Chapter 26

　　Lillian had once said Luke was a playboy, with more lovers than she could count. 　　He had spent years in the game, mastering the art of detachment, always knowing how to walk away unscathed. 　　Love was messy, love was dangerous. He'd always believed that. But now, standing in front of her, he felt like a rookie. Like he was back in the days when he was young, reckless, and secretly terrified of getting too close. 　　Tonight, though, something burned in his chest, reckless and unyielding. And he didn't want to waste it. 　　Luke drove fast, fingers trembling against the wheel. Skyscrapers rose into view, their lights flickering like distant stars. 　　Beneath the neon glow of the city, Lillian stood there, still and quiet, as if she were waiting for something. 　　Luke's breath hitched. 　　His grip on the wheel tightened as he eased the car to the curb. 　　Maisie watched him quietly as Luke pressed his lips together, stepped out of the car, and walked toward Lillian, one deliberate step at a t