Page 12 of Weaponized

Luca makes a noise in his throat in response. We are standing so very close. The position would almost be intimate if we weren’t awkwardly on the threshold of his bathroom door. He is studying my face and I couldn’t look away if I tried. He really is beautiful up close. Deep blue eyes, full lips, square jaw, with just enough dark stubble. Masculine. Potent.

“Why do you hate me?” I ask quietly. It’s the reason I came here, the question I needed to ask. It finally occurred to me the only way to find out was to go directly to the source. I need him to explain it to me. If I’m going to have resistance, I need to understand why. I’m searching his eyes and don’t miss the surprise that flares.

“Hate isn’t what I feel for you.” His voice is a rumble. I don’t know if he always sounds this way or if that low tone is reserved for me. I don’t understand any of this. I especially don’t understand why my heart is racing or the need I have to lean closer. But I do it anyway.

I think he feels the same way because he leans down and my eyes widen because I’m sure he is going to kiss me. What shocks me is how much I want him to do just that.Surprising me even further, he doesn’t. He leans his head over mine and inhales.Is he smelling me?

“Luca?” I’m confused and aroused and I don’t know what to do next. I’m not sure I’ve ever been in a position like this. I’m almost always in control, but I’m currently out of my depth. I put my palms on his chest but I don’t push him away. He makes another low sound.

I crook my neck to look up at him. I’m tall but he stands more than a head above me. He tilts his head down, eyes meeting mine, burning with an emotion I can’t place. I bite my bottom lip and I swear to God, he growls.

I am one second from wrapping my arms around his neck when Matteo calls up to me, “Gráinne! Everything okay?”

Luca takes a big step back and I want to throw a tantrum like a two-year-old at the interruption. Whatever moment we were having is broken.

“Yeah,” I call back. I don’t recognize my voice so I clear my throat. “Yes. I’ll be right down.”

This beast of a man has pressed himself tightly against the opposite wall, and my insides rebel at that. Without thinking it through, I step right into his space again and take his hand. He hisses out a breath.

“Walk me out?” I look up into his eyes.

He nods slowly as if it’s a trick question. I turn toward the stairs, pulling him behind me. His big hand clasps mine more firmly when he finally gives in to the idea that he’s caught up in my wake.

We run into his brother at the bottom of the stairs who eyes our joined hands with interest. “I see you found Luca.”

“I did.”

“Your brother is ready to call in the whole clan to charge the house, so you should find your way back to him. Unless,” he drawls, “you want me to tell him you’re otherwise occupied?”

“Don’t,” Luca barks at his brother for the insinuation and then he is the one pulling me toward the back doors, en route to the yard. I’m in awe of him.

“Fucking finally,” Rowan says as he sees me approach. As soon as he notices that I’m holding hands with Luca—because we never let go—his tone is guarded. “Everything alright, Gráinne?”

I nod at my brother and squeeze Luca’s hand. “Absolutely.”

“You don’t need an escort. Abruzzi left earlier.”

Luca flinches at my brother’s words. “What does Gianni have to do with your sister?”

“Nothing. Your friend was just a little too eager to make Gráinne’s acquaintance earlier. After that, I assumed she didn’t want to be left alone.” Rowan nods to our hands, as though Gianni being a dick is the explanation.

“Did he touch you? Hurt you?” Luca asks with a strain in his voice.

“No,” I say at the same time my brother replies, “Yes.”

Luca looks directly into my face as if he’ll find the real answer there.

“He grabbed hold of me, but he didn’t hurt me,” I explain. “It was nothing. Rowan is just trying to cause trouble.”

Luca’s eyes search my expression again as my brother grumbles, “I amnothere to start something. Just thought Larozzi would want to know he has a creep in his ranks,especially since my sister seems to want to be invited back.”

I flush at Rowan’s words but I don’t have a chance to reply before Luca tells me, “He won’t bother you. Ever.” His voice is so deep. His eyes haven’t left my face.

“I know,” I tell him softly. And I do. I can tell that he would never let that happen, although feeling safe isn’t an emotion I’m familiar with. It’s almost overwhelming.

Luca is still studying me when my brother steps closer. “Oooookay. As interesting as this all is, I should walk my sister home now.”

I don’t want to let go of Luca, but I’m beginning to realize that tonight has gotten away from me. I’m not sure what I’m playing at anymore and leaving is probably the best thing for my sanity. I don’t like feeling so unbalanced. I slip my hand free but I can’t help myself from leaning into Luca and whispering, “I’m glad you don’t hate me.”

---