The CEO and the Country Wildflower chapter 40

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The CEO and the Country Wildflower
Chapter 40: Safe in the Storm


The moment Lucas’s fingers closed around Emelly’s wrist, the familiar warmth spread through her, but there was no time to dwell on it. The urgency in his grip propelled her forward as they dashed down the dimly lit hallway of her apartment building. Behind them, the faint sound of hurried footsteps echoed—whether real or imagined, Emelly couldn’t tell. Her heart hammered against her ribs, adrenaline sharpening every sense. “David’s waiting downstairs,” Lucas muttered, his voice low but firm. His other hand was already pulling out his phone, typing a rapid message. Emelly barely had time to process the chaos before they burst through the building’s side exit.


The sleek black car was idling at the curb, David’s tense face visible through the window. Lucas yanked the door open and practically shoved her inside before sliding in beside her. “Go,” Lucas ordered, and David didn’t hesitate. The car peeled away from the curb just as a shadowy figure rounded the corner of the building. Emelly twisted in her seat, her breath catching. “Was that—?” “Don’t look back,” Lucas said sharply, his fingers tightening around hers. His migraine, usually a storm cloud behind his eyes, was conspicuously absent, but his expression was no less thunderous. She swallowed hard. “You think Leo sent someone?” “I don’t think. I know.”


His jaw clenched. “Tony’s warning wasn’t an exaggeration.” The weight of the situation settled over her. Leo Brown wasn’t just a corporate rival—he was dangerous. And now, he’d crossed a line. The car wove through the city streets, the neon lights of Lasmington blurring past the windows.


Emelly’s mind raced. Her apartment had been compromised. Her belongings—what little she had—were back there. And now she was… where? “Where are we going?” she asked, forcing her voice to stay steady. Lucas didn’t answer immediately. His thumb absently traced circles over the back of her hand, a subconscious gesture that sent a shiver up her spine. “Somewhere safe.” She arched a brow. “That’s not an answer.” His lips twitched, the ghost of amusement flickering across his face. “You’re impossible, even in a crisis.” “And you’re infuriatingly cryptic.” David chuckled from the front seat, earning a glare from Lucas.


The car eventually turned into a gated driveway, the towering silhouette of a modern penthouse coming into view. Emelly’s eyes widened. “Is this… yours?” Lucas sighed. “One of them.” Of course.


Because the man had multiple penthouses lying around. The moment they stepped inside, Emelly was struck by the sheer opulence—floor-to-ceiling windows, sleek furniture, a kitchen that looked like it belonged in a gourmet restaurant. It was the opposite of her tiny, cluttered apartment. Lucas tossed his keys onto the marble counter. “You’ll stay here until we figure this out.” She crossed her arms. “And where will you be?” His gaze locked onto hers. “Here.” A beat of silence. Emelly’s pulse stuttered. David cleared his throat. “I’ll, uh… check the perimeter.” He vanished down the hall, leaving them alone.


The air between them crackled with unspoken tension. Lucas exhaled, running a hand through his hair. “You should rest. There’s a guest room—” “I’m not some damsel in distress you can just stash away,” Emelly interrupted, stepping closer. “Leo’s after me because of you. Because I work for York Group. Because—” “Because you matter,” Lucas snapped, his voice rough. The words hung between them, raw and unexpected. Emelly’s breath caught. Lucas looked away, as if regretting the admission. “Just… stay put. For once.”


She wanted to argue. To poke fun at his bossy demeanor. But the exhaustion in his eyes stopped her. Instead, she smirked. “Fine. But only because your penthouse has better water pressure than my apartment.” A reluctant smile tugged at his lips. “Noted.” As she turned toward the guest room, her fingers brushed against his—just for a second. The contact sent a jolt through her, and she could’ve sworn his breath hitched. But when she glanced back, his expression was unreadable. The storm wasn’t over. Leo was still out there. And now, she was trapped in a penthouse with the one man who infuriated her—and fascinated her—more than anyone else. Sleep wouldn’t come easy tonight.