pull tighter. “You’re going to have to dumb it down. I’m still not catching on to what’s worrying you.”
“We barely spoke before you hit your head in Greece. Now we’re…” I wave a lazy hand between us. “I don’t know. I just thought maybe this thing with us is the change in behavior they were referring to.”
He grins, the curve of lips announcing a complete lack of seriousness. “You think the way I feel about you is due to brain damage?”
“Please don’t joke. It’s not unlikely—”
“Pen, if being with you is a side effect, then I give you permission to give me a love tap to the head every once in a while to keep the momentum going. I’ll even buy you your own bat.” He drags my fingers to his lips for a quick kiss. “I’ll take an ass whoopin’ every week if that’s what it takes.”
“That’s not funny, Luca. I’m seriously scared.”
He breathes out a chuckle. “You should be more scared about being stuck with me. ’Cause I ain’t letting you go.”
My chest burns under the weight of his promise, the heat increasing when his expression turns serious.
“You’re everything, Pen. You always have been. What I feel for you isn’t fake.”
“I’m not saying it’s fake…”
He squeezes my hand. “I know what you’re saying, and it’s not true. I fell hard for you the first moment we met. I was done for before I even hit my head.”
I smile. Nod. It’s all I can do against the build of hope. “I’m glad you feel that way.”
“What else is bothering you?” His fingers retreat from my grip to delicately sweep over mine. Back and forth. Over and under. Gently coaxing. “Is there something I don’t know?”
“Not really. I’m just unsure of what’s happening with everyone else. Sebastian was shot. Sarah was hurt, too. And I keep expecting the police to walk in here and demand answers.” I lower my voice. “I killed a man, Luca. I watched him bleed out.”
“Don’t think about it. The cops aren’t coming. Your brother didn’t call an ambulance because he planned to go back to the house and clean up. We’ll hear from someone once all the loose ends are tied.”
“But it’s been hours. And he was—”
“I’m sure he’s fine. And tidying loose ends takes time. All hands would be on deck to sweep that shit under the rug.”
I’m not convinced, but I try to believe him. I need to stop listening to the fear that shackled me for so long and learn to trust in him wholeheartedly.
Robert is dead.
Luca is alive.
My family is safe.
It’s time to be free.
Except… “What about your brother?” I hold his gaze, hating the cringe he gives me. “He was working with Robert.”
“Torian will deal with Benji.”
“What does that mean?”
He shrugs. “I honestly don’t know. But no matter what happens, I’ll make sure you’re safe.”
“We’re safe,” I correct. “There’s no me without you.”
He huffs out a half-hearted chuckle. “And vice versa, shorty. I don’t want to be here without you.”
I bow my head into our hands, shielding my face due to the building tears. His fingers find my hair, his touch drifting through the strands.
“I love you, Pen,” he whispers. “When I found out Robert had you, I…”
“He’s gone.” I add strength to my voice as I return my gaze to his. “You saved me again.”
“Like hell I did. I don’t remember much, but I can still see you running for him. Don’t ever do something like that again.”
I would. I’d do it now if I had to.
This world needs Luca. The good guy disguised as a villain.
“Your face is bruised.” His fingers stop their delicate caress, his eyes narrowing slightly. “Did he hurt you? Before I got to you, did he—”
“No. I’m good. Robert rammed his truck into Sarah’s car. The worst of my injuries are from the deployed airbag.”
I don’t want to concern him with the intricate details of my battle scars. None of that matters now.
He sinks farther into the pillows, his shoulders losing their tension. “Then tell me what I need to do to make you happy. I want to see that gorgeous smile.”
My stomach does a swooping roll, tumbling and turning. This man is everything. All my hope. All my security.
He’s my way home. I have to finally let go and allow him to guide me there.
“I am happy.” I smile from deep in my heart, with all of the optimism I can muster. “You make me unbelievably happy.”