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Getting home to Luca is the only thought that keeps me in one piece as Craig drives us from Brooklyn to the Santoro family compound on Long Island. He might be certain we’re not being tailed, but that doesn’t mean he can’t be careful, taking a longer route.
It isn’t long before I identify the gray stone walls ahead, like the barrier around a castle.
Does this make me a princess?
In the grand scheme of things, I could do much worse than living on the grounds of a sprawling estate. The house Rocco built for Luca is more than comfortable—charming even. Ironically, I’m sure it’s much safer than the apartment I called home until recently. The real threat is everything taking place outside the thick walls built around the property’s perimeter.
Maybe not entirely. Craig pauses momentarily at the iron front gates, where an armed guard standing sentry gestures for the guard in the gatehouse to let us in.
A sleek black car is on its way out. It’s inhabitant rolls down the rear driver’s side window so he can menacingly glare as we cross paths.
Dante.
He didn’t need to roll it down since the tinted window still allowed him to stare at me. He did it so I would know he was staring and remember how deeply he resents my presence on his family’s property. The icy hatred in his eyes makes my stomach churn.
Craig emits a soft whistle, then shakes his head, chuckling darkly. “I wouldn’t want to be in your shoes, kid,” he mutters as we continue down the wide gravel driveway.
If there’s one thing I’m experienced with, it’s ignoring his stupid comments and pretending they don’t bother me. I have to rely on that experience as I stare out the window, trying my hardest not to tremble. Dante wants me dead. He doesn’t care that his brother loves me or that I’ve turned my back on everything I once thought mattered for his sake. He’s bitter that his father took my side, at least as far as Dante’s concerned. I know Luca will keep me safe, but that doesn’t make it any easier to endure Dante’s resentment.
Craig stops in the wide, circular courtyard in front of the dramatic staircase leading up to the mansion’s entry. A pair of guards are stationed there, staring down at me as I step out of the car.
Craig calls up to them, “Can somebody around here give me some help getting these boxes over to Luca’s?” One of the black-clad men jogs down the stairs while I continue to stare at the sprawling house.
My nerves tell me somebody is watching me. I’m sure of it. But I belong here. Luca wants me here. With this in mind, I can roll my shoulders back and lift my chin, ready to face whatever’s coming next.
One of the tall double doors swings open as I watch. Suddenly, the day is not so cold or gloomy. The sight of Luca rushing down the stairs is a ray of warm, dazzling sunshine, lighting up even the darkest corners of my heart. A soft sigh of relief escapes my parted lips before he reaches me and lifts me off the ground in a fierce hug.
“How did it go?” he asks, setting me on my feet without letting go. His dark eyes search my face with an almost hungry look. I don’t know whether he’s hungry for information or me. Probably both, and my body warms at the thought.
“Fine, I think,” I whisper with a soft laugh. I’m too happy to be with him to care much about anything else.
“And you have your things?” His brows draw together, and a growl stirs in his chest. “You look upset. That prick Craig didn’t give you any shit, did he?”
He did, but I’m not trying to get him killed. I might hate him, but he’s still a husband and father. “It doesn’t matter. I have what I need.” And it’s right here, holding me, reminding me why it was so easy to fall in love. I forgot everything I wanted and dreamed about without thinking twice. There simply wasn’t a choice to be made. One minute, I hated him. The next, I couldn’t live without him.
I place a hand against his chest, feeling the strong beat of his heart. “Will you do something for me?” I ask.
He doesn’t keep me waiting. “For you? I’d burn down the fucking world.” His eyes darken as his breath fans my face, and I believe him.
My heart swells with love, and I whisper, “Take me home.”
2
LUCA
Emilia is everything that was missing from my life.
Lying here, holding her against me, listening to her soft breathing while she sleeps soundly in my arms is a gift. I’m overwhelmed, so full of emotion, I don’t know what to do with it. It tightens my chest and closes my throat until it’s barely a pinhole, but I realize I wouldn’t change a thing.
This perfect creature. She loves and trusts me. I’m humbled that she would consider me worthy of her.
We’re expected up at the house for dinner in less than an hour. I should wake her and shower, but that would mean ending this moment. My heart sinks at the idea, and the sensation holds me in place under the thick, down comforter.
“We have to get up soon, don’t we?” It’s barely a mumble, but the regret in her voice is evident.
“We don’t have to,” I remind her in a whisper, stroking her hair now that I know she’s awake and I’m not afraid of disturbing her rest.
“Sure, we do.” She lifts her head, leaving her dark hair to trail across my bare chest. “We have to behave ourselves. Your dad voted to keep me alive, but there are conditions.” She’s trying to be brave for my sake, but the slight tremor in her voice breaks my heart a little.
