Page 59 of Sicilian Savior

Lucia

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I tried to keep breathing while I stood on the steps of the villa, watching the black SUV coming up the drive.

In.

Out.

In.

Out.

I willed my chest to keep moving. Was he really in there? Could they have really done it? Despite Knox’s text, they had him and were on their way, reality still hadn’t sunk in.

The car pulled to a stop, and three doors opened up at once. Piper climbed out of the driver’s seat, then Marcus out of the passenger side. I clutched my chest as I watched the body emerge from the back.

Knox... with my little boy clinging to his chest. Luca looked so tiny against his huge frame.

“Luca!” I shouted as I took off running down the stairs.

“Mama?” His little face lifted from Knox’s chest as he turned toward me.

“See, buddy? I told you I was bringing you to her.” Knox bounced him up a little higher in his arms.

I rushed to their side, wrapping my arms around Knox and Luca and pressing them against me.

“Luca. I can’t believe it. My sweet boy.”

He released his grip on Knox’s neck and moved his arms to mine. I closed his head in my hand and kissed the top of his head as he sobbed into my neck.

“Mama,” he whispered, his little hands clutching my dress.

“Oh, baby. I missed you,” I said. “I missed you so much.”

“I missed you too,” he said between sniffles. “I was so scared.”

“I bet you were,” I answered, trying not to let him feel the fear by using a soothing tone. “But Knox and his friends took good care of you, didn’t they? And you’re safe here now. Safe with me. It’s over.”

He nodded his head against me and tightened his grip on my dress. I looked up over him at Knox and mouthed, “thank you.”

His smile stretched wide as he stared at us.

“I love you,” he mouthed back.

“Why don’t we give you guys some time alone,” Marcus said, jutting his chin at Piper.

I turned to face them, holding Luca tight. “I don’t know how I can ever repay you for your help. For bringing me back my little boy.”

“This right here?” Piper said, gesturing to us. “This is all the payment we need. I’m so happy for you.” She flicked her glance to Knox as he stepped to my side and slid an arm over my shoulder. “For all of you.”

“We’re always here for you,” Marcus said. “We’re a family until the day we die, and you’re part of that family now. Both of you.”

“Wes says he’s always here for you too,” Knox added, gesturing to his ear.

I smiled as I ran my fingers through Luca’s hair. To think we had not just Knox to watch over us, but these amazing people who I now trusted with our lives.

“Thank you. All of you. And that means you too, Wes,” I said into Knox’s neck.