When he doesn’t, Luca frowns, then tries again.
Theo’s voicemail picks up, so he hangs up and pulls up a text thread. “Let me text him. Maybe he’s asleep. I’ve noticed he has a strange sleep schedule.”
You could definitely say that. I already took Theo’s choice away when I didn’t tell him that I knew about Damien and his scar. I’m not going to take away another by telling Luca about his mental health struggles. That’s his story to tell.
“I texted him and asked if he was okay. We’ll see what he says.”
“Thank you.” I slump against the couch, and Luca chuckles. “What?” I ask, glancing at him.
He shakes his head. “Nothing. Just… you’ve got it bad.”
I don’t even think I can deny that at this point. “Maybe.” I blow out a breath, trying to keep control of my emotions.
“Hey,” Luca nearly coos. “It’s okay. I’m sure he’s fine.”
I’m not. And if Luca knew what I do, he wouldn’t think so either.
“Give me a minute, and I’ll get out of your hair.”
“No rush.”
We sit together in silence for a second. I can feel Luca studying me, but I don’t even spare him a glance. What in the fuck is happening with Theo? It’s possible he just doesn’t want to talk to me. That would be the reasonable explanation, but it doesn’t make sense. Not at all.
Something in my gut doesn’t feel right about it, and I’vealwaystrusted my gut.
“I wanted to apologize to you, by the way.”
Luca’s voice drags me out of my thoughts, and I turn to face him. “Oh? What for?”
“The hospital.”
I shake my head. “Nothing to be sorry for.”
He laughs, like he doesn’t have a worry in the world. Like something awful might not be wrong. “There is. I was a total dick to you when I was in the hospital, and you were just trying to do your job.”
“You had just watched your boyfriend nearly beat your ex to death. I didn’t take it personally”
“I was pretty upset that you thought Austin was capable of hurting someone without cause.”
I shake my head. “I didn’t. But I had to ask those questions, you know? Wasn’t like I wanted to.”
“No.” Luca shakes his head. “I know that. That’s why I’m apologizing.”
I wave him off, but he narrows his eyes, and I sigh. “Fine, I forgive you, even though you didn’t do anything wrong.”
Luca chews on his bottom lip. “Can I ask you something?”
“Sure.”
God knows I’ve asked enough of him today. “Why didn’t you tell him?”
My throat goes tight. “I thought I was protecting him.”
Luca hums. “Yeah, we don’t really take too kindly to stuff like that.”
I bark out a laugh. “Yeah, I learned that lesson.”
“I get it, though,” he says softly. “Those photos were awful. He hasn’t told me what life with Damien was like for him, but those photos… Damien never did anything like that to me…”
