We’re another hour or so from Breckenridge, two hours from campus. I don’t dare ask if Luca is driving us back home or to his parents’ house.
I’m too afraid to speak, that I might wake Zeke and break the spell of his slumber.
As we exit the main throughfare, I realize we’re returning to Luca’s parents’ home.
Shit.
Nausea sweeps over me, and as we pull to an abrupt stop in front of the Riccis’ home, Zeke stirs.
Luca kills the engine, and I work on unbuckling a grumpy Zeke, who is fighting sleep.
When Luca steps out of the car, a cold blast of air assaults us, which further intensifies Zeke’s cries.
“I know.” I work on getting his coat back on from the backseat and zip him up to keep him warm.
Luca yanks open the back door on Zeke’s side, and my little monster betrays me, clawing for Luca.
“Dada,” Zeke wails as Luca lifts my son into his arms and Zeke buries his snotty face in Luca’s jacket.
He carries Zeke to the front door. I try the car handle, but my side is child-locked.
Ashton opens the car door for me, letting me out.
They clearly didn’t want me to try to escape. I button my coat and grab my backpack, hurrying after Luca and Zeke.
Luca heads inside, and I follow right behind him, helping remove Zeke’s coat while he squirms in Luca’s arms.
“Dada. Dada,” Zeke keeps repeating while I wiggle his shoes off before removing my own.
Dante’s footsteps click over the marble flooring. “Look who decided to return,” he says, glaring at me.
“Luca, Harper, come with me, now,” Dante seethes and turns sharply, heading down toward the library.
Luca doesn’t release his hold on Zeke, who is fidgety and whiny, trying to get down, wanting to tear through the house.
But at least there are no tears.
At least not from him.
I’m fighting back the dread as I follow behind Luca, who is a solid several steps ahead of me.
He’s practically left me behind.
We’re no longer a united front. There’s no pretending that we’re in love or in a relationship.
Luca Ricci hates me.
Luca’s mother, Nikki, is seated in one of the armchairs. When she sees us, she stands and hurries over to Luca, taking Zeke in her arms.
It’s the first time she’s ever offered to hold my son, and I can’t help but feel my stomach tumble as I step closer, wanting to take him back into my arms.
I don’t trust Nikki or Dante.
I don’t trust any of them with my little boy.
Nikki seems to have the magic touch, though, bouncing him on her hip, smiling and making faces at him, which settles Zeke down.
She leans forward and kisses his cheeks and forehead, frowning. “He’s burning up.”
