Page 19 of Moonlight & Matrimony
Luca glances down the hallway to make sure Rylin’s out of earshot before leaning his elbows on the island and speaking in a hushed tone. “I want to ask something, but I don’t want to be a dick.”
I sigh, knowing what’s coming next. “Just ask.”
“How is Austin still getting visitation? After everything I’ve witnessed…” His sentence trails off, but I get the gist.
“He took me to court and won. Since there was no official documented history of abuse, it was my word against his and, while I had a stack of screenshots and text messages, the judge didn’t think they were enough to deny him visitation. I had a few photos of some bruises, but without proof of when and where they came from, my lawyer didn’t think they could be used against him. He gets to see her twice a week, unsupervised.”
“That’s bullshit. Can I testify?”
“I don’t think so. Especially not since you’ve claimed me as your fiancée. He’d say you’re lying because of your connection to me.”
“What about the bruises I saw last week?”
“I took photos to bring with me to court next time, but I'm going to be honest — it probably won’t do any good. Austin is well-connected in this town. His sister is close with the judge and, barring a full-on attempted murder, I don’t think I’ll ever win against him.” Luca’s features harden and I shudder. Any time Austin got that look, I paid for it.
He gently places his hand on mine and softens his features. “I’m sorry. It’s not you, Ivy. I’m angry on your behalf. I know we have a lot to talk about, but I meant it when I said I would marry you. I’ll do whatever it takes to help you and Ry.”
“That means a lot to me, but I don’t want to be a burden. You have so much going on with your move and the new job. The last thing you need is to be tethered to a mess like me.”
“Listen, I can’t even begin to grasp everything you’ve been through, but I want to help you. Ineedto help you.”
“But why? Why are you being so nice to me?”
He shrugs. “You’re important to Paige, so that makes you important to me. And that little girl in there deserves better.” Right, because I’m just his neighbor and his sister’s best friend. I pull my hand free and look away.
“How would we even do this? We’d need to establish a relationship history for the courts to believe it. Austin could have you investigated and find out you just moved here. It would seem suspicious that we’re all of a sudden engaged.”
“That’s true, but we can say we met when I moved Paige down last year and sparked up a long distance relationship. Crazier things have happened.” He’s not wrong. Paige and Cade got engaged before ever meeting in person. “Let’s take it oneday at a time,” he adds. “For all we know, they might not even question it. ”
I sip my now lukewarm coffee, weighing the pros and cons of marrying my best friend’s brother.
Pro: It could help with my court case.
Con: He’s Paige’s brother and that might be awkward.
Pro: He’s kind and so sweet to Rylin.
Con: It could make things worse with Austin.
Pro: That fine ass.
Con: Having to be around that fine ass and keep my hands to myself.
When I come up short, unable to think of any more excuses not to go through with things, I slump back in my seat, ready to give in. “Ok. I guess we’re doing this.”
Luca
I didn’t miss the way she pulled away when I told her she’s important to me because of her relationship with my sister. And I’d be a goddamn liar if I said that was the only reason. It might’ve started that way, but it’s so much more than that now. And all that mess she’s worried about? I want to take it all and claim it for myself. I'm drawn to her mess the same way I’m drawn to her strength.
“Maybe we can get lunch at Rosie’s in an hour and talk things through? Evelyn probably wouldn’t mind taking Rylin for a couple of hours,” she suggests, her words laced with uncertainty.
“Sure. Let me head home and shower. I’ll meet you there.” I drain the last of my coffee and set the empty mug in the dishwasher. She watches my movements and I wonder if her ex ever bothered to help out around the house, or maybe she’s justhypervigilant. Whatever the case, it makes me itch to show her what it’s like to have a real partner.
“Okay. Thanks, Luca.”
"What did I say about thanking me?" My voice comes out gruff, and her eyes pierce me with a burning intensity.Snap out of it, man — she’s off limits.
Nevermind the fact that she’s my sister’s best friend, she’s also dealing with a hell of a haunted past. I can’t afford to get any more involved than I already am. This marriage is just for show, no feelings involved.Yeah, keep telling yourself that, dipshit.
