Page 38 of Rockwell Academy: The Twist

His wicked grin lights the touch paper in my soul and despite my anger toward him, I’m surprised to discover I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else right now than holding the hand of the man I should run from but inexplicably crave like a baby’s first breath.

This was a genius move, even if I say so myself. Removing us from the academy ensures we get uninterrupted time alone, and I never realized how much I want that. Luca intrigues me and I wonder if he’s guessed that I am battling myself more than him right now.

He’s surprised me. It’s obvious he plays to win and adjusts his game accordingly. I have experienced the harshness of our world and have never had anyone to fight my corner from the inside. Someone with my best interests at heart, a champion, confidante and best friend. It’s an intimate friendship when two souls collide and for him to become my world he must step into the role that will bring me the greatest prize. Him.

I won’t appreciate him bullying his way into my affections and I applaud the way he switched up the game and appealed to my soft heart instead.

As we headinto the Italian restaurant, I smile with delight. “Wow, I love this place. It’s so authentic.”

The red checkered tablecloths hold an empty wine bottle with a candle replacing the wine. Silver cutlery gleams beside crystal wine glasses and paintings of Italy hang proudly on the walls, accompanied by fake olive trees dotted at intervals around the restaurant.

A beaming waiter shows us to a table tucked in the shadows and before he has the chance to hold out my chair, Luca replaces him, his fingers brushing my shoulder, causing me to shiver inside.

As he takes the seat opposite, he asks for a bottle of the best red wine they have, and I raise my eyes.

“I didn’t have you down as the drinking and driving kind, Luca.”

“I’m not. The wine is for us to enjoy when we return to Rockwell.”

“Where?” My eyes widen.

“Somewhere private.”

I hate how my face heats as he paints a provocative image of our future.

“That doesn’t prevent you from enjoying it with your meal. I’ll order a soda.” He lifts the menu and hands it to me with a wink. “Order whatever you want. It’s on me.”

“I can pay my way.”

“I’m aware of that, but money is irrelevant to us and we both know it.”

He states fact and I shrug, understanding that splitting the bill is the least battle I will face concerning him and it doesn’treally matter who waves their credit card. To be honest, it’s probably better it’s him because if my father spies the entry on the statement, I would be whisked back home quicker than we rode here.

We place our order, and I stare at him with interest. Outside of Rockwell he appears easier, more open even and I wonder how much is a façade he erects among strangers.

“Tell me about your life, Luca.”

I’m interested in hearing a similar tale to mine and he sighs heavily.

“It’s privileged, controlled and lacking in spontaneity.”

“It sucks, doesn’t it?” I smile as we share something in common.

“Don’t get me wrong–” I add with a smile. “I appreciate everything we have. The sense of family, the love that comes with that and the many cousins I have, along with my siblings. You are never alone in our family and I suppose that’s a benefit, but sometimes it’s a distinct disadvantage.”

I gaze at him with curiosity.

“What about you? Do you come from a large family?”

“Two uncles, their wives, and four cousins. I also have a sister who I adore.”

“You told me you are an only child.” I raise my eyes and he shrugs.

“Sometimes it’s best to kill a conversation if you prefer to keep the details to yourself.”

I contemplate what he means by that but decide to push it aside because I’m starting to realize that Luca Romano only tells you what he wants you to know.

Instead, I carry on the conversation.

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