Page 84 of Weaponized

Approximately half an hour later, the doorbell rings. It’s not Luca’s signature knock, and it all feels so formal. I feel shaky. My family rises, and my father straightens his sports coat. He barks at me to stand up straight before Rowan strides to the door. I can’t hear what he says at first, but then he opens the door wide and in they walk. My eyes take in Luca. I feel like I haven’t seen him in a year. He’s still a monstrous, menacing figure, dressed in jeans and a black thermal Henley that stretches over his broad muscles. His posture is a bit stiff as he watches Rowan, and then he looks to my father. His eyes flash, and I know he has been told. My father is grinning at him, telling him how nice it is to meet the love of his little beauty’s life, but Luca doesn’t reciprocate the smile. Instead he replies gruffly, “Yes, I’ve been looking forward to meeting you as well.”

My father moves on to give Victor equally pleasant treatment, but I don’t see exactly what happens, because Luca’s eyes land on me. Myriad emotions cross his face and he sucks in a breath. I startle when I feel a hand on my shoulder. I tear my eyes away from the big guy in front of me to see my brother standing slightly behind me. He, quite literally, has my back.

“I need you to go along with this,” he says in my ear. “You’re in love. Act it.”

My breathing has accelerated. I feel like I may pass out. Luca knows. He knows about my past. My lies. My father. I’m not who he thought I was. He must hate me. I lean into Rowan.

“Gráinne,” Victor calls out and I force my eyes to him. “Are you okay, honey? Do you need to sit? You shouldn’t be exhausting yourself.” He looks genuinely concerned.

I nod. “Yes, thank you. I apologize for my rudeness. Just got a little lightheaded there for a moment.” My voice is a bit too soft. I speak with more volume, strengthening my voice. “But, I’m glad you’re all here to meet my family.” I cut my eyes to Luca, who stares at me unabashedly. “Hey, baby,” I say to him. His big body visibly shudders. God, I can’t tell what he is thinking. Is he disgusted by me? His brother’s hand goes to his shoulder. Squeezes.

“Angel.” His voice is hoarse. He makes his way over to me. His bulky arms come around me, and I return the embrace, locking my arms around his waist. He breathes in the scent of my hair. Trembles. Or maybe that’s me. We don’t let go. In fact, I press into him more, needing to soak up his strength. He makes a noise in his throat and pulls me tighter.

I don’t notice what’s going on around us until Matteo laughs too loudly, “Okay, lovebirds. No need to make it uncomfortable for the rest of us.” I begin to pull away slowly, but Luca’s arms remain like a steel trap.

“Luca?” I question. I don’t understand any of what is happening right now.

He finally pulls back and looks deeply in my eyes.I can tell he’s shaken, and he reaches for my hand as if he needs the contact. I weave my fingers through his. One of his big hands comes up to run a finger along my jawline. It would be sweet, but I can tell he’s looking for my injuries. He swallows thickly.

“I’ve mostly healed,” I say to him quietly. He doesn’t respond. Just keeps staring at me.

“She has lost a little weight.” My father sighs, and both of us snap our heads to look at him. “And her nose will have to be repaired, but her mother knows an excellent surgeon.” He seems to be implying that Luca was cataloging my new flaws.

“She’s perfect,” Luca growls and I feel his hand tighten on mine. My father’s eyes flash at Luca’s imprudent tone, and I immediately step slightly in front of him. I’m not sure why. Instinct.

“I agree with my son,” Victor tries, and fails, to break the tension. “Gráinne is absolutely perfect for him.”

“No, Luca is the perfect one,” I respond with sincerity, and turn a little more into him, putting my hand over his heart. I can feel how hard it’s pounding. I have no idea how he’s standing here—how any of them are standing here—with my father, knowing what he did.

“I just think they are the sweetest couple,” my mother gushes, all glowy, looking at Victor, oblivious to the tension. Her sincerity rings through.

“Yes, I couldn’t agree more,” he replies, giving her a genuine smile.

“Well, I imagine we will hear wedding bells soon, then,” my father prods, almost as a dare, looking over Luca again. “Isn’t that right, boyo? I wouldn’t want my sweet daughter taken advantage of.”

“Da—” I start but am interrupted by the mountain next to me.He drops my hand, and I panic, until he puts his arm around my waist and pulls me closer.

“I know I don’t deserve her, but there is nothing more important to me than your daughter.” There’s an edge to his voice as he looks my father directly in the eye.

Victor again tries to break the thick tension in the room. “There is nothing more important than family. I know we will all be proud the day Gráinne takes the Larozzi name.”

My father narrows his eyes and nods. I know he likes where this is headed. It’s what he wanted all along. Yet, I know there is a part of him that hates to have the O’Toole name overtaken by any other. Especially by the name Larozzi.

I have to focus on the simple act of breathing in order to watch it all unfold. I can’t take any more of this. I need to know if it’s an act, know if Luca might still want to marry me one day. I need to know if he still—

“I need to speak to Luca privately for a few minutes,” I blurt. “We’ll be in the TV room.” I don’t wait for any acknowledgment or permission; I simply grab his large hand and drag him behind me.

Once we enter the room, I close the door and spin to look at him. He is in the middle of the room, staring back at me as if I might disappear. Neither of us speak. I don’t know where to start. He’s so handsome but looks so lost at the moment. He’s doing whatever breathing exercise he does when he needs to calm himself. Long moments pass. Finally, he breaks the silence. “Angel.” His voice is guttural and he takes a step forward before he stops himself.

He just called me Angel. There’s no audience here. It’s just us and he is looking at me as if Iamperfect. I don’t understand.He should hate me. I was supposed to have set him free. But, he is in my apartment. With my father.

We should talk about what’s happened, what’s about to happen, because I know it can’t be good. But, I’ve missed him so much and all I can think about is how he’s really here. How safe he makes me feel. How much I still want him. I can blame the brain injury later, I suppose, because I launch myself at him.

I leap and he catches me. My legs are around his waist and my arms wrap around his neck. “Baby,” I whisper before I attack his mouth. He doesn’t miss a beat. He groans as he returns my kiss. It’s as if we need each other’s air. I can’t get enough of the taste of him and I whimper. His hand comes up to thread through the back of my hair and his other arm remains banded around me, holding me close. I just keep taking. It’s like I can’t get enough of his mouth, and I’m a bit dizzy with it. I love the way his tongue moves against mine. How he’s like a furnace against me. Holding me infinitesimally close against his large, hard frame. He moves to kiss down my neck and I let out a little gasp. This is getting out of hand, but I don’t want him to stop. He pauses his openmouthed kisses to inhale deeply.

I use strength I didn’t know I had to pull back and wiggle down his body. We’re both breathing hard, staring at each other. Desire and vulnerability are written all over his face. I’m flooded with a sense of relief that he still wants me, but also guilt. So much guilt.

“I’m so sorry, baby,” I say to him and his eyes widen. He reaches for me, and then drops to his knees in front of me. His arms go around my waist and his cheek is against my stomach.

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