Page 14 of Marcello DeLuca

Uncle James’ gaze softened as it shifted from Marcello to me. “You seem to have a strong hold on each other, and I can see how inseparable you two are. Against my better judgment, I’ll allow you to date him.” He paused, his eyes shifting back to Marcello and narrowing grimly. “But be advised, I will always be nearby, watching your every move. Should you ever give me a reason to believe that she is anything but happy and safe with you, there will be consequences.”

Marcello nodded again, his grip on my hand tightening slightly. “I respect your concern, Mr. James, and I assure you that we are on the same team. We both will do anything to make her happy. I’ll do everything in my power to make Lanay happy and keep her safe.”

“Lanay…” Uncle James looked at me, his eyes filled with a mix of love and apprehension. “You know I just want you to be safe and happy. If Marcello can give you that, then he has my reluctant blessing to date you. But remember, I’m here for you, and only for you.”

I felt a rush of relief wash over me. “Thank you, Uncle James,” I said, my voice filled with emotion. “I know you only want what’s best for me. And I promise, I’ll be careful.”

Uncle James nodded, his expression softening slightly. “Good. Now, I’ll give you two a moment to talk. I’ll be in the car waiting. But remember what I said.”

With that, he gave Marcello a final, piercing look before turning and walking away, leaving us standing there.

Marcello turned to me, a small smile playing on his lips. “Well, that went better than I expected,” he said, a hint of relief in his voice.

I laughed softly, feeling the tension dissolve. “Yes, it did. Thank you for standing up to him.”

Marcello brushed a strand of hair from my face, his touch gentle and reassuring. “I didn’t stand up to him. I just told him the truth. I want to be with you, Lanay.”

Hearing him call me Lanay sent a familiar shiver through my body. I'd become accustomed to answering to that name effortlessly. It had become a second skin that I wore in public. With Marcello, though, it felt different. I wanted him to know the real me, the person behind the alias. There was no room for secrets between us.

But it wasn’t time.

“And I want to be with you too, Marcello,” I replied, my voice filled with conviction.

We stood there for a moment, completely absorbed in each other's gaze, the world around us fading into a blur.

Marcello gently took both of my hands in his. Leaning in, he pressed a soft, innocent kiss on my lips. It was brief but electric, leaving a lingering sense of anticipation for more. My heart raced, craving the deeper connection that was just hinted at in that gentle touch.

Just as we pulled apart, a voice gasped out, “Aw, we have our modern-day Romeo and Juliet!” That voice came from Sarah, one of my fellow cast members who played the Nurse. She approached us with a playful grin, her eyes sparkling with amusement. “You guys are absolutely adorable.”

My face felt hot with embarrassment. “Thanks, Sarah,” I replied, laughing softly. “But let’s hope our story has a happier ending.”

Marcello chuckled, squeezing my hands. “We’re writing our own story,” he said, his eyes never leaving mine. “And it’s going to be a great one.”

Sarah winked at me. “I have no doubt about that,” she said, giving us a little wave before heading back to join the others who were mingling amongst the dying crowd.

I turned back to Marcello. “You’ve got to love Sarah. She’s a sweetheart.”

“Not more of a sweetheart than you,” he said, pulling me closer.

I smiled, resting my forehead against his. “Oh, tell me more…” I whispered.

“You’re amazing, beautiful, and absolutely taking over my mind, heart, and everything else. So much so that I can’t wait to see you again tomorrow at your next show,” he said, his eyes holding a promise that made my pulse quicken.

“Wait, you’re coming back tomorrow?” I asked.

“I’ll be here for every show,” he affirmed, his voice steady and sure. “I know you don’t think I would miss my personal kiss at the end.”

A smile threatened to spill across my face, and I bit down on my bottom lip to contain it. The thought of him being there, night after night, was almost too wonderful to believe.

“Good, then I’ll see you tomorrow,” I said.

Taking his outstretched hand, savoring the strength and warmth of his grip, I walked beside him out to my uncle’s Chevy.

Chapter Six

Safia

Grown Man Now

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