Chapter 14: A Dangerous Ride

Lucas hadn't anticipated Sienna would be so unresponsive. He'd thought mentioning his father would spark her interest. He wanted to say more, but Sienna simply lifted him and set him aside. "Noah, go back to your dad. I have important matters to handle," she stated firmly. "Go home, okay?"

"Mommy..." Noah gazed up with pleading eyes, hoping to sway her with his pitiful expression.

Sienna couldn't deny it affected her, but she remembered her purpose for returning. Refocusing, she swung her leg over the motorcycle seat. Noah pouted dramatically, his lips forming a perfect sulk. His plan had failed. He needed another strategy. He swung his chubby arms casually as the engine roared to life. Pop! The rear tire deflated instantly, causing the bike to tilt dangerously.

"Mommy! Your tire!" Noah shrieked with feigned terror. "Someone shot it with a dart!"

Sienna dismounted quickly. Sure enough, a silver dart protruded from the rubber. Who used darts anymore? Especially as a weapon. It seemed bizarre. Noticing her suspicion growing, Noah quickly grabbed her hand. "Don't worry, Mommy! Daddy will take you home!" He yelled into his smartwatch, "Emergency protocol! Daddy, respond!" Her suspicion intensified, but it didn't make sense. Noah was only five. He couldn't have thrown that dart... probably. His convincingly terrified expression made him seem uninvolved. A sleek black van pulled up abruptly. Sebastian rolled down the window. "Miss Bennett! Noah! Get in now!"

Noah yanked the passenger door open and scrambled inside. "Mommy, come on! Just a ride, I promise!" Sienna noted only Sebastian was visible. Her bike needed repairs anyway. Without overthinking, she slid into the back seat. Instant regret flooded her. Lucas sat there too. Can I still escape? she thought desperately. Sebastian saw her hesitation in the rearview mirror. He hit the accelerator before she could react. Too late now, she sighed internally, scooting as far from Lucas as possible.

Fortunately, Lucas was engrossed in his financial tablet. He radiated his usual aura of aristocratic coldness, detached and undisturbed by his surroundings. Maybe she was overthinking things. Suddenly, the van swerved violently. Caught off guard, Sienna tumbled into Lucas. Riiip! The tablet in his hands cracked under their combined weight. Silence. An awkward, heavy silence engulfed the vehicle. Damn his perfect profile. Her heart hammered wildly against her ribs. Thump. Thump. Thump. This was wrong. Why was her heart racing? She gripped the front seat headrest, trying to right herself.

Just as she almost succeeded, the van swerved again. Sienna fell back into Lucas. This time, her face planted directly against his firm, clothed abdomen.