Page 59 of Stolen Seconds

The moment Luca looked up at me from what he was doing, I couldn’t take it anymore. Pretending that this was normal and allowing myself to be oblivious in this false fantasy where he and I could ever be.

I backed away in the direction of the archway as he took a step toward me, his hand reaching out to me as confusion dawned on his face.

With my heart in my throat, I ran out of the museum, hearing Luca’s footsteps close behind.

Adrenaline coursed through my veins, blood heating and pulsing beneath my skin as I stumbled out of the museum doors and climbed on my bike.

“Irina!”

I pushed the kickstand up with my foot and drove away as he reached for me, his fingers ghosting over my shoulder.

The air whipped across my face, my eyes glossing over, and I couldn’t tell if it was from the wind or unshed tears.

I wanted to get away. Not only from Luca but from everything that made me who I am.

Lights flickered in my direction, a blaring horn following it.

I didn’t have to turn to know who it was. I leaned forward with a frustrated exhale and accelerating until I couldn’t see or hear anything but the harsh beat of my heart pounding in my ears.

I didn’t want to feel the hollow ache in my chest anymore, where it deepened the longer my emotions festered.

I didn’t want to feel at all.

A cold relief slithered down my spine as I sped up, the empty road ahead a dark canvas.

The looming presence of danger and catastrophe dissipated, leaving behind acceptance in its place.

It only took a split second. A shift in balance and I lost control.

I couldn’t stop the inevitable as I fell off the bike, my body hitting the ground hard and knocking the breath out of me.

It must’ve been the adrenaline that blocked the pain as I skidded across the cement because I didn’t hurt anymore.

My father always told me riding would lead to my death, and the thought made me smile. If only he could see me now.

I blinked up at the sky, feeling the darkness sink down on me and I sighed, closing my eyes.

“Fuck.” Suddenly, I was jolted up, strong arms holding me. “Irina.” A firm tap on my cheek had me staring at the one person who never let me go.

One touch from Luca and the pain burst along my body in an unbearable pang.

I whimpered as he picked me up, gazing down at me with a profound desperation etched across his sharp features.

“You’re going to be okay, I promise,” he whispered, and his words sank right into the cracked parts of my heart.

Chapter 16

Luca

Muffled noises slipped from Irina before she whispered, “It. . . it hurts.”

“I know, sweetheart.” I held her close as I took the steps two at a time. She felt right in my arms, as if this was exactly where she belonged. “I’m going to take care of you,” I said, staring down at her.

Her eyelids fluttered before she set her gaze on me, brows scrunching in vulnerability. “I know.”

Emotion surged in my bloodstream from the softness of her tone, and it was a complete contrast to how she usually acted toward me.

Rain pattered against the arched window of my room as I laid her down onto my bed and turned on the side lamp.

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