Sinking deeper into my comfortable chair, I close my eyes and beg for sleep to come quickly because my emotions are simply too turbulent for rational thoughts right now.
* * *
Sleep never came.My body was restless, agitated, and in too much damn pain.There was no chance of falling asleep, so I began reading, but was too distracted.Watching something on my phone wasn’t an option because the power never came back on, either, and I didn’t want to kill the battery.
Needing to pee, I struggle to my feet and use a crutch to hobble down the hall to the bathroom.The sun is shining through the flimsy curtain, and through it, I see more snow.After using the toilet, washing my hands, and brushing my teeth, I stare at the shower, longing to soak under the hot spray.Unfortunately, it’s not feasible because I can’t do it alone.
I leave the bathroom and debate going to my room for fresh clothes, but decide the exertion isn’t worth it, so I head back to the living room and stop short when I see Lucca standing in the doorway with coffee and a bag of food in hand.
“How did you get in?”
He kicks the door shut behind himself.
“I know a trick or two.”His smug smile shouldn’t make me want to sigh happily at how handsome he is.
“That’s breaking and entering.It’s like a felony or something.”I don’t know if that’s true or not, but it sounds like it could be.
He shrugs.No big deal to a man with enough money to feed a small country.I’d be cocky about it too.
“You shut your phone off, so I had to act a little more drastically than anticipated.”
Okay, okay, this is true, but…“I told you I wasn’t interested.”Except, I desperately am.
“I heard what you said, I just don’t believe you.”He places the bag on the short counter, then hands me a coffee and unloads the contents.“Sit down.”His stern tone sets my body on high alert, and not because I don’t like it.
“You’re bossy,” I grumble and sit on one of the stools, warily reaching for the coffee.He watches me as I take a sniff, immediately straightening up when the scent of vanilla caramel latte that I favor tickles my nostrils.“How did you know?”That first sip hits, and I could melt with happiness.
“I pay attention.”
After searching through a few drawers, Lucca returns with a knife, unwraps a breakfast sandwich, slices it in half, and places it in front of me on the wrapper.The thoughtful gesture nearly brings tears to my eyes.Fighting them off is difficult.It’s been a while since someone has taken care of me.
“Why are you here, Lucca?”My voice remains low while my fingers wrap around half the sandwich, bringing it to my mouth for a small nibble.
Standing across from me, his gaze pierces my insides as he takes a bite of his own sandwich before saying a word.Lucca eats silently, allowing the tension to intensify, amping up my nervousness with every passing second.
When he does finally speak, my body responds in kind.“You’re mine, Coco.I knew it six months ago when I walked into the café.I suspected you were the one leaving me those gifts and following me on occasion, and when Sabrina confirmed it, I was done.I decided you would be mine.”
My nipples pebble, and my sex clenches at his primitive declaration, plus, I read way too many dirty books.“I’m not a possession, Lucca.You don’t get to just pound your chest and claim me like a piece of property.”
He shakes his head, his gaze enrapturing me as he reaches forward to caress my jaw tenderly.“If that’s what you need to believe,amore.”
Frowning, I set my sandwich down.He ignores me and picks it back up to feed me himself.Of course, I cave.Of course, I do.Who wouldn’t?The man you’re half in love with is hand-feeding you, wouldn’t your resistance falter too?We finish the meal in silence.Him encouraging me to eat more and more, and my stomach being greedy for everything he gives me.To the point where I cover my mouth so he’ll stop.
“No more, please, too full.”
Satisfaction curls his lips, and he cleans up our mess.
“I would like you to come and stay with me while you’re recovering.You need help.”He finally gazes around my small apartment, frowning when he realizes there is no light.“And better living conditions.”Thankfully, he doesn’t seem to be judging me.I hope.“I’d like to help you.”
“I don’t need help.”Even to my own ears, that sounds weak.He looks at me like he’s asking if I’m honestly that delusional.“I don’t.”Grinding my teeth, I’d stomp my foot if I could, too.
“I’ll call Preston.He can handle your belongings and whatever lease that needs breaking.”Lucca types away on his phone.“When did the power go out?”
Our eyes meet, the ice in his flashes with what I think is rage, and I hesitate to answer.
“I’m fine here, Lucca.”
“You’re not.When did it go out.”It’s no longer a question.
