Flesh: Part Twelve (The Flesh Series Book 12) by Sky Corgan Page B

did not belong to the chauffeur has lit it and sent
sparks flowing down my body at record speed. I'm not sure if I'm more
tense or more angry that Lucian just won't give up. At least I have a
safety net this time. With Derrick here, Lucian wouldn't dare advance
on me and play his seduction games.
    “ One
second.” I gesture to Derrick, my lips tight and my eyes wide
to show him that I'm not pleased with this intrusion.
    I walk to the door
and pull it open, my eyes instantly landing on a gorgeous bouquet of
roses. Not just roses, but diamond studded roses. Light glitters off
of them like Lucian pulled the stars from the heavens and adorned
them. It is, by far, the most beautiful and expensive bouquet of
roses I have ever seen. I try to stifle a gasp, but it's too late.
Then my eyes drift up to the face of the man delivering them.
    Lucian looks
absolutely stunning. A picture of modelesque perfection in a classic
black suit and tie every bit as expensive as the one Derrick is
wearing, if not more so. He's dressed like a million dollars, smells
intoxicatingly delicious, and the way that the dim outside lighting
makes his hair darker, his skin paler, and his eyes bluer is enough
to awaken everything in me that I know I shouldn't be feeling. Lust
to feel him inside of me again. The desire for him to belong to me
and only me. Regret for ever thinking of rejecting him.
    “ Lucian,”
I say his name as if I hadn't expected to see him.
    Oh God, I can't
fall into this again. Derrick is here. I have to prove that I don't
want Lucian anymore.
    It quickly becomes a
personal challenge.
    “ How
nice of you to come all the way up here instead of sending your
chauffeur.” I try to sound as callous as possible.
    “ I
wanted to see your apartment.” He gives me a panty melting
smile. It works ten times better when he looks like...a freakin' sex
God.
    “ You're
such a liar.” I turn away from him, more to escape that smile
that's making my heart beat a thousand miles per hour than anything
else. I hope it seems like a rejection since I didn't take the roses.
    “ Derrick.”
I hear him say.
    Crap, he let himself
in. What is with these guys just barging into my apartment.
    I spin back around
to see Derrick glaring daggers at Lucian. He absentmindedly tugs at
the flowers in the vase, pretending like he's still rearranging them.
Then his eyes fall to the bouquet in Lucian's hand, and his scowl
deepens. I know exactly what he's thinking, that Lucian outdid him,
and it makes me feel horrible. I love both of their bouquets equally.
Derrick's even more because I know it came from the heart, not from
his need to impress me with something lavish. He knows I'm not that
kind of girl.
    “ This
is awkward.” I take a step away from Lucian.
    “ The
only thing awkward is getting all dressed up for our date and then
being told that you suddenly changed your mind.” Lucian looks
down at me with disapproval in his eyes.
    “ Tonight
isn't a good night.” I rub the back of my neck. “Things
have been a bit tense between Derrick and I. He came over to patch
things up, so I'd rather spend my time with him right now.”
    “ It's
fine, Amy. I'll just go.” Derrick's voice cracks as he takes
long strides towards the door.
    I move quickly to
grab him by the arm, pulling him back before he has a chance to
escape. If he leaves now, Lucian will swoop down on me like a sexual
predator and I'll be completely lost. For as much as I want to hate
Lucian, I don't think I could resist him looking like that. My body
is already so hot from staring at him that I feel like I need to
start shedding clothing.
    “ No.
This is important to me. More important than going on a date with
him.” I nod in Lucian's direction.
    Lucian puts a hand
on Derrick's shoulder, and I can visibly see Derrick cringe. “You
stay. If this is important to Amy, then it's important to me too.
I'll come back later.” He looks at me. “I already
promised Amy that I'll be at her beck and call