Chapter 225
Chapter 225 Lucas‘ Offer
“Your place?” Arabella’s brows drew together slightly at Lucas‘ suggestion.
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“That’s right. I live alone, so there wouldn’t be anyone else around. You’d probably feel more at ease,” Lucas explained, hoping she’d agree. This way, they could train in private, and he’d have a real chance to get to know her outside the awkward, crowded setting of the flight academy.
Arabella didn’t reply right away. She considered it quietly.
It was a practical solution. It would let her avoid Naomi and Ruby entirely, and having access to better equipment would likely speed up her training.
But going to a man’s house alone, especially one she wasn’t particularly close with, felt like crossing a line. It just didn’t sit right with her.
Ethan, hearing Lucas‘ proposal, felt a knot of protectiveness tighten in his chest. He tried to deflect the conversation. “Lucas, this kale salad is amazing. You sure you don’t want a taste?”
“No, thank you, I’m quite full,” Lucas declined politely, his attention still fixed on Arabella, waiting.
Seeing Lucas wasn’t budging, Ethan shot a quick glance at Alfred, a silent signal for backup.
Alfred caught on immediately. “You have a full setup at home? Your skills must be incredible, then.”
“I wouldn’t say that,” Lucas replied modestly.
“Don’t be modest. I heard you’re the top–rated instructor in the city. Since you’re already coaching Arabella, and I’ve actually been wanting to get my pilot’s license… would you mind if I joined her for lessons at your place?” Alfred reasoned that Arabella’s training couldn’t be delayed, and they certainly couldn’t let those two girls interfere.
If he presented himself as another student, he could accompany Arabella and everyone would feel better about the arrangement.
His question took the table by surprise. Alfred wanted to learn to fly?
“You’re serious about learning, Alfred?” Arabella processed the idea quickly. If Alfred came along, her reservations about going to Lucas‘ house would mostly disappear.
“Dead serious. I’ve been itching to take one of Frank’s birds for a spin for years, but I never got around to the lessons,” Alfred said, putting on a convincingly earnest, slightly frustrated expression.
Frank and Ethan exchanged a brief, knowing look. They were both well aware Alfred could handle anything with wings. He was clearly doing this for Arabella’s sake.
Only Lucas was left feeling unexpectedly cornered. He hadn’t anticipated one of Arabella’s brothers suddenly wanting to become his student, too.
Seeing Alfred’s genuine–seeming interest, Arabella was convinced. It made sense–Frank had a hangar full of impressive aircraft, and it was no secret others coveted them. Why wouldn’t Alfred want the same skill?
“Alright.” Arabella nodded, then turned back to Lucas. “Lucas, I’d be more comfortable not going alone. But if Alfred is learning too, would you be willing to teach both of us?”
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9:49 am
Chapter 225 Lucas‘ Offer
Lucas understood the implication perfectly. If he said no, the opportunity would vanish entirely.
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The chance to spend more time with Arabella won out. Teaching an extra person was a small price to pay. “Sure,” he said, making his decision. “If that works for you both, it’s fine with me.”
A relieved smile spread across Arabella’s face. “Then it’s settled. Once I’m cleared for training, Alfred and I will get in touch.”
“Good. I’ll be expecting you,” Lucas said, a private thrill of anticipation running through him at the thought of her coming to his
home.
“Alright.”
A short while later, Lucas stood. “I should let you all get back to your dinner. I’ll be heading out.”
“Okay,” Arabella said, noticing he’d only had a few sips of water but not pressing him to stay.
Alfred gave a nod. Frank gently slid another portion of seared foie gras toward Arabella, urging her to eat. Only Ethan’s gaze followed Lucas‘ retreating figure, his expression thoughtful and unreadable.
Preoccupied with the pleasant prospect of Arabella’s future visits, Lucas didn’t notice the cooler undertones from the others. He simply walked out, his steps light.
Once he was gone, Frank, Ethan, and Alfred shared a brief, silent look of understanding before refocusing entirely on ensuring Arabella enjoyed the rest of her meal.
With the outsider gone, the dinner became relaxed and cheerful, filled with the easy warmth of family.
Afterward, the group returned to the manor.
“Arabella, you’re back,” Florence said, her eyes filling with affection as she saw her daughter wheeled in, surrounded by her brothers.
“Mom,” Arabella greeted her as they approached. “Why are you still up? I thought you’d be resting by now.”
Florence usually retired to her room by this hour. Why was she still downstairs in the great room?
“Mom, were you waiting up for Arabella? Didn’t you trust us to take good care of her?” Ethan teased, seemingly guessing her thoughts.
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