Page 49 of Stolen Seconds

The sting of tears pricked the back of my eyes, but I refused to shed them. I’d gone this long without expressing these emotions that would only hurt me if they were let out. So, I did what I knew best: I shoved them deep into the crevices of my soul, burying them.

It was easier this way.

I took another shot, the bitter taste of alcohol settling on my tongue.

A scalding tear slipped from the corner of my eye, making a path down my cheek and I quickly wiped it away, inhaling deeply, not allowing the rest to follow.

I felt pathetic. The universe had never been on my side since I’d been a child, so why did I expect it to be different now?

The bar grew rowdy, my head pounding and pulse racing from the rush of adrenaline.

I stumbled as I stood from my seat and staggered out of the pub.

My vision was unfocused, and I couldn’t remember where I was, or which way was home.

Home.Where was home? I belonged nowhere. Wandering aimlessly through the tragedy of my life and never being stagnant.

Black spots appeared in my line of sight as I unsteadily walked down the pathway of the bar, holding myself against the brick wall.

I was usually good at holding my liquor, but I must’ve overdone it with how heavy I was breathing. My legs weakened until I tripped and braced myself for the fall.

But I never did.

A solid hand wrapped around my torso, pulling me up until I came face to face with the root of all my problems.

Luca was furious as he loomed over me, his jaw set tight, eyes a raging storm against the starless night.

I pouted at him, mimicking his expression before a laugh bubbled out of me and I’d have fallen over again if it weren’t for his harsh grip.

He didn’t find any of it amusing as he suddenly lifted me into his arms, the rush making my head spin.

As I rested my head against his shoulder, I couldn’t help but stare up at him. Even at this angle, he was beautiful. Smooth golden skin, prominent cheekbones stark under the moonlight, the angle of his nose sharp above his full lips. God, he was so beautiful it made my heart race at an abnormal pace.

Luca gazed down at me with those intense caramel eyes, and it sped faster.

Had I said that aloud?

“Is this where I say thank you?”

Oh. No.

Chapter 13

Luca

Irina slept soundlessly as I watched her.

When I locked up the museum tonight, I hadn’t expected to see her on the narrow streets of Italy, drunk no less.

Anger stroked along the base of my neck from her stupidity. Anyone could’ve taken advantage of her.

I expected Aurora to be with her at all times, which made me curious as to why she had been out alone getting drunk.

There was depth to Irina, and she might be able to deceive the world by hiding herself in a shell, but not me. I saw right through those cracks in every snide remark.

As she slept, I remembered her unexpected comment before she passed out in my arms.

She thought I was beautiful.

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