Page 21 of The Hitman's Secret Baby
And as for me, I hadn't forgotten the way I'd felt under his gaze.
I hadn't spoken a word to him, but later on, when cornered me in the gazebo and challenged me in a way I'd never dreamed was possible, I surrendered like a rabbit to a wolf.
Luciana's words echo now in the small room, half-teasing, half-knowing, but I don't need her to finish the thought.
She saw him once, but I've never stopped seeing him.
And no matter how far I run, no matter how well I bury the truth beneath layers of silk and obedience, I know exactly where my mind drifts the moment my guard slips.
Luciana cackles, pointing at me. "You're blushing."
I scowl. "I amnotblushing."
She only grins wider. "You're picturing him, aren't you? I bet you're thinking about his hands. Among other things, haha!"
I groan, dropping my head into my hands as she dissolves into laughter.
"You're the worst," I grumble.
Luciana takes another bite, chewing smugly. "You love me."
I shake my head, but my lips twitch. "Not as much asyoulove—" I pause for effect, meeting her gaze before finishing, "Damiano Russo."
Luciana chokes on her pizza.
I smirk as she coughs, pounding her chest, eyes wide. "Excuse me?" she wheezes.
"Oh, you heard me." I lean forward, resting my chin in my palm. "I see the way you watch him."
Luciana's face darkens to a deep shade of crimson. "Ido notwatch Damiano Russo."
I let out a softtsk, enjoying the rare moment of turning the tables on her.
"You absolutely do. Every time he's on duty in the courtyard, you suddenly find reasons to take the long way around."
"That is slander," she hisses, but she refuses to meet my eyes.
"Damiano," I repeat, dragging out the name just to watch her squirm. "Big, broody, always standing around like a statue carved out of pure irritation."
Luciana huffs, grabbing another slice as if she can chew her way out of this conversation. "I don't know what you're talking about."
I grin. "Yousodo."
She shoves the pizza into her mouth, cheeks burning as she chews aggressively.
I chuckle, shaking my head as I push my plate away.
The teasing has done its job, offering a brief, well-timed reprieve from the pressure building behind my eyes.
For a few blessed minutes, it almost felt like an ordinary night.
But warmth fades, laughter dies down, and reality always has a way of pulling its chair back up to the table.
I take a slow breath and press my fingers against the edge of the seat, grounding myself.
The thought I've been avoiding isn't going to wait quietly much longer.
"Luciana."
