Was it guilt?
Or was it leverage? Was I used to make sure Luca complied with whatever they wanted?
It breaks me a little to think Don Lorenzo would have done that, but I can’t put it past him.
Why are you here except for my family to watch you?
I know I’m a pawn, but now I’m not so sure for what.
The wind rustles through the trees, and I pull the blanket tighter.
All this time, I’ve believed Luca abandoned me willingly.
For seven years I’ve survived the dangerous politics between my family and his.
I’ve built a life without him. Now he’s back and with one touch, one kiss, he's thrown everything into chaos.
Maybe he was forced to leave.
Maybe his silence wasn't abandonment but protection.
Maybe he actually loved me.
But it doesn’t change anything. The die has been cast.
My life is here, forced along with my brother to liaise between my family and the Dantes. Luca has built his life in Chicago.
And despite what he says, if Luca had truly wanted me, truly loved me, he would have found a way to be with me.
Men like him move mountains when something matters enough. They break rules, cross oceans, defy death itself.
Especially Luca.
His impulsive, bulldozing traits are what usually got him in trouble with the family.
The truth stings. I wasn't important enough for him to fight for. Whatever drove him from New York, whatever kept him away, he chose that over me.
"Never again.” I vow as I work through the guilt and self-loathing that I let him touch me again.
I will not fall for Luca Dante a second time.
I will not let him charm his way into Enzo's heart, only to disappear when things get difficult.
I will not allow him to reduce me to that desperate girl who checked her phone a hundred times a day, hoping for a message that never came.
This time, I'm prepared. This time, I know better.
Temporary passion isn't worth permanent pain.
Luca Dante is like a summer storm, thrilling, powerful, but ultimately devastating to everything in his path.
I drain the last of my wine, more determined than ever to protect myself and Enzo from Luca’s destruction.
He may try to come at us, but this time, I'm ready.
9
LUCA
