The CEO and the Country Wildflower chapter 12

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The CEO and the Country Wildflower


Chapter 12: The Hand That Won’t Let Go


The moment Lucas York tightened his grip on Emelly’s hand, she knew something was wrong. Not that she minded—his touch was warm, his fingers laced through hers with an unspoken urgency that sent a shiver down her spine.


But the way his jaw clenched, the way his storm-gray eyes darkened as they scanned the dimly lit corridor of Leo Brown’s abandoned warehouse, told her this wasn’t just about his migraines. “Lucas,” she whispered, tugging at his hand. “You’re cutting off my circulation.” He didn’t loosen his hold. If anything, his grip tightened. “We’re not splitting up.” Emelly rolled her eyes. “I wasn’t suggesting we hold a tea party in the middle of a villain’s lair. But if we’re going to sneak out of here, maybe not announcing our escape with our loud bickering would help?” A muscle ticked in Lucas’s jaw. “You have a better idea?” She smirked. “Always.” Before he could argue, she yanked him toward a narrow service stairwell, her mind racing. Leo’s men were still searching the upper floors, their voices echoing through the hollow halls. If they could just make it to the loading dock unseen, they might have a chance.


But Lucas wasn’t making it easy. Every time she tried to pull away, his fingers twitched around hers like he was afraid she’d vanish. “You know,” she muttered, “for a CEO who hates me, you’re awfully clingy.” His gaze flicked to hers, sharp and unreadable. “I don’t hate you.” The admission caught her off guard. She opened her mouth to retort—something witty, something to break the tension—but a sudden crash from above cut her off. Leo’s voice boomed through the building. “Find them!” Lucas cursed under his breath and pulled her closer, his body shielding hers as footsteps pounded above them. Emelly’s heart hammered against her ribs. This wasn’t just about stolen data anymore. Leo wanted revenge. And if they didn’t move fast, they’d both pay the price.


--- Meanwhile, at York Group… Linda Crow tapped her manicured nails against her desk, her sharp eyes scanning Emelly’s empty workstation for the third time that hour.


“Where is she?” she muttered. Jane, perched on the edge of Tony’s desk, shot her a sugary smile. “Oh, you know Emelly. Probably off saving the company single-handedly again.


” Linda’s lips thinned. “Funny. Because the last time I checked, interns don’t just disappear without notice.”


Tony cleared his throat, adjusting his glasses. “She had a family emergency. Lucas approved it.” Linda’s eyes narrowed.


“Lucas? Since when does he handle intern schedules?” Jane and Tony exchanged a glance. Too late, Linda’s phone buzzed—a message from an unknown number. A photo. Her breath hitched. It was Emelly. And Lucas. Together. In what looked like a dimly lit hallway, his hand gripping hers like she was the only thing keeping him grounded. Linda’s blood ran cold. This wasn’t just a coincidence.


This was a problem. --- Back in the Warehouse… Emelly’s plan was simple: cause a distraction, slip out unnoticed. The execution? Not so much. “You want to set off the fire alarm?” Lucas hissed. She grinned. “What’s the worst that could happen?” “We get trapped in a burning building?” “Details.” Before he could stop her, she smashed the emergency alarm with her elbow.


The blaring sirens were deafening. Leo’s men shouted in confusion, scrambling in different directions as sprinklers erupted from the ceiling. Lucas dragged her toward the nearest exit, his grip ironclad. “You’re insane.” She laughed, breathless. “And you’re welcome.” They burst into the alley just as the first of Leo’s men spotted them. Lucas didn’t hesitate—he shoved Emelly behind a dumpster, his body pressing hers into the shadows as footsteps thundered past. Her breath came in short gasps, her back pressed against the cold metal. Lucas was so close she could feel the heat radiating off him, could see the way his lashes cast shadows over his sharp cheekbones.


And then—his hand found hers again. She blinked. “You’re doing that a lot today.” His thumb brushed over her knuckles, slow, deliberate. “I don’t like loose ends.” She snorted. “Is that what I am? A loose end?” His gaze dropped to her lips. “You’re a problem.” Her pulse stuttered. Before she could fire back, his phone buzzed. David’s name flashed on the screen. Lucas answered, his voice low. “We’re out. Send the car.” But as they slipped into the safety of the backseat, Emelly couldn’t shake the feeling that the real danger was just beginning. Because Leo Brown wasn’t the only one watching them. And Linda Crow had just gotten her proof.


--- To Be Continued… - What will Linda do with the photo? - Leo’s revenge is far from over—what’s his next move? - And why won’t Lucas let go of Emelly’s hand… even when they’re safe?