Page 52 of Sexted By a Stranger
"Really? Who is it?"
"A professor from the New York Academy of Art who specializes in classical painting techniques. He's seen Leon's work and says he has real talent." Luca's voice carried a note of pride, as if he were bragging about his own family.
My heart warmed. "Leon's so lucky."
"His talent shouldn't be wasted." Luca smiled. "As for your mother—if she wants work, I can arrange a light position; if she prefers rest, that's her call." He met my eyes. "Which do you think she'd choose?"
"Mom's the type who can't stay idle, but she might need time to adjust to this new rhythm of life."
"Then let her settle in with rest first," he decided.
Evening fell, and dinner at the estate was especially lavish. Mom and Leon were both dressed up, their faces glowing with long-absent joy.
"Mr. Bellomo," Mom raised her wine glass, "thank you for everything you've done for us."
"Please, call me Luca, Mrs. Black." Luca's voice was warm. "Sheila's family is my family."
Leon said excitedly, "Luca, is the art teacher really coming tomorrow?"
"Of course." Luca smiled. "Professor Smith will personally instruct you. He says you have excellent color sense."
"I'll work really hard." Leon's eyes shone even brighter.
Mom watched her son's excitement, her eyes full of gratitude. "Luca, we really don't know how to repay you."
"Just make yourselves at home here," Luca answered seriously. "Sheila's smile is the greatest reward I could ask for."
Watching this warm scene, I felt a powerful surge of contentment.
This was the life I wanted—family together, my loved one beside me, everyone healthy and happy.
After dinner, Mom and Leon were settled in the guest rooms. After seeing them off, Luca and I strolled through the garden.
"Today was really wonderful."
"I could tell." He held my hand. "You've been glowing all day."
"Luca," I suddenly wanted to ask him something, "have you ever thought about the future?"
"What do you mean?"
"I mean, after you heal, after… everything settles down." I looked up at him. "What kind of life do you want?"
Luca gazed at me, complex emotions flickering in his eyes. "What about you?"
"A small jewelry studio where I can create my own designs; Mom not having to frown over bills anymore; Leon painting freely at the best academy…" I took a deep breath. "And you, coming home for dinner every night."
Luca was quiet for a long time—so long I thought he wouldn't answer.
"What you want is what I want," he finally said.
He gripped my hand tightly, as if holding onto everything he had in the world.
Chapter 17
Luca
Morning light streamed through the dining room's tall windows, casting warm patches across the polished mahogany table. The gentle clink of silver against porcelain filled the air as Aria softly encouraged Leon to eat more of his scrambled eggs. Sheila sat across from me, taking small sips of milk, sunlight dancing across her thick, lowered lashes and leaving scattered golden shadows.
