Page 63 of Sweet Deception

Luca squeezes me to him, then tucks my head to his shoulder before laying his cheek on mine. I snake my arms around him and just enjoy the embrace.

We sit like this for a few quiet moments before he explains. "One, I never slept with those women. You were right, they were being petty, but they also might have been put up to it to test you. My cousins are not exactly in my life, but they are still a bit protective."

I lift my head to search Luca's face. "Why aren't your cousins in your life?"

"It's a long story, and I'd prefer to tell you another day." He squeezes me briefly.

I can't stop the disappointment from showing on my face and since Luca misses nothing, his face softens as he explains. "Angel, our childhood was not typical. You come from a loving family. Gio, Rafael and I … we didn't have that. It's why we're so close. My cousins aren't bad … well, not like their fathers, but their lives are … difficult, and I made the decision to keep them at arm's length not only for me, but for Gio and Rafael, as well."

I pat Luca's chest, hating the thought of him having a difficult childhood. "I'm sorry. I don't mean to pry. With dad's cancer, I'm hypersensitive to enjoying my family before it's too late, and it's hard not to want that for others."

Luca takes my hand from his chest and brings it to his mouth to kiss my palm. "When I first saw you, I felt like someone had just punched me in the stomach. You took my breath away. You're so beautiful and I could tell you didn't even realize it. That guy was right … one look at you and any man would realize you deserve far more than what he can offer. That he didn't take his chance with you makes him a fool. I have no doubt he's kicking himself right now for letting you slip through his fingers."

My chest warms at his words and tears threaten to spill. I search his face and dare to hope he has feelings for me as I do for him. I take a shuddering breath and whisper, "Luca ..." but before I can say anything more, he leans in to kiss me. It starts out gentle, but it doesn't take long before he consumes me. His hands roam south when suddenly we are jarred apart by a voice in the room.

"Mr. Morelli. Gio's on the line. He says it's important."

Thankfully, Esther chose to use the intercom and has her back to us from her desk. I'm sure she saw us and chose this way to communicate to alleviate any embarrassment, which is why I blush, anyway.

Luca sighs before moving me off his lap and going to his phone.

"I got it Esther. Thank you." Next, he pushes a button on the desk phone. "I'm here."

As Luca talks, I gather my school papers to put them back in my bag. I can tell our night has just been interrupted.

Luca turns to me after hanging up the phone. "I'm sorry, Angel. I've gotta go." He grabs his jacket and puts it on, then gathers his keys and cell before meeting me by the door. When I'm within reach, he takes my hand and leads us out of his office. "We're heading out, Esther." He checks his watch before turning to her. "It's late enough. Head home to your husband."

"Thank you, sir. I'll see you tomorrow. Bye, Kylie." She smiles at me.

"Bye, Esther." I give a tiny wave as Luca pulls me to the elevators.

Once we get in and Luca presses the button for the garage level, he turns to me. "I want you to go to my house and stay there. I don't know what time I'll be home, but I want you in my bed tonight."

"Okay. I'm going to run to my apartment first and grab my tablet. A new book was released last week and I haven't had a chance to read it yet."

The elevator comes to a stop and Luca pulls me after him. "Text me when you get to my house. I'll remotely turn off the code when you arrive and set it again once you're inside."

"Fancy." I rush to keep up with him as he walks me to my car.

Ignoring my comment, he opens my door and nudges me into the car and buckles me in. I give him a smile, but he doesn't return it. The call must not have been good.

"Be aware of your surroundings and be safe. Remember, call as soon as you get to my house." He frowns. "Never mind, I'm going to have Joseph meet you at your apartment." He pulls out his cell before I can say anything. "Go on. Joseph will meet you."

Luca shuts my door and moves back while bringing his phone to his ear. When I just frown at him, he points at my steering wheel. I playfully roll my eyes and start the car. He waits as I back out and drive off.

So weird. I can't tell if he got bad news or if it's just his overprotectiveness. I doubt he'll tell me either way, so I let it go. No sense borrowing trouble when I can do nothing about it.

When I enter my apartment building, I move to the bank of mailboxes on the first floor when the new guy is suddenly standing next to me. "Holy shit." I jump back, placing a hand on my heart.

The guy looks annoyed at my reaction.

"Sorry, I just didn't hear you." I frown because it's not like a girl can't have cause to be cautious with a strange man.

He ignores me as he opens his own mailbox, but I catch him glancing at our open box. I quickly grab the mail and lock it before heading upstairs. The guy is giving me a weird vibe and I try to rush without making it look like I'm doing it because of him.

I sigh in relief when I'm finally inside my apartment and turn to lock the door. I put my ear to the door and listen, just to make sure. When there isn't a sound, I move to the peep hole … and then scream.

"Miss. Davis? Is everything okay?"

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