Chapter 61
His hand lifted, holding her waist, fingers flexing. “I want to punish you for making me feel this weak. And I want to protect you from everything that would tear you apart. I want to be the one who hurts you and the one who heals you p>
Her breath came shallow now. “That’s twisted p>
“Yes,” he said immediately. “It is p>
“I want to be the one who makes you afraid,” he continued, eyes dark, unblinking, “and the one who makes you crave it. I want to own your fear and your pleasure because they already own me p>
“You make no sense,” Vee said, folding her arms over her chest.
“I know. Nothing about me standing here with you makes sense. Nothing about me wanting you makes sense either.” His gaze dragged over her, catching on the familiar curve of her hips, the softness of her mouth. “And yet, here I am. Pursuing you like an idiot p>
“Flattering,” she muttered.
“You’re a challenge,” he continued, unfazed. “An infuriating, stubborn, mouthy challenge. And a very interesting and hot one p>
She snorted. “Whatever. I’m still not going with you p>
“I wasn’t asking, Bambola,” he said calmly. “You’re coming with me p>
Her chin lifted. “You’re saying I don’t have a choice p>
“In this case,” he replied, “you do not p>
“I’ll scream p>
Luca’s smile widened. “Even better,” he said softly. “Please scream p>
She rolled her eyes so hard it was a wonder they didn’t get stuck. “You really think you can get away with everything, don’t you p>
“Yes,” he said without hesitation. Then he gestured toward the car parked at the curb. “Now, your carriage awaits, m’lady p>
“Asshole,” she muttered, already turning away from him.
She stormed out of the shop, the bell over the door jangling angrily behind her, cursing under her breath in Italian and English, inventing a few new combinations along the way. Luca followed at an unhurried pace, hands in his pockets, watching the way her shoulders were stiff with fury.
He opened the passenger door for her with exaggerated politeness. She hesitated for half a second, then slid inside.
He closed the door, rounded the car, and settled into the driver’s seat. The leather sighed beneath him. He glanced at her as he pulled into traffic, the city folding around them.
“I have a surprise waiting for you at home,” he said casually.
She shot him a look. “Let me guess. You’ve got a camera planted in my room for your filthy fantasies p>
He laughed. “Tempting. But no p>
“Besides,” Luca added, “my fantasies are your fantasies too, Bambola. The more you deny it, the more obvious it is.” He glanced at her from the corner of his eye, catching the flare of her cheek, the way her jaw tightened.
“You really are arrogant, Luca. Jesus!” She leaned back in her seat, arms folded, kicking at the floor mat with one foot. “You know what? I’ve had a long day. I would like to enjoy the rest of this ride in peace and quiet. Do you think we can do that p>
“Fine,” he said. He leaned back slightly, hands gripping the steering wheel, his focus narrowing to the road ahead.
By the time they arrived at the sprawling mansion, the shadows of the hedges and tall iron gates stretched long in the fading light of street lamps. Vee opened the car door and stepped onto the gravel driveway. Her mind was focused on getting inside and away from him. She went to the apartment behind the mansion.
When she pushed the door open, she thought her eyes were playing tricks on her. Then, impossibly, there was her sister. “Tina p>
Her sister’s smile lit up the apartment. “Sis p>
Vee’s legs moved. She half-ran, stumbling over the rug in her excitement, and wrapped Tina in a tight, fierce hug, burying her face into the familiar scent of her hair. “Oh my God! You’re here? I’m not dreaming. You are here. Wait—what are you doing here p>
Tina pulled back slightly, holding her sister at arm’s length just long enough to see her eyes. “Marco says his boss arranged for me to see you. Just for tonight, though p>
Vee’s gaze swept over Tina. “I can’t believe it. I’ve been waiting… I’ve been so scared… and now you’re here.” Her hands gripped Tina’s arms.
“Oh, baby.” Vee pressed her forehead to Tina’s. “I was so worried about you p>
“Me too. I mean Valentina laughed softly. “I was worried about you, not me p>
Vee couldn’t help the laugh that tumbled from her throat. It was shaky.
“How have you been?” Vee asked.
“I’m fine, under the circumstances,” Tina said, shrugging. “Bored out of my mind. But I’ve been okay. Marco makes sure I have everything I need. You were right. Marco is a nice man p>
“Oh! No! No! Uh… I mixed them up. The Marco I told you about… he’s actually the boss. Luca.” Her mouth went dry as she watched Tina’s expression twist from relief to shock.
“What? The devil?” Tina whispered, a shiver running down her spine.
“Yeah Vee sighed, running her hands through her own hair. “Speaking of… I probably should thank him. I’ll do that later. But, uh… have you had dinner p>
“Your maid came in. She prepared some food, but I told her not to serve it until you got back. Nice digs you got here.” Her gaze wandered around the apartment.
“It’s temporary,” Vee said, brushing her sister’s shoulder lightly. “Come on, I’ll have a shower and then we can catch up properly p>
Later, Veronica watched her sister sleep. Tina had curled herself into the bed, sheets drawn up to her chin. Her hair fanned across the pillow. The lines of tension in her face had softened. Vee allowed herself to just look, to memorize. Every small detail that made Tina her sister.
Luca had no idea. He had no idea the magnitude of what he had just given her. The chance to see her sister, to feel her presence again, to breathe in the fact that Tina was safe for at least tonight.
(Editor instructed to get this book to 80 Chapters. working on it. I’ll try hard to finish up by tomorrow, in the mean time…Inside The True Heiress will not be available today. I’m so sorry p>