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“Definethings.”
“I traveled light, Lucca.”
He waited.
“Clothes and essentials.”
“Order what you can. I can take you for what you can’t tomorrow.”
What?
“I can drive myself.”
“You’re not traveling alone.”
“I never said alone.” Lucca’s brow rose, so I clarified. “I don’t remember a time when I didn't travel without a shadow. I just meantIcould take myself.”
Amusement twitched the corner of his lips. “And how many times did youlosesuch a shadow?”
I didn’t answer. He would see right through the lies.
“Like I said, I can take you tomorrow.”
Fine. I gave up and moved on to the real topic I wanted to win.
I opened my mouth, ready to strike my next bargain, but I was interrupted by the ringing of his phone. His jaw locked, and he let go of my eyes as he looked down at the screen. It rang three times more before he silenced it. Lucca didn’t return his attention to me. Instead, his gaze passed through the glass doors behind me. I saw his mind reeling. Far from our conversation with the stress of his day to day and something else I couldn’t grasp. It was unsettling. How much he carried and imprisoned inside. The way he hid it all, showing no emotion.
The first drops of water splattered against the stones while others splashed loudly into the pool. More followed, faster, heavier. Awakening the petrichor scent from the earth I loved so much. I closed my eyes briefly, taking a deep breath and allowing the calming smell to wash over me. I shouldn’t have because it soothed my thoughts, pacified my heart, and eased my will.
Then I was back in the trance of his gaze while I felt vulnerable and exposed. Lucca combed his fingers through his hair, and took another step closer, then another. Even with the twists of the wind, my breathing shortened.
“What do you want, Katia?”
My name sounded powerful on his lips. My name sounded tempting on his tongue.
I wanted so much, but for now, I wanted to make a deal.
“Access to downstairs.”
His unconcealed displeasure was bare. “Why?” he asked cautiously.
Lucca already knew my answer. The workout clothes I was wearing said enough, but his mistrust was clear and always nearby.
I will make you trust me, Moretti.
“I haven’t exercised since I arrived.” I kept my explanation short. Less for him to read and pick.
“Don’t play me for a fool.”
“I’m not, but I figured it would be the safest place. Within your walls and eyes, among your men, than finding a gym where new people come and go.” I meant it, but I hadn’t kept my reply short.
Lucca shook his head, but he didn’t say a word. His mind processed and thought out all scenarios to keep control from my request.
At last, he gavemesomething. It could be taken as power and patience. The ability to think through all outcomes and loopholes. I could see it as a possible weakness. His need for control.
Every strength could be a weakness when put into a different perspective.
Ruling over his thoughts,Itook a step closer. A move that risked but could also gain.
