He couldn’t wait to formerly introduce the boys to La’Nova. He just couldn’t see himself doing so with her still being unsure of marrying him.
“You really like me?” La’Nova asked the question in disbelief.
Her eyes glanced over at the light and dark purple moonflowers. Luca was intentional with picking those flowers. He read that the flowers symbolized renewal and growth.
“Say that again?” he whispered.
Luca heard exactly what she asked and almost couldn’t believe it. Why wouldn’t he like her? When he felt more than like with her. He looked down into La’Nova’s glassy eyes, the mental battle was evident on her pretty face.
“Do you… really like me?”
The question came out small. She still sounded like she was in disbelief. Seeing her standing before him so fragile and unsure broke something in Luca.
Luca’s brows drew together; his gaze didn’t wander, nor did he deflect.
“Certainly,” he responded.
The word came out smooth, laced with truth. He stepped closer, closing the space between them until she could feel the heat of him. His expression shifted, jaw tight, eyes dark with something unguarded and raw.
“You beautiful as fuck, Nova Baby,” he said seriously. “Raw as it gets, unapologetically and disrespectfully.” He winked.
Her breath hitched. A lone tear rolled down her cheek and Luca caught it before it could hit her chest.
“You walked in my mom’s office my first day getting out of prison like you were the fuckin’ boss. That vanilla scent mixed with cigarette smoke is a hell of a combination that I never smelled on a woman before.” Luca smiled.
La’Nova blushed and giggled softly. She thought back to her first time seeing Luca. The way he signed swiftly with his hands telling Lucille that she would be his wife was still vivid in her mind.
“I love you scar, it’s honest and tell the truth before your mouth do…” He cleared his throat and felt a faint sharp pain lodged there. “It makes me feel connected to you… our scars tell similar painful stories of betrayal, trauma… and so much pain.” His words trailed off.
“That’s why I’m not pressing you to open up to me… I’m confident that with time you will feel comfortable enough.” His hand slid around her waist, he pulled her up against him and breathed her in.
Tears slid down her cheeks freely now. Luca said nothing but took his time pecking each salty tear away.
“You fought for kids that ain’t even yours.” His voice cracked just enough to show the emotion under it.
“My like turned into something else,” he admitted. “A feeling I won’t ignore, Nova baby. I’m a patient and very observant man.” He kissed the top of her forehead.
La’Nova held her breath, knowing that he was going to kiss her scar. He made sure to pay the deep wound attention every time he was in close proximity to her. He’d kiss it, rub it, and eye it with adoration. It all made La’Nova feel special and seen.
La’Nova shook her head slightly, overwhelmed by his words. Her fingers glided up his muscular arms and stopped mid arm.
“I don’t… I don’t know how to take all of what you said. It’s sort of new territory for me,” she muttered, looking away nervously.
Luca leaned his forehead against hers. Instinctively, La’Nova’s soft fingertips rubbed against the rigid deep lines surrounding his scar on his neck. Finally, her fingers glided over the deep cut. She felt Luca’s chest rise and fall sharply. He took in a deep breath, inhaled her soft spicy scent again and released it.
“You don’t gotta take it. Just… know it,” he whispered before pulling away gently.
He rested his hand at the small of her back, then firmly guided her toward the door. Although Luca’s guidance and presence felt strong behind her, La’Nova’s steps turned into baby steps out of nervousness. She wondered what he could possibly have behind the massive double doors considered a gift for her.
She wasn’t used to being the person people thought about in that way. Birthdays were considered regular, nothing to celebrate after her parent’s died. Holidays she spent alone, not wanting tosee other people’s happiness in unwrapping their gifts sharing love and joy. She knew Lucille only got her small gifts such as perfumes and gift cards because she worked her ass off making Lucille’s job easier. It was nothing but an incentive to keep her satisfied and working.
La’Nova didn’t even know what was behind the doors but knew that Luca put thought into it. He spent time thinking about it, money and effort and that meant a lot to her already. Her throat tightened, not from sadness, but from shock of even being considered. Her pulse thudded in her ears as Luca opened the front oak door.
“Four bedrooms,” he explained, stepping to the side. “I haven’t really spent much time in this part of the property since it’s all new.” He pointed down the hall just as La’Nova stepped in slowly.
A full kitchen that looked modern but cozy gleamed ahead.
“This is really nice, Luca.” La’Nova marveled at the space around her.
