Craving The Wrong Brother (Sloane and Knox) novel Chapter 182

Chapter 182

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 the scent of jasmine drifts over us as we head up the stone steps. I glance around, taking in the enormous front door and stone pillars. This place feels almost enchanted.

Inside, it’s even more impressive. We enter a grand hall, and I can’t help but stare. A chandelier the size of a small car dangles from a ceiling so high that it’s almost painful to look at. Everything here is as elegant as it is intimidating.

Just then, a voice echoes through the room.

“Lucas! You’re finally home! I’ve told you, you work too damn much!”

I look over and see an elderly man in a wheelchair by the fireplace, watching us.

Luke sighs, pushing a hand through his hair, then crosses his arms. “And I’ve told you countless times not to wait up for me, old man. I’m not your wife.”

“True enough,” the man says, grinning. “She had more hair and a lot less attitude.” He shifts in his chair. “This house is eerie as hell at night.”

“You wouldn’t have to deal with it if you stayed at the group home like I suggested,” Luke counters.

The old man huffs, waving a hand dismissively. “Ghosts would be better than being surrounded by the near-dead any day.”

I can’t help it, I chuckle. This causes the old man’s eyes fall on me, and I suddenly feel as though I’ve made some terrible mistake. His eyes narrow, shifting from a look of surprise to something sharper, as he takes a slow tour of me from head to

toe.

I shift, glancing to Luke, who steps closer, clearing his throat. “Julie, meet the terror of this household-my grandfather, Javier Martinez, who doesn’t let me live in peace.” He nods in the old man’s direction. “Come over and say hi, Julie.”

As if I have much of a choice. The old man’s gaze is as intense as a searchlight, sweeping over every inch of me, leaving no detail unchecked. I walk forward, feeling the weight of that scrutiny like a physical touch, awkwardly clearing my throat as I say, “Hi.”

Nothing. He just stares, his expression unreadable, until I glance toward Luke, feeling uncomfortable.

“Lucas, you got yourself a girlfriend?” Javier finally says.

Chapter 182

Lake’s face reddens, his jaw clenching slightly as he stammers, “Julie and I-we’re friends.”

The old man chuckles, unconvinced. “Friends, huh?” He taps his fingers on the arm of the wheelchair and squints at me. “Come closer, Julie. I can’t see you clearly from here.”

1 inch forward, and he waves me on. “Closer. Closer. And… down a little, too.”

I can hear Luke muttering something behind me that sounds like, “When did you develop shortsightedness?”

Finally, I’m crouching in front of the old man, face-to-face with his appraising eyes. He takes a long sniff, leaning forward. Then, without warning, he grabs my arm, pulling me closer.

“Nice fragrance,” he says.

I blink, shocked and speechless. Before I can process any of it, Luke steps forward, tugging me away from his grandfather. “Honestly, have some self-respect,” he says to Javier. “Where are your manners?”

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