Chapter 3Men Are Just Toys

I changed into my bra and panties and was about to pull on a white sundress when my foot slipped. I fell hard and started crying from the pain.

Lucas heard the noise from the bathroom and burst in without thinking.

My dress buttons weren’t fastened yet, exposing a lot.

Any other time I might have teased him more, but right now I wasn’t in the mood.

My foot felt like it couldn’t move.

“Lucas, it hurts!”

I looked up at him, tears streaming.

His gaze lingered on my chest for a few seconds before he knelt down, buttoned my dress, and scooped me up in his arms.

Two steps out, he turned back to grab a fresh towel and draped it over my chest.

Only then did I realize my wet hair had soaked the white fabric, making the black lace underneath completely visible.

Lucas worried it might be a fracture and insisted on carrying me to the hospital.

His car was parked at Knights’ Tavern—a five-minute walk even though it was close.

I looked ridiculous like this and buried my face in his chest.

It was summer, clothes were thin. His chest felt warm against the fabric, and I couldn’t resist leaning in and gently biting through his shirt.

His body tensed, but he kept walking steadily to the car and drove to the nearest ER.

Luckily, it was just a sprain.

“The patient should avoid walking this week and no intense activity. You young folks shouldn’t get too wild.”

I didn’t react much, but Lucas blushed deeply, quickly paid, grabbed the meds, and carried me home.

He felt bad for not taking better care of me and made a huge dinner.

“Have extra ribs and pork knuckles—they’re good for healing.”

…

That night, lying in the guest room, I got thirsty. I hopped on my good foot to the kitchen for water.

Just a couple steps out the door, I saw something that made my stomach tighten—an R-rated scene.

Lucas had apparently just used the bathroom and was flushing. Shirtless, he was tucking himself back into his pants when he turned and saw me.

His sleepy eyes snapped wide open.

“I… I forgot you were staying here! Usually no one’s home, so I don’t bother closing the door.”

I pretended not to notice, turned away, and said I just wanted water.

I hobbled toward the kitchen and nearly fell again.

Lucas rushed over to steady me.

“You didn’t wash your hands.”

“Oh, sorry.”

I started doubting my judgment.

Lucas seemed like an innocent college guy, but the first time I saw him at the bar, my gut told me he was dangerous.

Dangerous things are always the most fascinating—that’s why I wanted him.