Cruel Intentions

"Hey, Amelia,” At Luke's voice, she jumped and dropped the sippy cup in her hand. It splashed into the sink in a spray of bubbles. He planted a kiss on her forehead. “I’m sorry for the short notice. Thanks so much for picking up Blake."

Luke looked like he'd had a long day; he dropped his bag on the tiled floor and hung up his keys. He raked a hand through his disheveled, chestnut waves and pulled off his loose tie. His collar was unbuttoned and open.

"No problem. Just glad I could help. We went to the splash pad for a while, grabbed a pizza, and he crashed. He’s in bed." She slipped a lock of caramel hair behind her ear, a nervous habit, and put her hands in her back pockets. She felt awkward alone with him.

"Where's Taylor? Is everything ok?" Amelia leaned against the counter. She'd seen Taylor at work earlier, so she'd been surprised when Luke asked her to pick Blake up from daycare.

"Oh yeah, she'll be here later. She just took her mom to dinner and a movie for her birthday."

Amelia crossed her arms in front of her. Their kitchen area was cozy, but small.

"Aw. That sounds like fun."

"Yeah, why don't you hang out for a bit? Keep me company. I haven't seen you in a few weeks. We can catch up, have a few drinks. I’ve got that chocolate drink you love."

"Yeah, that's a no on the drinks, for sure. You know what happened last time. We can't let that hap–”

“Would it be so bad if we did? It worked out well before.” He walked over and leaned beside her against the counter.

"Luke, we've been over this. It's not happening again. You promised."

"Yeah, but what if my fingers were crossed?" he asked, wrapping a lock of her long hair around his finger, a smile tugging at his lips. His touch sent shivers down her spine. "And, I didn't pinky swear, it's not binding without a pinky swear."

"Yes it is…"

"You know, I'm still not convinced she'd be angry as long as it's you. She was fine with you joining us." His arms snaked around her, pulling her to him. He smelled of sandalwood and musk. She kept her arms firmly across her chest.

"That wasn’t supposed to happen. You guys got me drunk,” Her nerves tingled, remembering the rush of sensations.

“And you enjoyed it.”

She scoffed at him and shook her head.

“I'm pretty sure she'd be pissed about just you and me. I know I would be."

"Well, what she doesn't know…"

"Again, we've talked about this."

"I know, but I didn't like that conversation. Don't roll your eyes at me.” She tried to shrug out of his arms. He smirked. “You have the greenest eyes, by the way. They're beautiful." He traced a finger along her cheekbone, making her skin crawl, a smile playing on his lips.

"Thanks. You've told me that before."

"I think all of you is beautiful, actually; you're quite intoxicating." He leaned in, his breath hot on her cheek. She kept her arms crossed in front of her.

"Luke, I love that you think that, but I'm really not. You don't know me as well as you think you do."

“I disagree. I know you quite well. And you're not exhausting; you're not a trainwreck, I don't care what your parents say."

"Yes I am. I've told you this many times. Literally everyone says that."

"I happen to think you’re intelligent,” he kissed her cheek and she stiffened. “Compassionate,” he kissed the other cheek. “Beautiful.” Another kiss. “You're an amazing friend,” this time her nose, “and a total badass." Luke was very generous with compliments. Always. He knew they made her feel wanted. Right now, they just made her feel hollow.

"Yeah, sure, that's why I slept with my best friend's husband. I'm the best." She tried to pull back, intending to leave, but he held fast.

"Hey, he knows how to make you feel good." There was that smile again. Amelia felt her face flush.

"Not the point."

"Tell me I'm wrong."

"That's not the point. Besides, I'm with Matt now." She looked up at him defiantly. He just grinned back, seemingly unaffected.

"I'm not keeping you from him."

"You are actually doing that right now."

"That's because you're so sexy." He nuzzled into her neck.

"Luke…" She recoiled.

"Amelia, c'mom." His lips nibbled her neck. She felt chills break out all over her skin. "I always come through for you."

