04/09/2024                                                                            
                                    
                                                                            
                                            UNDER HER (Chapter 8)
As they arrived at Linda's house, she smiled at Lucky and said, "Make yourself comfortable, darling. I'll get you a drink."
Lucky nodded, feeling a sense of unease as he sat down on the couch. Linda returned with a glass of wine and handed it to him.
"Here, drink this. You look like you need it," she said, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
Lucky took a sip, feeling the wine warm his chest. Linda sat down beside him, her leg touching his.
"So, darling, I have to say. I'm really glad you're here. I've been thinking about you all day," she said, her voice husky.
Lucky felt a surge of guilt, knowing he was deceiving her. "Linda, I...uh...I'm just happy to be here," he stammered.
Linda laughed, a throaty sound. "Oh, Lucky. You're so shy. But I like that about you. It's cute."
She leaned in close, her breath whispering against his ear. "I have to say, I'm really looking forward to tonight. I have a few surprises planned for you."
Lucky's heart raced as he pulled away, trying to create some distance between them. "Linda, I...uh...I don't know if that's a good idea," he said, trying to sound firm.
Linda pouted, her lips curling downward. "Oh, come on, Lucky. Don't be like that. I promise you'll have fun."
She stood up, her movements graceful. "I'll go start dinner. Why don't you go freshen up? You look like you could use it."
As she walked away, Lucky felt a sense of relief wash over him. He knew he had to get out of there as soon as possible.
"Linda?" he called out, trying to sound casual.
"Yes, darling?" she replied, turning back to him.
"What's for dinner?" he asked, trying to distract himself.
Linda smiled, her eyes glinting with mischief. "Oh, just a little something I whipped up. You'll see."
As she disappeared into the kitchen, Lucky couldn't shake off the feeling of unease. 
Minutes later...
Lucky and Linda sat down to eat, the tension between them palpable. Lucky tried to make small talk, asking her about her family.
"So, Linda, do you have any siblings?" he asked, trying to sound casual.
Linda's expression turned cold. "I don't want to discuss that, Lucky. Let's just focus on us, okay?"
Lucky hesitated, but his curiosity got the better of him. "But, Linda, I just want to know more about you. You know everything about me."
Linda's eyes narrowed. "I said I don't want to discuss it, Lucky. Drop it."
Lucky pressed on, despite the warning signs. "But, Linda, what about your husband? You never talk about him."
Linda's face turned red with anger. "How dare you! You have no right to ask me about my husband. Shut up, Lucky, or I'll slap you!"
Lucky recoiled, taken aback by her outburst. "Linda, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to pry."
But Linda was beyond reason. She got up from the table, her chair scraping against the floor. "You have no idea what you're dealing with, Lucky. You're just a foolish little boy playing with fire."
She stormed out of the room, leaving Lucky alone and shaken. He realized too late that he had crossed a line.
Lucky walked into Mrs. Linda's room, his heart racing with anxiety. He saw her sitting on the bed, her face still red with anger.
"Linda, I'm so sorry," he said, approaching her cautiously. "I didn't mean to upset you. I just wanted to know more about you."
Mrs. Linda looked up at him, her eyes flashing with anger. "You want to know more about me? You want to know my secrets?"
Lucky nodded, feeling a sense of trepidation. "Yes, Linda. I want to know everything about you."
Mrs. Linda's expression turned cold. "Well, let me tell you something, Lucky. If you want to continue enjoying my...hospitality, you'll never ask me about my family or husband again. Do you understand?"
Lucky nodded eagerly, feeling a sense of relief. "Yes, Linda. I understand. I'll never ask again."
Mrs. Linda's eyes narrowed. "Good. Because if you do, there will be consequences. And trust me, you don't want that."
Lucky felt a shiver run down his spine as he realized the depth of Mrs. Linda's secrets. He knew he had to tread carefully from now on.
"I promise, Linda. I'll never ask again," he repeated, trying to reassure her.
Mrs. Linda's expression slowly softened, her anger dissipating. "Good. Now, come here and apologize properly."
Lucky hesitated for a moment before walking over to her. He knew what she wanted, and he was willing to give it to her to keep the peace.
Is this part of the risk we take for love?
To be continued.