Page 97 of Be Very Quiet

“No. I would never have been able to go back, even if it hadn’t been destroyed. Shonda was killed there.”

“Oh, babe, I’m so sorry.”

She fought the urge to cry. “Me too.”

“Will you rebuild?”

“I’m not sure.”

Liliana had no idea what her next steps would be. They hadn’t talked about the future. She wasn’t sure if he was interested in continuing their affair. She certainly was.

Liliana heard Audria telling Christian that the company plane would arrive in the morning. The thought of Luca leaving made her stomach cramp.

When she woke the following day, she made love to him again. Each time had been glorious, but this time was different. The feelings were infinitely more intense, bringing tears to her eyes. She refused to think of it as goodbye.

After they dressed, they headed to the kitchen to feed Smoke. They still hadn’t addressed the ten-ton elephant in the room—him leaving. She’d just tossed the empty cat food can in the trash when Luca blurted out, “Come home with me.”

Liliana’s heart pounded. Though she wanted that more than anything, she needed to handle Shonda’s affairs. Her only family was her father, who had nothing to do with Shonda. Liliana would make sure she had a proper funeral and burial.

She also needed to take care of the insurance for her studio and sell her condo. She would not be staying in Miami Beach.

“I can tell by the look on your face you are going to decline.”

“Luca—”

He cupped her cheek. “I lost you once, Liliana. I don’t want to do it again. Come and see where I live. Meet my friends. If you don’t want to stay, we’ll go anywhere you want.”

“You would do that for me? Quit your job?”

“Don’t you realize it by now? I would do anything for you, Liliana. I love you. I think I always have.”

“Oh, Luca, I love you too. From the moment we met.”

He kissed her, and she melted against him.

“As much as I want to go with you, I can’t leave here yet. Shonda . . . her affairs. I need to settle things. She didn’t have anyone else. Plus, I need to make sure my employees are okay.”

He smiled sadly and murmured, “I understand,” before kissing her again.

A knock sounded, and Luca released her. Liliana wanted to beg him not to let go. To hold her forever. Instead, he opened the door. Christian and Audria were standing outside.

“The plane is almost here,” Christian told him. “We need to get to the airport.”

“I’ll be down in a minute.”

Liliana hugged Audria and then Christian. She thanked them for everything and promised to keep in touch.

Once they were gone, she ran to Luca and clung to him. Even Smoke seemed to realize he was leaving. The cat rubbed against his legs and purred loudly.

“I really do love you.” He kissed her again as tears fell unchecked down her cheeks. “Take care of yourself, Lil.”

“You too, and I love you so much.”

When he walked out the door this time, he didn’t take half of her heart with him. He took it all.

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Epilogue

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