We pull up to Luke’s place a few minutes later, and I almost forget to breathe.
This isn’t just a house. It’s a mansion—a literal mansion, all sharp angles, stone walls, and towering windows. The driveway winds through a huge garden, the kind of lush, manicured greenery that feels like something out of a dream.
Luke glances over, catching me staring, and smirks. He hops out of the car, strolling around to my side.
“Do you live here alone?” I ask, half whispering.
“Why?” He looks amused. “Does it seem lonely?”
“Lonely? No, just… massive.”
He laughs softly. “I like space,” he says, and though the answer feels simple, I get the sense there’s more to it.
“I can see that,” I say.
He extends his arm dramatically. “Welcome to my castle, Julie. Mi casa es tu casa.”
The air is cool, and th
