"You're vulnerable by association," Luca corrects, pulling me close. "And that makes Enzo vulnerable too."
My stomach twists at the mention of my son. Our son. "Is Alessandro going to do something?"
"Not directly. But the security detail watches your cottage. They're not just protecting you."
My breath catches at the reality of my situation.
I had noticed extra men, but I thought that was Luca protecting us. In truth, it’s men watching me.
Protecting the Dantes from me. "They're monitoring me."
"It's complicated. You're the sister of a traitor but the mother of a Dante heir." He grips me tighter when I try to step away. "I've made it clear where I stand, but they’ve got their own concerns about me."
I think of Enzo, innocent in all this, making cookies downstairs while forces gather around us. "What do we do?"
"We stay together," Luca says simply. "I won't let anything happen to either of you."
I take hold of his words like a life preserver. I know what Luca Dante will do to protect what's his.
I want to ask him what will happen if he’s forced to choose between me and Enzo and his family, but I’m afraid of the answer.
Instead, I lean into him. "I should be terrified. I'm caught between two warring families, neither fully trusting me. My brother is dead. My son has witnessed things no child should see."
Luca kisses my temple.
"But when I'm with you like this," I continue, "I feel safe. How is that possible?"
His hand slides up my arm. "Because you know what I'm capable of. What I’ll do to protect you and Enzo."
But for how long? I wonder but again, I’m too afraid to ask.
I rise on my tiptoes, pressing my lips to his.
His arms lift me effortlessly as I wrap my legs around his waist.
The tiles press cool against my back as he pins me against the shower wall.
His lips trail down my neck as warm water cascades over us.
I close my eyes, surrendering to the gentleness of hands that earlier today killed a man Luca loved.
My life feels like a tempest, being blown around, my emotions swaying violently. And there’s no calm on the horizon. But right now, in Luca’s arms, I let all that go. If my life is going to gosideways, then I want to savor moments like this where I feel safe and cherished.
“I need you,” I practically beg.
He lets out a growl as he shifts and then impales himself into my body.
I cry out as pleasure radiates out from where he pulses inside me.
“So fucking good…” He murmurers against my lips as he captures my mouth for a searing kiss.
My fingers dig into his shoulders as he moves within me, each thrust forceful and deep. “Yes… yes…” I chant as we climb together toward release.
Who knows what tomorrow will bring?
I don’t think about the danger or how this will likely be over one way or another very soon.
Right here, right now, I have the man I love, the man I’ll always love.
