Page 11 of Sworn to My Heart
“You mean like Luca?” she continues teasingly, her playful jab hitting closer to home than I’d like. She’s picked up on the tension between Luca and me, the unspoken desires that linger beneath our interactions.
I sigh. While I never thought Cora to be oblivious, I didn’t realize the chemistry between Luca and I was that obvious to others.
“No, I meant Mariano. Who could resist his honey-brown eyes, that deep tan, and those meticulously chiseled features? It’s like he was crafted with care,” I jest, fluttering my eyes in mock flirtation, knowing she’s fiercely protective of Mariano.
“If you don’t want this hot frying pan smacking you across the face, you’d better stop fantasizing about my husband and start admitting you’re horny for Luca,” she points the fork at me again, and I laugh.
“What’s their connection anyway?” I ask casually, praying she won’t start teasing me again.
Her smile widens mischievously. “I knew it!” she exclaims, and I roll my eyes in defeat. No amount of diversion could thwart Cora Spallo.
“Can’t you see the resemblance? They’re brothers,” she states matter-of-factly, returning her attention to the omelet she’s preparing. I feel foolish for not recognizing the family resemblance earlier.
“Now that I think about it, they do look alike, except for their eyes,” I admit. “I’m surprised I didn’t notice.”
“That’s because your brain short-circuited the moment you saw Luca,” she quips with a laugh, deftly transferring the omelet onto a plate and slicing it in half. “There’s actually three brothers: Mariano, Luca, and Pedro.”
“I know Mariano is 29, so Luca must be...?” I prompt, eager for more insight.
“31,” she confirms. “Alin, it’s okay to be attracted to Luca. You two can do whatever you want, but don’t even think about starting something serious with him, understood?” she says sternly, a rare moment of seriousness from her.
“Cora, don’t exaggerate. There won’t even be sex. I can find handsome men anywhere,” I dismiss lightly, and she seems satisfied, carrying the breakfast plates to the round wooden table by the bed.
My stomach rumbles as the delicious scent of eggs and bacon fills the air, and I eagerly take my seat. Sliced seasoned tomatoes, a vegetable omelet, and crispy bacon—I devour my breakfast hungrily, savoring every bite.
“Now I’m certain. Beautiful and a fantastic cook,” I compliment again between mouthfuls. We chat and enjoy the morning together until Cora’s phone rings, interrupting our conversation.
I can’t hear Mariano’s side of the conversation, but Cora’s expression turns serious, and she responds with terse “yes”es.
Something feels off.
After she hangs up, I can’t help but ask, “What did he want?” My concern comes out sounding more abrupt than intended.
“Sit, good dog,” she teases with a smile that doesn’t quite reach her eyes. “I’m leaving town for two weeks. Family visit,” she says casually, but I sense there’s more to it.
This time, I ignore our usual boundaries. “Cora, is everything okay? I know you’re lying,” I press gently, trying to lift her spirits. She hesitates, then smiles weakly and hugs me.
As I glance toward the door, I see Graham standing there, waiting for Cora. It seems Mariano has filled him in as well.
What’s going on with this family? I want answers, but it seems I won’t get them today.
“Oh, and when I’m back, I’ve got two tickets to the big aquarium in Brooklyn. You love the sea, so we’re going,” she declares, leaving before I can respond and closing the door behind her.
A pang of loneliness hits me, a feeling I haven’t known before.I had been living alone on land for one month before I met her, moving between motels every few days, paying with cash earned from selling sea treasures, always hiding. I was fine with it, but Cora barging into my life unannounced, made me realize just how lonely i truly was.
Luca
The door to the luxurious villa in Vegas opens, and Flavio stands before us.
“Did the flight go smoothly? I heard what happened,” he wastes no time and asks, gesturing with his hand for us to come inside.
Ignoring his question, I stride in.
“We have a lot to update you on,” Mariano follows closely behind, answering for me as we make our way inside. Flavio nods in acknowledgement.
It appears we’re alone with Flavio, so I settle comfortably on the sofa in the entrance hall’s seating area, with Flavio and Mariano taking seats nearby.
“I understand the French got a hold of Angelo. Fill me in on all the details. What are your plans?” Flavio asks directly, just like me, not beating around the bush. As expected from the Capo of Vegas.
