Page 68 of His Ruthless Claim

His eyes darken, that familiar emptiness replaced by heat. "No. I just don't like sharing what's mine."

The words should bristle - I've never been one to be owned. But there's something intoxicating about the way he claims me while ensuring I maintain my independence. He's learning to protect without suffocating, to love without controlling.

His phone buzzes, breaking the moment. Business never stops in his world. But instead of immediately checking it like he used to, he keeps his arms around me for another heartbeat. Progress.

"Go." I pat his chest. "Run your empire. I'll be here when you're done."

He catches my hand, pressing a kiss to my palm that feels like a promise. "Always."

33

LUCA

Iturn the small velvet box in my hands, studying the vintage diamond ring inside. The platinum band catches the light streaming through my office windows, making the stones dance with an ethereal glow. My mother's ring - the one thing of hers I've kept locked away all these years.

"It's perfect, Luca." Maria perches on the edge of my desk, her curls falling forward as she leans in to examine it. "Aunt Sofia would have loved knowing Skye would wear it."

I snap the box shut. "It needs to be resized."

"Already handled." Maria's warm brown eyes sparkle with satisfaction. "I borrowed one of her rings last week when we went shopping and got it done."

Of course she did. Maria's always ten steps ahead when it comes to these things. It's why I asked for her help, even though planning isn't usually something I delegate.

"And I can help you plan the wedding. Maybe we have it in the garden at the estate?" Maria continues, crossing her long legs. "We can have it set up exactly how you described. White lights in all the trees, that vintage Champagne she loves, her favorite flowers-"

"No." I lean back in my chair. "I won't orchestrate every detail this time."

Maria's perfectly shaped eyebrows shoot up. "Who are you and what have you done with my cousin?"

"Fuck off." But there's no heat in my words. "I just... want it to feel real."

"It will be real." Maria's voice softens. "That's what scares you, isn't it?"

I level her with a cold stare that would make most people flinch. Maria just smirks.

Maria leaves, and I spend the next hour reviewing security details for tonight. Everything needs to be perfect, but not controlled. It's a delicate balance I'm still learning.

Later, I stand in Skye's boutique doorway, watching her lock up for the day. The setting sun paints her brown skin in gold, catching on her diamond nose stud. She's wearing a black dress that hugs every curve, the hem hitting mid-thigh. My throat tightens.

"You're early." She turns, those amber eyes lighting up with that spark that first drew me in. "And dressed up."

I adjust my suit jacket. "We're going out."

"Are we now?" Her lips curve into that teasing smile that makes my chest ache. "And if I had plans?"

"Cancel them."

She saunters over, trailing her fingers down my tie. "So demanding. Some things never change."

But they have. Everything has.

I lead her to my car, opening her door before sliding behind the wheel. The restaurant is intimate, tucked away in a historic building downtown. I chose it because Skye mentioned wanting to try it months ago - one of countless details about her I've collected like precious stones.

"This is different." She studies me across the candlelit table, wine glass poised at her lips. "You usually prefer private dining rooms, controlled environments."

"Maybe I'm learning to let go." I reach across the table, running my thumb across her knuckles. Her breath catches.

"Luca Mantione, willingly giving up control?" She sets down her glass. "Should I be worried?"

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