Page 102 of Luca

Luca

I’m well aware Giovanni’s security team is still watching her, but for how long? I can’t sleep knowing my father’s men could get to them. I should’ve never responded to her first text when she spotted me. If I’d been thinking with my head and not my heart, I would’ve waited until she’d gone inside and moved my car.

But no. I missed her so fucking much that even arguing with her over text messages beat what I’ve had lately. Then she had to torture me by prancing around in her night clothes. Beyond the fact it was bringing way too much attention to her front door, there’s only so much a man can take.

I’d fallen asleep dreaming of making good on my threat to punish her for her insolent behavior. Hell, maybe if I offer to let her punish me, she’d take me up on it. Anything to be close to her again.

But she’s forced my hand, threatening to call the police. And I can’t risk getting arrested.

Then who’ll watch out for my sassy little brat?

CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX

Luca

“Hello?”

“Hi. Cliff?”

“Yes.”

“It’s Luke.”

“Hey, man.”

“I need a favor.”

CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN

Jillian

It’s been another long,depressing day. Work began at seven in the morning and boy was it awful. Over the course of the twelve-hour shift, I watched as one patient was told she was having a miscarriage, another was informed they didn’t have pneumonia, but more likely cancer. As if this wasn’t enough, I ended my shift with a twenty-eight-year-old overdose we couldn’t revive.

The emotional toll of this job is starting to make me reassess whether I can keep working in this environment. I love helping people, but between these types of days and Anne leaving, I might need to reconsider whether the emergency room is the right place for me.

Walking into the quiet house after the emotionally draining day I’d experienced felt like I’d simply moved from one den of sorrow to another. This appears as if it’s our new normal.

After Dillon died, there was a similar mood about our home. But back then, our little family was in survival mode. We were readjusting to moving back in with Mom, trying to get the kids sorted with elementary school and daycare, and willing myself toget to the finish line with Truitt’s pregnancy. Those short-term goals gave us something to focus on, temporarily distracting us from our heartache. Whereas our current situation is akin to a balloon deflating without the hope of repair.

I know, realistically, this isn’t true. It’ll take time, but wecanmove on and enjoy a better life if we choose to. People do it all the time. Yet attempting to swiftly brush our feelings under the rug without dealing with them could backfire. There has to be a grieving period, or eventually it’ll catch up to us. Because regardless of the circumstances, every member of this household fell hard for Luca.

While it’s clear a life with a criminal isn’t what I want for myself or my children, it doesn’t lessen the loss. But we survived Dillon’s death. We may have been left scarred, mute, and developmentally delayed, but we survived. And whether we like it or not, we can do it again.

Peering out the window, it’s still quite light out. It’s only eight o’clock, but summer’s closing in on us, so the longer days are here. I haven’t seen an unusual car parked anywhere near our home since I threatened to call the police. Granted, he was normally here after dark. But I’ve checked over the last few days and haven’t seen a thing. I should be relieved. It’s what I wanted.

Right?

Heading to the kitchen, I put on a pot of tea. Once I’m sure Caleb and Myla are down for the night, I’ll come down and have a cup. I’ve been trying to read some uplifting books versus my usual spicy romance. I need reinforcement that there’s life after loss. If only there was some guarantee that this was the last time. First my father, then Dillon, now?—

Knock, knock.

Startled, I jump at the unexpected sound. Mom wouldn’t come by at this time of night without calling first. She knows I’d be putting the kids down.

Wouldhecome here?

I head to the door with a mixture of anticipation and dread.Jeez, even my hands are clammy all of a sudden.I’ve confronted Luca during multiple imaginary conversations in my dreams, but I’m not fully prepared for one in the flesh. Thank goodness I’m wearing a pair of yoga pants and a T-shirt after my shower instead of the slinky night wear I’ve been parading around in front of him lately.

Taking a calming breath, I close my eyes and silently count to four before reaching for the door. Once it’s open, I’m stunned to find Luca’s brother and a woman who looks oddly familiar.

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