Free Beyond Love Lies Deceit by Melissa Toppen Page B

tell me a story of how it came to be. She loved history.” He gives me a side glance, answering my question before I can ask.
    “She was part of a group in California that restored historic buildings. She said it was so important to understand and appreciate the past so that we never forget what came before us, what made us who we are today.” Despite the incredible view below me, I can’t keep my eyes from the side of Luke’s face as he speaks.
    It’s clear to see he loved his mother very much and I immediately think back to the reports I read on her death. Heart Disease I believe. As I study Luke’s profile, it’s easy to see that he is still haunted by the loss.
    I can’t help but feel like this is a side of Luke Scott few people see. It’s strange really, seeing such a powerful intimidating man let down his guard. There’s something so beautiful about his vulnerability.
    “Anyways.” He shakes his head, pulling himself from the moment. “I guess I should go. If you need anything room service will take care of you.” He seems to close down as quickly as he opened up, the sudden change leaving me with a feeling of whiplash.
    “Will you be gone long?” I ask, hating that the question somehow seems desperate.
    “I’m not sure.” He answers, giving me a half smile. “Try to get some sleep.” He backs slowly away from the window, eventually turning his back to me completely as he crosses the room towards the door.
    “Luke.” His name almost feels unfamiliar on my lips because I am so used to calling him Mr. Scott.
    He turns back to face me just as he steps into the hallway.
    “Would it be possible for me to do a little exploring while we are here? I have a few places I would really like to see and I was hoping maybe I could squeeze in a couple of hours of sightseeing.”
    “I’m sure that can be arranged.” He smiles. “Goodnight Allie.” The use of the name leaves me with a bitter taste in my mouth but I swallow it down, nodding as he turns and disappears down the hall.
    Hugging my arms around myself, I peer back out over the city, catching my own reflection in the window as I do. I stare at myself; study the lines of my face, the darkness of my eyes. I wish I recognized this girl. I wish I knew who she was but I don’t. It may be my face that I see, but that doesn’t change that the person staring back at me is nothing more than a stranger.
    ****
    “S o you think it went well?” I peer up at Luke as we make our way out onto the busy sidewalk, almost immediately colliding with an oncoming patron who shows very little remorse for nearly running me over.
    “New Yorkers.” He smiles, clearly catching the brief anger that flares in me over the man’s reaction. “Don’t worry, they aren’t all like that.” He glances back towards the direction of the man and then back down to me.
    “Everyone seems so... stressed.” I admit. “Like they can’t get where they are going fast enough.” Coming from the West, it is a completely different feel than what I am used to.
    “True, though I suppose most people that live here find that energizing. I love the hustle and bustle of the city. Mainly because it’s so different but also because everything seems so alive. Not that L.A. doesn’t have that too but it’s just not the same. There’s not a place on earth like New York.” He grabs my elbow, steering me to the left past a long strip of massive stores.
    “And to answer your question, yes, I think it went very well.” He smiles down at me, before turning his attention forward again.
    “So what happens now?” I ask, gently brushing into his arm as I try to avoid yet another patron who finds it necessary to walk in the center of the sidewalk.
    I feel him tense at the contact and immediately correct the action.
    “Sorry.” I apologize, glancing up at the side of his face to see his forehead creased in concentration.
    He remains silent for another long moment before finally answering my