Free Unbeautifully Loved (Breathe Again) by Emma Grayson Page B

threw on my favorite pair of jeans and a plain purple tee, one that happened to hug me in the right places.
    “What the fuck! ” Mollie shouted.
    Just as I expected.
    I felt relieved as I slipped on my flip flops. I wasn’t looking forward to telling Mollie about the attack and now I didn’t have to. Lukas did it for me. And I was thankful for that.
    I applied some mascara and pulled a brush through my hair quickly, deciding to leave it and pull it back in a messy pony tail. I took a closer look at the bump. It wasn’t too bad just red, noticeable and sore enough to give me a headache.
    I made my way back down stairs and joined Lukas and Mollie in the living room just as Lukas finished telling her what happened. His eyes cut to me and before anything, Mollie rushed me and threw her arms around my neck.
    “Molls...” I said softly wrapping my arms around her, then closing my eyes, wanting to avoid Lukas’ stare. “It’s okay, I’m fine.”
    “Lexie... are you okay? You’re okay right?” she said in a hushed voice, not hearing what I had just told her.
    “Yeah honey, I’m fine. Sore, a little banged up,” I pointed to my head, “and a few scratches, but other than that I’m just fine. I’ve suffered worse you know,” I said before I could stop myself.
    Shit, I did not just say that.
    The pair of eyes I felt bore into me confirmed it. Mollie gripped me tighter as she sniffled. “Hey I’m fine, I promise,” I rubbed her back softly.
    “I believe you, just brings back memories of you with D–”
    “Mollie, don’t, its fine, I’m fine, everything is fine .” I cut her off, my voice tight, but enunciating the last part and I hoped she caught it.
    Mollie pulled back and looked me in the eye. “Right.” She said then wiped her eyes before turning to face Lukas, whose stormy eyes were intensely on me and full of questions.
    “Is my jeep here?” I asked him, looking back at him and changing the subject as quick as possible.
    “Yeah, parked and locked her up after I dropped you off. Keys are in your purse at the front door,” he said, his eyes unchanging and still locked on mine.
    My heart skipped. “Thanks. Uh, do you mind bringing me back here after? It’s Waffle Sunday, Finn’s favorite.”
    “Finn your boy?” he asked
    I nodded my head. “Yeah.” My heart slammed against my chest like it was ready to burst out and land on the floor in front of me.
    Mollie spoke before he or I could say anything else. “You guys go, do what needs to be done then by the time you get back, Finn will be up and I’ll have breakfast started. Lukas can join us, if he wants.”
    My head snapped to her, ready to protest her suggestion when he spoke out. “We won’t be long, hour tops.”
    My eyes shot between the two of them.
    This isn’t happening.
    “Wicked. Well go, see you guys in a bit and don’t worry Lexie, I’ll save the waffles for the queen.” She winked, then left the room.
    As Mollie disappeared, Lukas walked over to me and slid an arm around my waist, pulling me towards him till I was as close as I could be– my breasts against his chest. He smelled amazing. Not just of cologne but of Lukas, a natural scent mixed with fresh laundry.
    Damn.
    If I could smell anything for the rest of my life, it would be him.
    His free hand slid around my neck, pulling my head forward and his wet, warm lips brushed against my forehead softly, lingering for a second longer. I wanted to push him away and run but like last night I wasn’t going anywhere. I had no idea what was happening with Lukas and me but I knew whatever it was would only end with Dex being right.
    I tried pulling away from him, but he wouldn’t have it. “Lukas, we should go so I can get back,” I said hoping I didn’t sound as nervous as I felt.
    He gave my waist a squeeze before pulling back and guiding us towards the door. I felt like I was in a fog with my mind running all over the place. I didn’t even notice I had grabbed my purse