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“No!” I opened my eyes, and his brows pinched. “Please, stay,” I added quickly, and everyone stilled, confused on who to listen to.
Afraid to look at any of them, I kept my eyes on Lucca’s inked neck.
“Finish what you have all been working on. I’m really okay.”
Puzzled, he remained in the pool of red chunks and orange spice, and eventually gave in.
“Let me help you up.”
Lucca said as if he had given me another option. As if his hands hadn’t taken possession of my elbows and my legs steadied by his grip. Slowly, I stood with his help, and I wassore. Lucca didn’t miss it. He just held me tight as he struggled to keep his anger at bay.
“Don’t,” I whispered.
He shook his head slightly but didn't say another word. We just made our way out of the kitchen in silence, and I was thankful. I didn’t know for how long either of us could hold onto our masks.
His, the wrath. Mine, the appearance of control.
“Fratello.” Brother.
Lucca stopped, and we both turned to Arlo’s voice as he walked through the front door.
Arlo, out of anybody else. It had to be him.
I straightened, lifting my head to the self-absorbed and heartlessin-lawof mine. Then, Lucca let go of his assisting hold and slithered his arm onto the back of my body. My teeth trapped my smile.
Arlo’s smirk played with humor as he took in our appearances.
“I won’t even ask.” Arlo looked down at Lucca’s ruined clothes covered in orange and red stains. “What do you need from me?”
Lucca slid his head down, flicking his eyes briefly at me.
Don’t, Lucca.
“Call Ramos and leave some ice by my door. I also need you to take Wex and Vino out to the mud room.”
Arlo looked annoyed at the sound of dealing with Wex and Vino.
“Who’s Ramos?” I asked.
Lucca didn’t reply, but Arlo did. He wouldn’t miss the opportunity to degrade me.
“A doctor. My guess is that your delicate body is in need of one.”
In pain or not, my hand twitched in search of my missing knife. Lucca knew it too and took a deep breath, sensing my self-control slipping.
I smiled sweetly. “Or for you. After all, Wex is a bit jumpy.Hateforyou to get the same treatment Diego could’ve gotten.”
Arlo curled his lips and drew back in confusion. “Lucca?”
Lucca shook his head, and Arlo stood, waiting.
“Just make sure my dogs are taken care of, and the chef cleans the mess.”
Arlo nodded and left us behind.
Once his back was nowhere in sight, we turned and walked up the stairs. The silence had grown uncomfortable. So much I wanted to say, to talk to him about, and the timing couldn’t be worse.
“I really don’t need a doctor, Lucca,” I said as he opened the door of his room for us.
