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Twenty-Four
“Ave,”my shoulders shook. “Ave, wake up!”
I opened my eyes to Luca hovering over me. “What?”
“Are you okay?” He searched my face. “You were screaming.”
I shook my head and sat up a bit. “I had a nightmare.”
His body slumped against the pillowed. “What happened?”
“I was in my room, in the fire, but the fire truck never came. I saw you guys in the driveway screaming, and I couldn’t get out. The heat was so intense, and the fire finally reached me.”
I didn’t want to think about it anymore. The feeling, the smell, the fear. It was all real, exactly as I experienced in real life. I expected to have bad dreams, but since I was fine the night before, I hoped maybe it wouldn’t happen this time.
“I’m so sorry, Ave.” He pulled me against his chest and stroked my hair.
His hot skin pulled my focus away from the awful sensations I was reliving to how soft his skin was under my palm.
“I wish I could take it away,” he whispered against my hair. “All of the bad. I wish I could wipe away any memories of when you hurt. I would do it in a heartbeat if I could. Any pain, any discomfort. I would take it all if it meant you could have peace.”
I tilted my head back, so I could see him. “You can’t do that, but you can be here when things get bad.”
“I’ll always be here.” He kissed my forehead, and I felt his promise down to my bones. “With you.”
“I love you,” I repeated the words we’d only shared once.
“I love you.” His eyes held a tenderness that said I was the most important thing in the world. He slipped his hand under my shirt, tracing lazy lines up and down my back.
Something in me snapped into place. Maybe it was how safe and adored I felt in his arms. Maybe it was the fire and being reminded once again how short life was and how quickly things can change in a second. I didn’t want to waste another moment. I didn’t want to wake up in a few hours regretting that I let myself doubt. I wanted to make the most of every opportunity.
I shifted, so I was propped up, eye level with him. “Luca.” My heart was hammering against my chest. It would be a miracle if he couldn’t feel it.
There were no words for this. My brain struggled to recall anything other than how good it felt to have his fingers trailing down my spine.
“Yeah?” His voice was level. How was he so calm?
“I . . .” How did I say it?
“Babe, what is it?” His hands stopped moving, wrapping around my waist.
I refused to let this moment go. I would be brave. He was Luca. My Luca. He knew me, all of me, and loved me so fiercely. He might have only just told me, but I’d known for a while how strongly he felt.
“I’m ready.” Those two words—so vague, yet full of meaning.
His eyes widened slightly. “Ready?”
I nodded without looking down or away. Now wasn’t the time to be timid or immature. This was a big deal, and I needed him to know I was serious. That this wasn’t impulsive. I wasn’t getting caught up in the moment or so hot and bothered that I couldn’t stop myself. This was right.
“For?” The word came out with a breath.
“I want to be with you.” I licked my lips, and his eyes dropped, focusing on my mouth.
“Are you sure?” he asked once he pulled his attention back up.
“Yes.” I hoped he could tell how honest that answer was.
He pulled one hand from my back and grazed my cheek. “Am I the first?”
