Page 89 of Sunshine

“I’m not saying there’s an easy solution, love.” He brought my hand to his mouth again, dropping another kiss on it before letting it go to start the car. After we had turned out of the restaurant car park, he looked at me again. “Just trying to help you see this isn’t all on you. Some of this is on your friend, who should be trying to work past her own issues.”

“You’re right.” I frowned. “Where are we going?”

“A surprise.” Luca grinned, his eyes twinkling. “I decided I’m going to steal you for a little while longer.”

“Oooh, steal me?” Heat zipped through me. “Like a barbarian in a cave?”

“Just like.” He purred. “Don’t let my suave good looks fool you, kitten. I’m an alpha and I take what’s mine.”

My whole body shivered. “And I’m yours?”

“Yes.” His voice was firm. “You’re mine. That lousy last pack of yours was stupid enough to make you feel lesser, like you weren’t something to be treasured. I won’t be making the same mistake.”

“I like the sound of that.” I shifted so I could sit closer. “Thank you, for putting up with my silly friend stuff.”

“Whatever else is an alpha for?” Luca picked up my hand and kissed it again.

“I mean, you have done a good job of showing me other ways you can be useful,” I said, my breath catching.

“Patience, kitten. Patience.”

We drove down the highway, the stars glittering above us, and I let the tension go. Excited for whatever else Luca had planned.

Chapter 25

Sunshine

The road gently curved around the rolling hills. It was getting dark now, and the water had turned a beautiful slate color.

“Am I allowed to know where we’re going?” I leaned closer to the glass, catching sight of small white breaks in the waves. I loved driving along the highway at night. It felt magical, like anything could happen.

“Nope.” Luca relaxed behind the wheel.

I smiled. For once, I wasn’t worried about what we were going to do or where we were going. This was Luca. We would have fun, and he didn’t seem to expect me to be more than who I was.

It was refreshing.

We drew closer to San Francisco, the city lighting up like a jewel. “I love the city at night.”

“It’s the perfect city. Old world charm meets new technology.”

I hummed my agreement, my attention captured by the cityscape as Luca drove through the streets. He finally stopped at a swanky hotel.

An honest to goodness valet stepped up, as Luca got out of the car.

I tried, but failed, not to drop my jaw at the sight of the clean shaved beta man dressed in a red uniform. Luca handed him the keys, and opened my door before I could recover.

“After you, my dear.”

I blinked, came back to reality, and got out of the car. The valet slid into the seat and drove the sportscar away as Luca led me toward the entrance. The hotel was from another era, with glass doors, and a brick façade.

We walked, and the interior spoke of quiet elegance. I felt like a modern-day princess, whisked away to a fantasy world.

“Will you take my arm?” Luca crooked his elbow toward me, and I almost swooned.

“Of course.”

“There’s an excellent jazz band playing in the lounge tonight.” He gestured ahead of us to an intimate area to the side of the main entrance.

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