85 (Lucian’s POV Martha’s Desperation

48 Poets

85 (Lucian’s POV) Martha’s Desperation

Lucian

I couldn’t believe my luck.

Mara must have made one hell of an impression on Austin. I’ve known him since I was twelve-loyal, quiet, never overstepping. But for him to snoop around like this, dig through Tina’s room andptop without being asked? That was a

first.

It meant something. It meant she meant something to him, too.

As we stepped out of the room, Austin gave me more good news.

“I’ve already sent a couple to the holiday home,” he said. “They live on the same street. Trustworthy people. They’ll handle the cleaning and upkeep.”

I could’ve hugged him again.

Thest thing I needed was a flirtatious young maid eyeing me or some smooth-talking guy trying his luck with Mara. We weren’t moving out to y house in a soap opera-we wanted peace. Sanctuary. And Austin, bless him, got it.

“Thank you,” I told him, meaning every word.

He gave me a small nod, and we parted ways.

Technically, we were just “going on vacation.” Everyone believed it, including my father. But Mara and I both knew this was more than that-it was a retreat, a soft escape. If we stayed away until after Tina gave birth, Vander would raise questions. So we settled on a rhythm: one week each month at the Nighthorn mansion. It would be just enough to keep up

appearances.

When I returned to our room, Mara had already finished packing her essentials. She looked up at me, her brows raised

slightly.

“Tina’s back?”

I shook my head.

The relief on her face was immediate, even if she tried to mask it. I could see the toll this whole situation was taking on her. She wasn’t okay, no matter how much she pretended. Beneath the strength and smiles was a quiet fear-that maybe I’d go back to Tina, maybe keep her as a mistress. I hated that she even had to consider it.

I crossed the room and sat beside her on the couch, pulling her gently into my arms.

“You mean the world to me, Mara,” I said softly.

She smiled, not with her lips, but with her eyes. The kind of smile that says I hear you, even if she can’t say it out loud.

F

Then she gave me a look-a yful warning glint in her eye.

I kissed her forehead, and she immediately frowned.

“I am not your little sister, Lucian,” she muttered.

And then she kissed me.

Not gently.

It was fierce. Hungry. Reassuring.

I just wanted a cut to survive. I’m a lot of things, Lucian, but I never meant to betray us.”

I believed her. At least, I believed that part. Her greed was real, but her ignorance wasn’t an act.

“Then that’s my answer,” I said simply. I turned to walk away.

“Lucian, please,” she called after me. Her voice had shifted-no longer maniptive. Just desperate. Raw.

“I really need this money.”

I paused but didn’t turn around. The silence stretched between us-thick with history, lies, and too many second chances.

es (Lucian’s POV) Martha’s Desperation

18 Punty

YE