Page 114 of Sweet Deception

Luca rolls us so he's back on top of me. "You're one of a kind, Angel. You know that?"

"Yeah, well, you just better be glad I believe you, because hell was about to rain down on you if you really meant the things I heard on that recording."

His eyes soften. "I would never say those words about you. Even when I didn't know it, I was always in love with you."

"I think it's safe to say, I feel the same."

"Say it." He demands.

I run my hand through his hair and smile. "I love you, Luca."

"That's my Angel." He leans down and takes my mouth before proceeding to shower me with his love.

Epilogue

"I'm so proud of you, honey." My mom rushes forward pulling me into a hug. I'm relieved to see her so carefree. She's been struggling since my kidnapping, and while I understand it, I want her to gain a sense of peace again.

She went from the stress and emotional devastation of my dad's diagnosis, straight into the financial burden of the medical bills. Then, when things finally started looking up for them, I was kidnapped.

After every session with my therapist, a little piece of weight lifts from my shoulders. I want that for my mom. I'm so thankful Luca talked me into going and when we have some time alone, I'm going to suggest she attend a few sessions with me. My Dad will be a harder sell, but I have to believe once my mom gets better, he will too.

"There's my graduate!" Gio booms as he wraps his enormous arms around both of us. Mom blushes when he squeezes us to his big chest.

"Alright, that's enough." My dad and Luca chime in at the same time. Mom and I look at each other and giggle. Only Gio could make my mom blush and giggle like a little girl. My parents have come over many nights to eat dinner with us these past couple of weeks, and the guys have wormed their way into my mom's heart. Dad's, as well, but he'll never admit it.

My heart full, I turn to Dad and rush into his arms next. I love my dad's hugs. He's the best man I know. Thanks to him, I can see what a great man Luca is.

He sways us from side to side. "I love you," I mumble into his chest.

"I love you too, pumpkin." He kisses my head. "I'm so proud of you." His voice waivers with emotion.

"Thanks, Dad." I lean my head back, giving him a wide smile before stepping out of his arms.

Rafael walks up next. "Congrats, little bird." He nods as if I'd leave it at that.

He'll learn.

"Thanks, Rafael." Before he can guess my intentions, I lift onto my toes and kiss his cheek before turning to catch Luca's grin as he shakes his head.

Beaming, I move into his outstretched arms and sigh with contentment. As I rest my chin on his chest, he dips for a kiss but out of respect for my parents, he keeps it short. He confessed to me one night that he hopes to gain their trust because he knows how important it is that I have them in my life.

"Congratulations, Angel." Luca squeezes me.

"Thanks, babe." I squeeze him right back before stepping away and swinging my gaze around the crowd. "Where's Joseph?"

"He's getting the car." Luca runs his hand down my arm until he reaches my hand and entwines our fingers. "Are you ready?"

"Oh … sure." I turn to my parents. "You'll come for dinner, right?" Luca mentioned dinner after my graduation, but in my distraction with the ceremony, I never discussed details with him.

Mom's brows furrow, and she tilts her head. "Honey. Luca reserved the back room at his restaurant."

I swing my gaze back to Luca with raised eyebrows. "Really?"

"Angel, did you think we wouldn't celebrate your graduation?"

"I didn't think about it." I shrug. "Things have been a bit crazy." A blush creeps across my cheeks, remembering the misunderstanding.

"Of course we're going to celebrate, silly." Mom wraps her arm through mine and tugs me to the parking lot, with the guys following behind us. "I'm so excited you got the teaching position. Now that you're busy with Luca, this will giveme more time to spend with you. Your dad even promised to take us to lunch regularly."

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