Page 11 of Flawed

Oh God!

I don't know what Luca would say if I told him I was pregnant. As much as I want to know how he'd react, I remind myself who he is and what that means. I curse myself for the millionth time for being stupid enough to go home with him. He was a stranger. What was I thinking?

Luca returns to the room, tearing me out of my thoughts. He has a spoonful of honey. He holds it next to my mouth, ordering, "At least take this."

I hesitate, then I ask, "What is it? "

Amusement fills his expression. He chuckles. "You're really a spitfire, aren't you?"

Not sure if it was a compliment or an insult, I ask, "What does that mean?"

"It's honey. You can see that it's honey. However, you still question me, trying to fight me, as if I'm somehow going to sneak medicine on this dollop and trick you," Luca reveals, but I don't miss the hurt in his voice.

I instantly feel guilty. I reach for the spoon, but Luca won't hand it to me.

He demands, "Open your mouth, stellina."

I decide it's best not to argue. If he's ever going to leave, I need to do what he says right now. And I wonder which of us is more stubborn.

He shakes the spoon in front of my lips, practically singing, "Come on, sexy. Take it."

My heart swoons. I'm as far from sexy right now as I could be, but I still like that he seems as attracted to me as the night we met. So I swallow the honey, and he hands me a glass of water. I take several sips then hand it back to him and question, "Are you happy now?"

Luca's lips twitch. He shakes his head and states, "No. I'd feel much better if you took the medicine."

"That's not happening, so I suggest you stop talking about it. Thank you for all your help. I appreciate it. Truly, I do. Now I think it's time that you leave," I repeat, even though my insides are screaming not to let him go.

Luca does the opposite of what I tell him and slides right back into bed. He tugs me into his arms.

I want to push him away. Well, I don't really want to push him away, but my mind tells me I should. Instead, I give in to my desires and snuggle closer to him, enjoy every second of his warm arms around me, and listen to his heartbeat. My inner voice yells at me to think about the baby. Yet, I'm too physically and emotionally weak to remove myself from Luca's embrace.

He kisses my temple then murmurs in my ear, "See, isn't this a lot nicer?"

I yawn, suddenly super tired. I don't answer him. I tighten my arm around his rock-hard torso and eventually drift off to sleep.

When I wake up, it's dark. Part of me wonders if Luca really wasn't here, but I can still smell his white musk and patchouli cologne and the faint scent of weed lingering in the air. It wafts in my nostrils even though my nose is pretty stuffed up. It's a cruel reminder of how I want but can't ever have Luca again.

I force myself out of bed. I go into the other room and call out, "Luca? Are you still here?"

Everything is silent. I decide he must've left, and when I go to the front door, my dead bolt is bolted. It confuses me even more. If he's not in my apartment, then how is it locked?

I glance around my tiny space, but he's nowhere. I finally go back to my bedroom, turn on the light, and that's when I see it.

There's a piece of paper on my nightstand. I pick it up and read his note.

Stellina,

I hadsome business I had to take care of. I'll be back as soon as possible. Make sure you drink lots of fluids and take more honey until I can get some better supplies for you. I left them on the tray.

XOXO,

Luca

I studythe tray of bottled juices, honey, and the spoon. Then I reread the note several times.

He's coming back.

I reprimand myself for my insides doing the happy dance.

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