Chapter 15: A Bargain with the Harringtons

His distinct masculine scent invaded her senses immediately. Sienna’s heartbeat quickened. Anger and embarrassment warred inside her.

‘Sebastian did that on purpose!’ she fumed silently.

Just as she was about to snap, Noah’s small voice piped up from the front. “Sorry, Mommy. Please don’t be mad. Uncle Sebastian loves drifting. He was a professional racer.”

“Sebastian. Control the vehicle. This is a public road,” Lucas’s deep voice cut through, low and commanding.

Sienna swallowed her protest. Lucas’s hands steadied her arms. His tone softened, laced with genuine concern. “Are you alright?” His expression was so earnest she doubted her own suspicion. She pulled away, putting space between them. “I’m fine,” she stated firmly, gripping the overhead handle tightly. She was secure. Or so she thought. The van swerved violently again. Screech! Sienna held her ground this time. Lucas, however, stumbled forward. His hand grabbed her dress for balance. Rip! The fabric at her waist tore, exposing her skin.

“Lucas Harrington!” she hissed, her patience snapping.

The van abruptly stopped.

“Miss Bennett, we’ve arrived,” Sebastian announced, turning with a guilty look. “My deepest apologies. I get carried away behind the wheel.”

“Uncle Sebastian! I told you to stop doing that! You always make Daddy fly!” Noah scolded, scrambling to the back. “Daddy, are you okay?”

“I’m fine.”

Lucas straightened his suit. His gaze returned to Sienna, filled with apparent sincerity. “Miss Bennett, my apologies for the inconvenience. I will replace the dress. Please, use this for now.” He draped his spare white shirt over her shoulders. His voice was surprisingly gentle. Sienna’s fist clenched, but she held back. Noah looked innocent. Sebastian seemed remorseful. Lucas appeared completely serious. They all seemed oblivious. A man like Lucas wouldn’t resort to such cheap tricks…

“It’s unnecessary. Thank you for the ride. Keep the shirt. Consider the dress payment for the trip.”

She exited the van swiftly.

“I don’t leave debts unsettled. Especially not with a woman,” his voice stopped her. “I prefer clarity. I will deliver a new dress to you personally.”

Sienna nearly stumbled. She wanted neither the dress nor to see him again. But refusing might imply she wanted him indebted. It was simpler to escape. She hurried away without a backward glance. Once she was gone, Lucas’s expression shifted. A knowing smile touched his lips as he looked at Sebastian and Noah. “Alright. What do you want?” Sebastian grinned. “Get me out of all the family blind dates for a year!” Noah clapped his hands joyfully. “I want you to marry Mommy and give me a baby sister!”

“Consider it done.”