Page 127 of Stolen Seconds

As I worked on the cut above his brow, he continued. “It wasn’t until I met you that I thought maybe it wouldn’t be so badto let someone in.”

I could feel his eyes on me as I worked on his cheekbone, savoring his words and understanding them.

Luca had always been there to stitch my wounds, internally and externally. And I would spend the rest of my life doing the same for him.

He had read me like an open book that very first night in the museum. He believed in us before I ever did and even though it nearly killed us, I would do it all over again if it meant he’d be mine each time.

I leaned down and pressed a kiss to the corner of his mouth before patching his last cut.

Once I finished, he grabbed my waist and pulled me down onto his lap, his thick thigh flexing beneath me.

I tilted my head, searching his caramel eyes and feeling myself fall more in love with him.

In the confined space of my heart, it was just us two, nothing more and nothing less.

“You thought right.” I kissed his chest—where not only his but my heart resided—expressing everything I needed to. “I’m yours in every lifetime, Luca. Thank you for letting me see all of you.”

The sounds of laughter erupted throughout Enzo’s house, and I basked in it.

With everyone preoccupied with their own lives, I’d missed our family gatherings.

Even Nicolai was here. Although, he’d become broodier with each visit, I hoped the Bratva didn’t change himfor the worse.

Highly unlikely.

“Dinner will be ready shortly,” Aurora said, joining us in the living room. She’d been insistent on cooking tonight, told us Gianna taught her a new pasta recipe. “Enzo, go get Sof. I’ve no idea what’s taking her so long to come down.”

Aro squealed and clapped his little hands at the sight of his mother before waddling toward her. Roman held him upright, smiling at his attempt to walk.

Their little family made my heart melt.

“You’re staring too hard.”

I turned my head to the left where my soon to be husband leaned against the armrest and pinned me in place with his heated gaze.

“At your best friend?” I teased, biting my lip as his eyes darkened. “I don’t know, he’s kind of. . . ”

My sentence ended on a gasp as he pulled me by the throat, my face mere inches from him. “What was that, sweetheart?”

My pulse spiked at his public display. “Luca. . . ”

“I’ll mark you right here if you need a reminder that you’re mine and mine alone.”

And he would do good on his threat despite our audience.

A smile split across my face at his unwarranted jealously. It was almost too easy riling him up.

I put my left hand up between us, showing him the ring he’d put on my finger a year ago. “I don’t think that’s necessary.”

“When it comes to you, I’ll always want more,” he rasped out, brushing his lips against mine. “You are thescar that’s engraved into my soul,piccola ribelle, so even in death, I’ll feel your presence.”

The meaning behind his words drifted down my skin in a soft caress until my throat thickened with emotion.

He’d shown me that my scars weren’t something to hide or be burdened by. I’d always found his beautiful, and he had proved to me that mine were too.

“Have I told you how maddeningly in love I am with you?”

His grin was sinful as he nudged under my chin. “Couldn’t hurt to remind me.”

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