian's mind rebelled, but unwanted memories of how she had given in to him flashed through her thoughts.

When she forced herself to look at the facts, it was clear-Luke was actually Kenneth's chosen heir, and for the sake of her family's company, did it even matter who stood beside her at the altar?

His breath tickled her collarbone, breaking her train of thought, and she caught herself chewing her lip.

A deep laugh rumbled from his chest as he suddenly drew her into a kiss.

Gillian trembled, and then snapped, biting him hard, "You monster! Get away from me! I told you, don't touch me! I want nothing from you-just stay out of my life for good!"