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I shift to put my legs over the bed, needing to go to the bathroom to clean up. When I stand, I notice a smear of red blood on his sheets. Light pink also marks my thighs from Luca being my first.
“Stay in bed. I got this,” he says with a grunt as he stands. He’s back to staring at me with rough determination that has me lying back down. There is no room to argue with him. I can’t help but smile, enjoying the way he tries to be a gentleman. He’s rough around the edges, but it makes it sweeter.
He comes back with a washcloth and cleans me up. I have never seen Luca take his time or act as if I’m made of glass before. It’s endearing.
Just as he finishes, the door swings open, causing me to scream. I try to cover myself up as fast as I can. Luca hollers, sounding like an angry bear before he’s punching someone in the face.
He’s still buck naked and slams the door behind him, pulling whoever that was out. I don’t move, waiting to hear a shot, but nothing comes. No one seems to be yelling back at him. Slowly, my heart rate starts to come down. I quickly put on my clothes before sitting back on the bed. I wait there for what seems like an hour until Luca comes back, wearing a new pair of shorts. His knuckles are red, and his stitches need to be redone.
Chapter 24
Luca
Westayatthesafe house for three days. It’s become our private bubble where Aly and I exist with no one else. My side isn’t as sore, but I still have to be careful with the stitches. When it’s time to leave, we drive to my family’s compound and walk through the door, holding hands. As insignificant as that may seem to anyone else, it’s a big deal.
I’m no longer saying she’s my prisoner but mine to possess. I watch my sisters trying to hide their smirks. They need to get out and have a life of their own if my love life is their entertainment.
My whole family welcomes her, kissing her on the cheek. When my father reaches out and gives her a hug, my whole body relaxes. If I’m being honest, it’s only my father’s opinion that matters. He’s the don of the family. All of our lives are up to him.
“Aly, so nice to meet you,” he tells her. “I look forward to your wedding tomorrow.”
She stills for the briefest of seconds. But enough that I notice. She may have forgotten about that, but I haven’t.
“Aria, you and your sisters take Aly along to help her prepare for tomorrow. I have business to discuss with Luca,” he directs my oldest sister. I lean down and place a kiss on her cheek before Aria takes her hand, and the girls head upstairs.
Once we’re in my father’s office, he speaks again. “This girl is bad for your head,” he says on a sigh like it pains him. “I honestly never expected you to fall in love. I thought one day I would arrange a marriage for you.”
“Once we’re married, it will be better.”
My father sits back, his fingers steepled as he thinks. “You ready to go to war over this girl? Not even an heir will bring a truce now.”
“Yes.” I don’t even hesitate.
“Very well.” He stands up, and I mimic his actions. My father extends his hand to shake mine.
I leave the room with an overwhelmingly positive outlook. The notion that I’m suited for this life surrounds me. I’ve always felt in control with a gun in my hands, but following in my father’s footsteps involves more than how precise I am with a target. I can’t just be a born killer. It’s what he’s been trying to tell me most of my life, and I’m starting to see it now.
Coming down the stairs, I head outside. Vinny is there already, waiting for me.
“I need you to do some digging around for me.” I keep my volume low, not wanting anyone to hear.
“Learn everything there is about Jonny Mancini. Find out how far he was willing to go to become boss. If he went to the trouble of faking his death, he’s hiding more than that.”
He nods. “Anything else?”
“Bring all of Aly’s business stuff here. I want to be updated on what’s been happening while she was away. Tell me if anyone has been sniffing around who shouldn’t be. Do it discreetly.”
He nods again and hesitates like he wants to say something else.
“Out with it,” I tell him.
“Do you have a wedding gift for Aly?”
“I’m marrying her; isn’t that a gift in itself?” I have no time for insignificant questions like this.
Vinny gives a low chuckle that makes me want to slap him across the head. Just because I’m getting married, it doesn’t mean I’m getting soft. I might have to remind people of that.
He must see my expression and holds his hands out. “Let me explain, old friend.”
