Page 47 of Sexted By a Stranger
"Sheila," I grasped her hand, "promise me, don't leave the manor during this time if you can help it. If you absolutely must go out, take Ragnar and the others." I tried to keep my tone light."Recently, some business competitors haven't been playing by the rules. I'm afraid they might get desperate and target you."
She blinked. "Competitors? You mean..."
"Yes," I nodded. "Some people have no bottom line. They'll use any means to strike at opponents. That attack the other day..." I paused. "Very likely their handiwork."
Sheila's expression turned serious. "So you're protecting me?"
"I can't let any harm come to you."
She was silent for a moment, then spoke slowly. "Luca, I know your business is big, you deal with all kinds of people. But I'm not some girl who only knows how to hide behind her man. If there's anything I can help you with..."
Her words made me both touched and pained. She trusted me so much, even willing to share the burden, but she didn't know how bloody and dangerous this "business" was.
"Stellina, you've already helped me the most."
"Me?" She looked confused.
"You've given me something to care about, given me endless strength," I kissed her forehead. "For you, I'd face any challenge."
Tears glistened in her eyes. "Luca..."
"However," my tone turned serious, "I need you to promise that no matter what happens, trust that I can protect you. Even if my methods confuse you temporarily, please remember it's only because I can't lose you."
Sheila stared at me, as if trying to see through me. "Are you hiding something from me?"
My heartbeat skipped. She was indeed perceptive.
"Sheila," I took a deep breath, "when I'm healed, I'll tell you some things. About me, about what we might face. But right now..."
"You're worried I'll be afraid?" she interrupted. "Luca, I love you as a person, not your status or position. No matter who you are, what kind of work you do, that won't change how I feel about you."
Her words made my heart constrict. If she knew I was a mafia don controlling the underworld, that her lover's hands were stained with blood, that we were being hunted by madmen right now...
I could almost see the starlight in her eyes extinguishing bit by bit, replaced by fear and incredulous despair.
No, not the time. At least not now, when I was so weak and she so shaken.
I needed time, needed to heal, needed enough power to control the situation before she could handle that dark world.
"Sheila," I pulled her into my arms, "give me a little time, will you? You need rest now, and so do I. Promise me, take care of yourself, okay?"
She nodded in my arms. "Okay. But Luca," she looked up at me, "you promise me too—rest! Now! Immediately! Whatever earth-shattering business can wait until you can sit up without breaking into cold sweats." Her fingertips lightly brushed the bandage edges. "Your job right now is to heal, Mr. Luca Bellomo."
I tightened my arms, guilt and self-reproach flooding like a tide.
"Yes, ma'am."
"Alright, enough of that." I forced myself to release her, switching to a lighter tone. "How about your latest designs? Any new inspiration these days?"
Sheila's eyes suddenly lit up. "Yes! While taking care of you these days, I thought of a theme about protection. I want to design a necklace set symbolizing protection and loyalty..."
Listening to her excitedly describe her design concepts, watching the light sparkle in her eyes, my mood improved slightly. At least right now, in this manor under my protection, she could maintain this innocence and passion.
I would guard this light with my life. Whether Connor stood in the way, or the Direwolf Bratva, or all of hell itself.
"Sounds wonderful," I praised sincerely. "When you finish the design, I must be the first to see it."
"Of course," she smiled. "You're always first."
