Page 44 of Sweet Deception

"Go, Angel, before I don't have the strength to walk away again.” He turns back to the door. “Keep your phone on you and I'll text when I‘m heading back home."

"Okay." I glance at him over my shoulder as I make my way to the kitchen, but he's not looking at me anymore. He's entering a code into the alarm before he leaves out the front door.

***

I wish I could say I'm one of those girls who could resist snooping, but he did give me permission.

Admiring all the intricate details in the trim, crown molding, and wall paneling, I explore the first floor. I also found working pocket doors in the dining room, and a set to the office. A half bath sits in between the stairs for the basement and the upper level.

Whoever designed this place kept all the charm of its original form while modernizing it, and I love it.

Before I go downstairs, I take a quick peek out the window into the backyard. I'm surprised to find a nice size deck with a hot tub and a small pool. That'll be fun in the summer.

Next, I head downstairs to the basement to locate the sauna, already hyped about trying it out.

My mouth drops open when I step down into a full gym furnished with a small boxing ring. Looks like Luca takes his exercise seriously.

I find a large sauna at the back of the basement and across from it is a full bathroom with a steam shower and next to that looks like a locker room.

This house has more amenities than most condos in the city. In awe of what I've found so far, I'm curious about what I'll find next, and I eagerly head back upthe stairs.

The second floor has what I thought was an owner's suite and two guest rooms with an additional full bath, but when I reach the third floor—which looks like a finished attic—I find Luca’s bedroom.

It’s no wonder he's in great shape. If I had to take these stairs every day, I’d be in better shape myself.

I can see why he chose it, though. The whole third level is split between a large owner's suite on one side and a theater room on the other. The movie room is set up with sound control and also has its own kitchenette with a popcorn machine, drink cooler, and snack bar.

Dad would have a field day in this room watching the Bourne movies. I wish I could show it to him. A pang hits me at the thought. I rub my sternum, taking one last look around before going back to Luca’s bedroom.

Standing at the entrance to the closet, I scan the room, hoping a shopping bag is lying around, but everything's neatly arranged.

This closet is a dream. Immense and professionally organized, with an island in the middle of the room. It has a stunning white and gray marble top with drawers wrapping around every side.

When I step into the room, I jump, not expecting the motion lights. There would be no hiding in this closet—not that I think anyone would need to.

I turn to the first drawer to peek inside and continue with each drawer, trying not to linger too long since it feels like I'm invading Luca's privacy. I'm delighted at the additional motion lights that activate as I move around the room.

Not finding anything in the drawers along the perimeter, I turn to the island.

I slide the top drawer open first, even knowing it's too shallow to hold clothes and admire the sheer volume of watches he has displayed.

And they say women are bad about their shoe collection. Shaking my head in amusement, I push to close the drawer when my eyes catch on a few watches lying on top of a picture frame turned upside down.

Strange.

Pulling the drawer open more fully, I ease the watches aside and pick up the frame and turn it over. It's an older picture and partially folded in the frame,clearly hiding a person in the picture. The part you can see is of a woman and a young boy.

This must be Luca and his mom.

I bring the frame closer and study the woman first. I can tell she's a tiny woman. Her features are delicate, almost frail and she has beautiful dark hair the exact shade of Luca's. What has me riveted are her eyes. An overwhelming sadness fills me at the pain reflected there.

What happened to you?

Unable to bear her pain anymore, I flick my eyes to the boy, only to gasp when I find the same expression on him as his mother.

Oh Luca.

Running my finger over his image, I recognize the man in the small boy. I know if he were smiling in the picture, dimples would be displayed on his cheeks.

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