"You're going to get yourself all excited, and it’s not happening this time."

"It’s too late for that, baby, I'm already there," he murmured, grinding against her to make his point. He was right. He was most definitely there.

"Sorry, chef; this kitchen's closed." His lips found her neck again. She bit her lip. She was determined. "You should save this for your wife."

He popped his head up. "Hey, I keep her satisfied. I take good care of her."

"As you should, you're married."

"Yes, Amelia. I am. And I’m good to my wife. I am actually man enough for both of you."

"Ok, but I'm with Matt now."

"I'm not standing in your way."

"You know you are. You're exactly in my way." That grin again. His arms like a vice around her.

"Then I guess Matt will just have to wait."

She put her hands against his chest. "Luke…"

"Baby, I want you so bad. I'll make it worth your while, I promise. C'mom, Amelia. I need you." His breath tickled her ear.

"You seem to need me every time I come over,” she responded, pushing against him.

"You're right; I do. And you love it, too." She resented the blush creeping into her cheeks as his lips made their way along her neck up to her ear.

"You're awfully sure of yourself."

"I have a proven history."

"Of not taking no for an answer." He pinned her with a glare.

"Baby, I am so good to you. I'm crazy about you, and you love it." He kissed her lips this time, his soft and hungry, tasting of brandy.

"What if it were Taylor?"

"What?"

"What if Taylor was the one having an affair?"

"Amelia, no," he chuckled and shook his head. "We're not having an affair."

"Okay, what would you call it?"

"I don't know, I just want…"

"This, right now, isn't about a threesome you two conned me into. It's just you and me. Behind her back. That's an affair, Luke, and I don't want to be that person. I don't want to be Blair."

"Baby, that's different. That's not what's going on here."

"How's it different? Blair was my best friend. She slept with my fiance. I’m Taylor’s best friend. We've had sex twice. You're trying for a third time."

"You're not trying to steal me from her. I have to beg to get anything from you." His voice had an angry edge to it. His hand clamped down on her arm.

"You shouldn't be asking at all, Luke. You’re her husband. I shouldn't even be here." She tried pushing against him, but he pinned her to him. "I just wanted to help out with Blake, and now I'm leaving."

"But I would like for you to stay." He was leaning in, trying to kiss her again.

"What if the roles were reversed?" He huffed at her, getting annoyed. "What if I were sleeping with her behind your back?"

"Baby, you know she can't take care of you like I can. Her toys have got nothing on Johnson."

"Answer the question, Luke."

"I don't know, Amelia!" He let out an exasperated sigh. “I guess I'd share you with her, if I have to, but I still want to have you, too.” He was not quite angry, but emphatic.

"I'm not you guy's little fuck-toy, Luke! You don't just get to take turns with me." She pushed back against him, but he held her tighter. "I want Matt."

"And you can have Matt, but I still get to have you, too. Baby, c'mon. Does he know how to make you moan?"

"Yes, as a matter of fact; he does. And he doesn't even have to get me drunk first."

"Hey, I'm a sure thing, either way, baby. You know I've got you."

"Thanks for that, Luke. I'm so glad I can always count on you to cheat on your wife with me." She made another futile attempt to push him away, but he was clearly not letting her go.

"Baby, it's not like that with you, ok? I'm just as much your friend as she is. Who was it that picked you up when you found out about Brandon and Blair?"

"You, Luke. You are my friend, and I appreciate our friendship, ok? I really do, but it's just that; a friendship. Nothing more."

"Why can't it be more?!"

"Taylor, Luke. She’s your wife! She’s my best friend. I don't want to hurt her." She leaned back, her hands on his chest, but he snagged her back. "And Matt, I don't want to hurt him either."

"What about me, Amelia?” He slammed his hand on the counter and shook her a little. “What about what I want? Don't I get a say in this?"

"I can't keep giving you what you're asking for. That's more than friendship!"

