Separate Agendas at the Springs

Elara's POV

The elevator doors opened, and I stepped out first, eager to create distance between Damien and myself. The corridor stretched before us, and I walked quickly, the plush carpet muffling my footsteps. I needed to change out of this ridiculous red bikini as soon as possible.

As we approached our suite, a familiar voice called out from the lounge area.

"Damien! There you are."

I froze. Lucas Sterling sat comfortably in one of the plush armchairs, looking completely at home. His unexpected presence caught me off guard, but the lack of surprise on Damien's face told me everything I needed to know.

"Lucas," Damien acknowledged with a nod. "You're early."

Early, not unexpected. So this had been planned all along.

Lucas's eyes flickered over me, taking in my robe and wet hair. "Elara," he greeted, his smile calculated. "Enjoying the springs?"

Before I could respond, Cora came bounding into the room, her eyes lighting up at the sight of Lucas.