Luca moves through the world with the same magnetic confidence he always had, like nothing can touch him.
Like choices have no consequences.
He wants back into our lives as if it's the simplest thing in the world even as we all know he’ll be leaving again.
And part of me wants to let him in because apparently, I’m a stupid fool. Because when he looks at me, I still feel seen.
When he touches me, I still feel alive.
And when he speaks of wanting to be a father, I want to believe him.
That's what terrifies me most. Not that he'll leave again, but that I'll let him stay.
A knock at the door scatters my thoughts. I already know who it is before I even open it.
"We need to talk," Luca says, voice rough with exhaustion. There's a fresh bruise blossoming along his jaw, a cut at his temple.
I step aside without argument.
The sight of him like this, beaten and vulnerable, is yet another thing that chips away at my resolve. I'd heard about the ambush from Valentina early this morning.
Apparently, he and Victorio barely escaped with their lives.
The thought of him dying before Enzo ever knew him…
"You look terrible," I say, going to the kitchen and pouring him coffee.
"And yet you're still the most beautiful woman I've ever seen." He takes the mug, our fingers brushing, shooting electricity through me. I could power the state with the surge he sends through me each time he touches me.
"I heard what happened." I lean against the counter, putting distance between us. "I’m glad you’re alright."
He shrugs. “It’s a shitshow.”
“Alessandro’s allegations are ridiculous.”
"Are they?" His eyes search mine. "You believe I'm innocent?"
"I know you wouldn't betray your family." I cross my arms. "Whatever else you are, you're loyal to them."
"Just not to you." It's not a question.
“You did leave, Luca. And you only came back for them.”
“That’s not?—”
“But I’ve decided you can meet Enzo.”
His head snaps up. "What changed?"
"Nothing. Everything." I look down into my empty mug. "You almost died yesterday. And I realized if something happened to you, Enzo would never know you. I don’t have a right to take that from him.”
He gives a small laugh. “But you have no problem taking it from me.”
God, what a jerk. “I didn’t take anything from you, Luca. You left, remember?”
“It wasn’t by?—”
I hold my hand up. “You can meet him, but this isn't permission to disrupt our lives. I won't let you hurt him."
