Page 39 of Rockwell Academy: The Twist

“Are you similar in age?”

“No. She is seven years old.”

“That’s quite a gap.”

He shrugs. “Understandable when you learn that my birth mother is dead and my mom is a step one.”

“I’m sorry for your loss.”

“Don’t be. She was a wicked bitch who tried to sell me to a pedophile.”

“No way!” I wasn’t expecting that and stare at him in horror.

“What happened?”

He leans forward, his gaze dark and compelling as he says with no emotion.

“My father tossed her from a balcony to her death as soon as he located her.”

I lean back, the harsh realities of our world reminding me why we have protection in the first place.

“She deserved it.” My eyes flash as I consider what could have happened to Luca if his mother had her way.

“She did.”

I’m surprised when he reaches for my hand and, as our fingers connect, he laces them together.

“This is nice.” He states and I nod, a shy smile surprising me more than him.

“It is.”

I stare into his compelling eyes, wondering how things changed so quickly between us. If anything, I like the way he opened up a little part of his soul and let me in. He didn’t have to do that and I think highly of him for it.

“What about you, Summer? Do you have any skeletons in your closet bashing to be heard?”

“No.” I shrug. “I am living the dream, Luca.”

A faint smile ghosts his lips and I experience an overwhelming urge to taste them again. I shouldn’t. It would be the most foolish thing I have ever done, and I wonder if this could transition into something more.

I’m surprised as we share an easy time, chatting shit about Rockwell and all its ways. It was inevitable, I suppose, but he raises the subject of The Claiming, a challenge my brother resurrected from the ancient monks who used to live here.

“What do you make of The Claiming?” He asks, his words casual but his expression intense.

“I don’t think about it.” I shrug. “That’s Frankie’s thing, not mine.”

“Even if it could work to your advantage?”

“How?” A shiver of delight passes through me because I love his conniving ways. It’s obvious that still waters run deep with Luca Romano and I wonder what he’s plotting now.

“Your freedom.”

“My freedom?” I shrug. “What about it?”

“If you were my sister, I would warn every guy off you. Me included.”

“Especially you.” I remind him, and he nods, apparently unconcerned about that.

“Your cousin Siri was given a hall pass. Jack is trustworthy, won’t break her heart, and will treat her like a queen. He earned the right to be her Centurion. I’m hoping to replicate that with you.”

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