Page 39 of Silent Night With Luca

Fiamma

Luca stands near the window, staring out at the snow-covered streets below. His hand rests on the sill, fingers tapping lightly, the sound barely audible over the crackling of the fire behind us. There’s a calmness in the lodge now that Marco’s dead, but I can tell Luca is still on edge, his mind running through everything that still needs to be handled.

“We’re heading into the home stretch before Christmas,” he says, almost to himself. “With the gala coming up, we need to make sure there are no surprises.”

He turns toward me, his expression serious. “I’ve got a meeting with Vin in security to go over everything. I want to make sure all the threats were eliminated when Marco was taken out. Why don’t you come with me?”

I raise an eyebrow, leaning back against the sofa. “You think there are still threats? I thought all the concern for me was because of Marco. He’s no longer a threat.”

Luca’s jaw tightens, and he crosses his arms. “We did, but I want to be sure. Vin’s checking for any remaining Vitales or their men in town. It’s still my job to keep you safe.”

I can’t help the small smile that tugs at my lips. “You’ve been doing a pretty good job of that already,” I wink at him and run a finger along his square jaw. “Why don’t we go our separate ways for a little while, it will give me some time to catch up with Arianna, and then we meet back up? I don’t want to go sit in some security meeting.”

He gives me a look, his eyes narrowing. “Come with me, Fiamma. It’ll be quick.”

“I want to go have lunch with Arianna,” I say, trying to keep my tone casual but firm. “I haven’t seen her in days, and I could really use some girl time. It’s just lunch.”

Luca’s expression hardens. “I’m not sure I’m totally comfortable with that yet. Let’s have this meeting first.”

I cross my arms, standing my ground. “Luca, come on. Please? It’s an hour, two at most. I need it.”

He doesn’t answer immediately, his gaze searching mine. I know he’s weighing the risks, always thinking about what could go wrong. I step closer, placing a hand on his arm. “Didn’t you tell me to trust you? Well, why don’t you trust me? I’ll meet you afterward, wherever you want.”

He sighs, running a hand through his hair. “Fine. But you have to promise me you’ll meet me in the town center at two, sharp. And keep your phone on you, no exceptions.”

I grin, feeling a small sense of victory. “Deal.”

Luca steps closer, his eyes locking on mine. “I mean it, Fiamma. Don’t mess around. If anything feels off, or itseems like someone is following you, you call me. Immediately.”

I nod, feeling his intensity as he grips my shoulders lightly. “I promise.”

He lets out a breath, stepping back. “Alright. I’ll meet you at two. Don’t make me regret this.”

I give him a playful salute. “Yes, sir.”

He rolls his eyes but can’t hide the small smirk as he grabs his coat and heads toward the door.

As soon as Luca leaves, I grab my phone from the coffee table, excitement bubbling up in my chest. It’s the first time in days that I actually have some freedom, and I’m not wasting a second of it.

I scroll through my contacts and tap on Arianna’s name. She answers on the second ring, her voice bright and slightly surprised. “Fiamma! Where have you been? I’ve been trying to reach you! I thought you died on me.”

I laugh, shaking my head. “You weren’t too far off. I have a lot to catch you up on. Life has been interesting, I’ll just leave it at that for now.”

She hums, intrigued. “Sounds juicy. Where are you? Can you meet up?”

“Actually, that’s why I’m calling,” I say, glancing at the door to make sure Luca’s really gone. “Luca finally gave me a hall pass, so I’m free for a bit. Lunch?”

Arianna doesn’t hesitate. “Perfect. Let’s meet at that little sandwich shop on the corner of Main and Pine. The one with the good soup. Fifteen minutes?”

My excitement grows. “Yes! I’ll be there. Can’t wait. Oh, and also, please bring my clutch that you never dropped off! I will need it for the gala coming up.”

“Sorry, I was trying to reach you before coming out there. I’ll bring it. See you there!”

I hang up, practically buzzing with the thrill of it all. It feels like I’ve finally been let out of jail after days of being shadowed by Luca. I throw on my coat, grab my purse, and head out the door, feeling lighter than I have in days.

Finally, some normalcy. Finally, some time with Arianna.

I stepinto the sandwich shop, the warmth hitting me instantly. It’s cozy in here, the kind of place you’d expect to find in a small town during the holidays—quaint wooden tables, garlands hung with care, and the soft, cinnamon-scented air that feels like Christmas.

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