"Baby, we can make this work. No one has to know. No one's found out so far."

"Make what work, Luke? We're friends. Friends don't have sex. Especially with other friends' spouses. “Why can't we just be friends? Why is that so hard for you?" She slapped his chest, then covered her face as the tears started falling.

"Amelia, baby, please don't cry. I'm sorry. Just, don't cry." He held her close for a minute and was quiet, just letting her get it out. He did have an uncanny ability to know what she needed.

"Luke, we have to end this," she sniffled.

"I'm sorry, baby, but now that I've had you, I just want more. I can't go back now."

“We can't keep this up. It'll crush her."

"Why are you so loyal to her?! I've been here for you, too.” His fingers dug into her arms, making her wince. “You care more about her than you do about me!" He shoved her back a little before yanking her to him again. He looked so hurt and defeated. A far cry from the cocky swagger he'd had just moments before.

"I care about both of you, but you're her husband, Luke. It would destroy her to find you with me. I would know. And I'm not willing to be the cause of her pain."

"But you're ok causing me pain?"

"I didn't say that. That's not fair. You can't put this on me. She loves and trusts you."

"I can't help it. I want you, Amelia."

"Luke, you have Taylor. You can't have me, too." She shoved him hard and tried again to storm off. He yanked her back against him, one arm going around her chest, his other like a vice pinning her to him. He was quiet for a minute, and a feeling of dread crept in.

"What if I wasn't with Taylor anymore?"

"What?" Suddenly, it felt like the air had been extracted from her lungs.

"What if I wasn't with Taylor anymore, Amelia? Would you want me then?" There it was. Raw. Painful. Exactly what she was afraid of.

"Luke." Her voice was barely above a whisper. "Don't. You can't. You love her."

"Do I?" He spun her around and met her gaze.

"Yes, Luke. You adore her."

"I care about her, yes, but I want…"

She put her finger to his lips. "Luke. Please don't say it. I can't."

"Baby, I don’t love her. I want you."

"No…" She pulled away with everything in her, but his grip was like iron.

He tipped her chin up, looking into her face.

"I can make you happy.” He whispered softly, but fiercely. “I would be so good for you, baby.”

"You can't ask me to…"

"Amelia, think about it." He put his hands on either side of her face, making her look at him. "We could be happy. You and me and Blake. Maybe one or two more. C'mon, Amelia you can't tell me you've never thought about that. We could be a family, just like you've always wanted."

"What?" Her voice came out as a whisper.

"Amelia, you've had such a rough life. Your dad left you. Your stepdad beat you and your mom. That bastard, Brandon, and Blair betrayed you. I know you want a family of your own; a safe and happy one." Luke gently traced her cheek with his finger. "Baby, I can make that happen. And Taylor? She'll be ok. She’ll be hurt for a while, yeah, but she'll get over it eventually. She'll meet someone new and have a new life, too."

She shook her head.

"Hey," he tipped her chin up, and he gazed into her eyes. "We could be happy together, Amelia." He put his forehead against hers. "Please, baby. Just say yes." He sounded hopeful. It was so wrong it made her stomach churn.

"I'm sorry, Luke. I want Matt." She seized the moment of not being in his arms and pushed past him, grabbed her bag and keys, and hurried to the door.

"Matt?! Baby, you know he can't take care of you like I can! He's gone all the time. I'm always here for you!" He caught up to her and slammed his hand against the door. "Just think about it, please! Baby, you know you want this."

"I'm sorry, Luke. I can't do what you're asking.” She put her hands on the door knob.

"Amelia, I love you!" He threw his hands out to his sides in frustration.

She turned to look at him one last time.

"I choose Taylor and Matt." She tugged on the door behind her.

"Baby wait! Come back, please!"

She turned to leave and her breath caught in her lungs. On the other side of the door was an ashen Taylor; almond eyes wide, mouth dropped open, hand halfway to the door.

“Shit.”