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I sigh, looking at the mess around the place. It seemed like a good idea at the time.
Three long hours passed before Ifinally finished cleaning. Even though I was cursing Luca’s name under my breath the entire time, I have to admit, it did keep me occupied until Joe brought in the groceries I had ordered.
I smell the outside of the fresh pineapple and close my eyes to inhale the sweet aroma. Never have I been so happy to see broccoli and carrots as I am right now. I get to work putting the food away and begin to prepare dinner. Seared beef tenderloin, crusted in herbs and spices, roasted potatoes, carrots, and steamed broccoli, finished off with a sweet mustard sauce. My mouth salivates as the smell fills me with nostalgia. All those memories of coming home from school and opening the front door to my mom's home-cooked meals flood my mind. She was an amazing cook who loved experimenting with all the latest food trends. None of us minded being her taste testers. We would always joke that if Dad’s belly got any rounder, he would roll away.
Hammer startles me when he pops his head through the door, sniffing like a dog. I guess there has been a shift change, and Joe has left for the day. I have come to learn that Hammer does the night shifts, while Joe and the creepy other dude cover the mornings and daytime.
Maybe because I am so starved of human contact and conversation, or maybe because I see the friendliness in his eyes, I find myself wanting to engage with him.
“It’s my mom's favorite recipe. Want to try some?” His eyes scan around the apartment. I am guessing he is looking to see if Luca is around. “He is asleep,” I add, noticing his unease.
I can see in his eyes he wants to, but his body language tells me he is not allowed. Luca will probably flip his lid if he comes out to find him in here eating with me. I give him an understanding nod.
“How about I bring you out a plate when it’s ready?” I suggest.
Hammer smiles. It’s the first time I have seen him smile like that. It’s genuine and full of appreciation. “That would be nice, Miss Reed. Thank you.”
“You can call me Scarlet. I am not an elementary school teacher.” I chuckle. He gives me the same look that he did earlier when I invited him to the kitchen and then closes the door, reminding me he has his orders to follow just like the rest of them.
I find it so intriguing watching them interact with Luca. I see the way they follow his instructions without question, not out of fear, but with respect. These men are not just his security guards taking home a paycheck every week. They are his friends. Loyal to the bone. It says a lot about Luca, really, when I think about it. For them to look up to him the way they do, he must treat them well.
The more time that I spend here, observing, watching, waiting. The more of the man behind the mask I discover.
Twenty-Four
Luca
Even though I only slept for five hours, I wake feeling like I have had days’ worth of sleep. Re-energized, I shower and shave off the last few days of stubble before making my way out of my room and out into the kitchen. The smell of cooked meat and freshly baked cake fills my nostrils.
There is a plate on the counter with some kind of meat with green stuff stuck to the top of it with a mixture of vegetables. It looks like something you’d be served at a fancy restaurant and smells amazing. Next to it is a slice of vanilla cake, topped with whipped cream and fresh strawberries.
My mouth waters, I am so eager to eat it, but as I look around, I don’t see or hear Scarlet. Panic sets in really quick as I rush around from room to room, looking for her. Fuck, where is she?
I look everywhere, even under the beds. She is not here!
Then I hear a laugh. A female laugh. I storm to the front door, open it, and come to a stall in the entrance. My mouth opens when I see Hammer sitting in a chair eating a plate of the same food that was on the kitchen counter and Scarlet sitting on the floor next to him. They both freeze. Hammer drops his fork onto the plate, making a loud clang.
Scarlet races to her feet, guilt, and panic painting her face. “Oh, you're awake. I saved you a plate in the kitchen.”
I stare at her, anger seeping through my veins. Her shoulders crouch over, and she looks to the floor, no doubt observing my body language. My chest rises and falls heavily from the frightening thought that she had escaped.
Hammer opens his mouth but slams it shut again when I deliver him my deathly glare.
“You.” I point to Scarlet. “Inside, now,” I order. Scarlet scurries past me without protest or eye contact.
I turn to Hammer. “I will deal with you later.” Then I slam the door.
Scarlet stands looking nervous by the kitchen counter. “Please don’t be mad with Hammer. It is my fault. I took the food out to him.”
“Since when did you suddenly care about the welfare of my men?” I bark.
“I…” she stutters, not able to find her words. “I. Arh!” she yells in frustration. “I am so bored here. How long do you plan on keeping me locked up in your apartment?”
“Changing the subject is not going to help your cause, red,” I tell her.
She fidgets with the hem of her sweater. It’s the same ugly sweater she has worn all week. Turning to the plate of food, she picks it up and holds it out to me. “How about some yummy food. Will that help?”
I’ve got to give it to her, the food does look good, but I am so red hot mad with her right now. She could get on her hands and knees and beg, and it would not help her. She places the plate back on the counter, looking deflated.
