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He laughs and slides toward the other side of the bed. “Come on, we have to get up. I have something for you downstairs and then I have to get to work. The quicker I get it taken care of, the sooner you can have your freedom.”
My real life. It’s like a kick to the stomach. I guess he’s just humoring the poor little recovering junkie. I knew there was no way he’d be feeling the things I am for him.
I sigh and scoot away from him, getting myself out of bed and grabbing my black silk robe that hangs behind the door. As I turn around, I catch him staring at me intently, his eyes scanning my body, which makes my stomach flutter.
“Well, what’s downstairs for me?”
He throws off the comforter, revealing his muscular frame. Dark ink scales down his right arm and across his chest. He throws on a pair of gray sweatpants and a black hoodie. He might always be dressed to kill when he leaves the house, but the second he’s back home, he’s in his comfy gear and ready on the couch to watch a marathon of films.
I open up the door and lead us downstairs. As I reach the last step, he catches my hand, which makes me stop.“Hang on, I want to check it’s here first.”
“Okay.” I laugh.“I’ll wait then.”
He nods and heads towards the lounge. I step over to the side table opposite the stairs that’s filled with pictures. Him, Keller, and Grayson when Keller won his championship fight. In another, Luca is sitting smiling and cuddling his niece Darcy with her brother Max cuddled into him on the other side.
And a picture of Luca, Keller, and an older lady I assume is Mrs Russo. I squint–I swear she looks vaguely familiar.
“Ready,” he calls.
As my foot hits the final stair, I stop in my tracks as I find him beaming like an idiot, pointing a massive camera at me.
“Umm, Luca, what are you doing?”I tighten my robe reflexively.
Laughing, he walks towards me and hands me the camera, a high-end Canon. “This is for you.”
“You told me the other day you’d love to be a photographer. So, I’ve enrolled you in an online course,” he says, shoving a new laptop in my other hand.
Tears threaten to spill as I look at the two most thoughtful gifts anyone could ever buy me. “I-I don’t know what else to say, other than thank you.”This could mean a future outside of the mafia.
He beams at me and takes the camera and laptop out of my hands, placing them on the glass coffee table behind him.
I shake my head.Thank you.I can do better than that.
I walk up to him and wrap my arms around his waist and squeeze him tight. He returns the hug right away. His heart hammers against my cheek.
“I thought it would be good to have something to keep you busy during the day. Something you can continue when you’re free.”
I look up at him through my lashes and notice a pained expression etched across his features.
“It’s the best gift I’ve ever had.”
He gives me a small smile, and his arms tighten around me.
“You deserve everything, Rosa,” he whispers, sending goosebumps across my skin.
“So do you, Luca.” Unshed tears sting my eyes.
His lips brush along my cheek as he brushes away my hair over my shoulder. Every cell in my body reacts to his touch. “You need to get ready for your appointment. Dr. Jenkins will be here soon.”
Nerves pit in my stomach. My first shrink appointment. I start to release my arms, and Luca holds me firmly.
“You are going to be just fine, little one. I promise you.” His soft words fill me with confidence.
* * *
After Dr. Jenkins leaves,it’s a strange feeling. I’m a ball of nerves, yet there is an element of relief washing over me. I did my first session, I didn’t break down, and she didn’t think I was crazy or a junkie.
I head to the bathroom and turn on the shower in the en suite in my room. I might sleep in Luca’s bed, but I’ve moved my stuff into my original room. I don’t want him to feel like I’m completely intruding on every aspect of his life.
