Page 69 of Luca
My eyes locked on the horizon, the stretch of blue Ionian Sea breathtaking, with the salty breeze in our faces.
“Ours.”
“Hmmm.”
I closed my eyes, suddenly thinking back to the wedding and my curiosity about Marchetti and his relationship with my family. Luca’s reaction to him seemed off, almost protective, which was odd since it was obvious the DiMauros and Marchettis were close. But I needed to know if being in Sicily was going to be dangerous for my daughter and me. I wouldn’t be able to enjoy the honeymoon with that hanging over my head
“Are you feeling okay?” Luca touched my belly. For some reason, he seemed to love touching my belly. Strangely, I didn’t mind it. My chest fluttered each time he touched it, and the baby did extra somersaults.
It seemed little Penelope loved Luca’s touch too. I froze. Penelope? I lowered my eyes to my stomach and I knew, just knew deep down, this was the name for my little girl.
“What is it, Margaret?”
My eyes lifted to him and my lips curved into a smile. “Penelope,” I murmured. “I think that’s the right name.” Something flashed across Luca’s face, and I worried maybe he’d mind having a reminder of his mother. “Unless–”
“I love it,” he rasped. “Nonno might cry when he hears.”
I couldn’t help but smile. “We’ll have to tell him no crying, or we’ll change our minds.”
He smirked. “Nonno will make you promise in blood that the baby's name will be Penelope.”
“Luca?”
“Yes?”
“My brother said there is a vendetta between the Marchettis and Callahans. Is that true?” He nodded. “If that’s the case, I can’t stay here and put my baby at risk.”
“Our baby.”
I sighed. “Luca, you know what I mean.”
“You and the baby are part of the DiMauro family. You’ll always be protected. Your safety is my first priority.”
I believed him. God help me, I really believed him
* * *
We’d been floatingaround this mansion on the water for the past forty-eight hours.
Luca insisted that I take the master suite on the yacht. I wouldn’t hear of it, so when it was bedtime, I snuck off to the first bedroom next to it and fell asleep. By unspoken agreement, all my stuff remained in the master suite.
I laid awake in the middle of the large bed, the sound of waves hitting the side of the boat soothing. Yet, I couldn’t find sleep. The stars glimmered like diamonds through the window, reflecting against the dark surface of the sea. Restlessness I hadn’t felt in a long time crawled up my spine, refusing to let me rest.
Turning to my other side, I pulled the blanket over me. My skin felt tight. The constant splash of the waves egged me on. It ridiculed the fact that I slept alone in my bed. On my honeymoon.
I slid off the bed in a huff. Glancing at the clock, I noted the time. It was eleven at night. Maybe Luca was still awake and he’d keep me company. Barefoot, I padded across the room and out into the hallway. Barely ten steps and I was in front of the master suite’s door.
I knocked softly against the door. No answer. Placing my hand on the door handle, I pushed on it and the door cracked open. It was then that I heard the constant splash of running water. My eyes shifted to the bathroom. The door was cracked open, the light spilling into the room.
“Luca?” I whispered.
No answer. I swallowed hard as my pulse sped up and my breath caught in my throat. I shouldn’t do it. It was clear that Luca was in the shower. Yet, my feet already moved of their own will.
He’s your husband, my mind whispered. There was no harm done if I peeped on my husband.
“Margaret.” A tortured groan. Luca’s voice. An inferno burst through me at the sound of his voice.
I inched closer and closer to the bathroom door. Another soft groan. A rhythmic sound of flesh stroking flesh. The door drifted open and Luca came into full view.
