Page 14 of Silent Night With Luca

I walk over to the kitchen sink and splash water on my face. I pull up my jeans and slide on my boots before grabbing my coat and scarf that is draped on the stool at the kitchen bar.

I move toward the door, checking the locks, and that’s when the unease really sets in. I slept through it. Whatever happened, I didn’t wake up. She’s like a fucking cat burglar.

I grit my teeth, cursing under my breath again as I throw on my coat. This isn’t like the other times. Something’s wrong. I can feel it.

“She better be close,” I mutter to myself, irritation rising. Iswear, if she’s pulled another disappearing act, I’m going to lose it.

I pushopen the door to the Frost Café, the bell above it jingling as I step inside. The warmth from the place hits me first, the scent of freshly brewed coffee mixing with something sweet.

Normally, I’d appreciate that—a break from the cold outside, maybe even enjoy one of Lucia Bianchi’s pastries—but today, I’m not in the mood.

I scan the room quickly, searching for Fiamma, hoping she’s sitting in one of the booths, acting like a stupid-ass teenager who pulled one over on her parents just for the sake of doing it. But she’s not here. The cafe’s busy, early risers chatting over their morning coffee, but no sign of her.

I curse under my breath.

Lucia is behind the counter, chatting with a couple of regulars, her hands busy unpacking trays of freshly baked goods. She’s a familiar face, someone I’ve seen around this town for years, but I’m not in the mood to make small talk.

I approach the counter, forcing a polite smile. “Morning, Lucia.”

She looks up, a warm smile crossing her face. “Luca! It’s been a while. I was just thinking I hadn’t seen you here for a bit. You guys in town for the holidays?”

“Yeah, something like that.” Normally, I’d chat with her,maybe even grab a pastry, but I cut straight to the point. “Have you seen Fiamma around this morning?”

Lucia frowns, wiping her hands on her apron. “Fiamma? Is she the pretty young lady with long, dark hair?”

“Yup, that’s the one. Dressed out of place, a lot of jewelry.”

“No, I haven’t seen her. Why? Is she missing?”

I force a casual shrug, though irritation gnaws at me. “Not missing. Just… she wasn’t where I expected her to be. I thought she might be here.”

Lucia’s eyebrows knit together, and she tilts her head, thinking. “No, I’ve been here for the last hour. Haven’t seen her come by. I was here early, dropped off my pastries and decided to have a coffee with a few regulars.” She gestures toward a group of older men in the corner, deep in conversation.

“Thanks,” I say, trying to keep the frustration out of my voice. “If you see her, will you please tell her I’m looking for her?”

She offers me a sympathetic smile, clearly sensing my mood. “I sure will. You know how these young ladies are these days, Luca. She’ll turn up.”

I nod, though my patience is wearing thin. “Yeah, I’m sure.”

Without wasting more time, I turn and leave, the cold hitting me again as I step back outside. Where the hell is she?

It’s too early for this kind of game, and I don’t have the energy for it after last night.

I head back to the lodge, my steps quicker now, the irritation bubbling just beneath the surface. She must be pulling something again. She thinks this is funny, making me chase after her. Grow the fuck up is what she needs to do.

When I walk into the lobby, Marina Catalano is busy with her morning routine. She’s one of the maids, always running around, barely stopping for anyone. Her English is patchy, but she’s good at her job, and she knows who Fiamma is.

“Marina,” I call, walking over to her as she wipes down a table near the fireplace.

She looks up, her dark eyes widening slightly. “Yes, Mr. Luca?”

“You see Fiamma this morning?” I ask, keeping my voice steady, but I can feel the tension crawling up my spine.

She blinks, thinking for a second before shaking her head. “No… no, I don’t see her today. Not at all.” Her words are slow, her accent thick, but she’s clear enough.

I clench my jaw. Where is she?

“Are you sure?” I press.

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