Page 32 of Unbroken (Russo Mafia)

I stroll up the stairs thinking of Charlie, were supposed to get together for supper something that hasn’t happened yet because I can’t get my shit together and call her. She probably thinks I don’t want anything to do with her after laying all my dirty laundry on her. Digging into my pocket I fish my phone out. I scroll until I see her name. My finger hovers over her name. Fuck it.

“Hello Lucca.” She spoke. Her voice sending shivers throughout my body.

“Sorry I didn’t call sooner; it’s been really busy.”

“Mmm, so I’ve been told.” There was an edge to her voice, and I can guess why.

“Your dad told you, didn’t he? I’m awfully sorry, Charlie. That wasn’t my plan. I can explain everything, but I don’t want to do it over the phone. It wasn’t supposed to go the way it did. Whatever Dad told you I’m sure it’s not all true. Fuck. I’m really digging a fucking hole, aren’t I?”

She lets out an exhale. “He did. I think you do owe me. This isn’t helping either of us right now.”

My heart wrenched. She was right. This wasn’t helping either of us. I wanted her so badly. If she can’t forgive me for the past, how can she let me explain the bullshit that’s happening right now.

“Have dinner with me Friday? I swear I’ll make everything up to you, you need to forget about.”

She’s quiet for a while. I’m hoping this is a good sign that she’s taking in what I’ve said. I don’t need her jumping into this if she isn’t all onboard. I want her to have an open mind going forward for now on.

“That would be lovely, Lucca.” There’s her sweet voice again.

I smile at that. “I’ll set everything up. Have a wonderful night, Charlotte.”

“You too Lucca.”

My dreams are going to be filled with visions of nothing but Charlotte until I see her on Friday. I should’ve made plans to see her sooner. At least by then my shoulder will be feeling a lot better she won’t notice. Hopefully.

Friday the day that I’ve been waiting for all week, it hasn’t been going as planned. I’m running behind schedule. I’m ten minutes late from picking up Charlie for our date. If there’s one thing, I can’t stand its people that can’t show up on time and now it’s me that can’t show up on time. I would’ve been here earlier, but something landed on my desk, literally. A box with a severed fucking finger. I need to find the owner, plus the dipshit that delivered it to me.

Pulling in front of Charlie's apartment, I can already tell I don’t approve. When she sent me the address, I knew it wasn’t the best. I didn’t want to say anything, but I don’t think I’ll be holding back. Walking inside I notice it doesn’t have any cameras in the lobby, that’s not a good sign. I press her buzzer and wait. At least this works. The door lock clicks. I walk up the stairs to her floor. I’m taking mental notes of what I need to change, even if she doesn’t want anything to do with me after doesn’t mean I can’t protect her.

When I reach her floor, she’s already locking her door, her back to me. I take in all five foot five of her, standing in a long black dress. Her hair tumbles down her back in beautiful curls. When she turns to me, I lose my breath.

“Cazzo,Charlie. I forget how beautiful you truly are.”

I run my hand along her waist pulling her into my body. Her hand grips my forearm. I try to control myself, but she makes it so fucking hard. I run my lips along her neck, breathing in her sweet scent. She lets out a small moan.

“I’m trying to be a gentleman right now, but you make it really hard.” I pull back to see her suck in her lower lip, her eyes bathed in lust. I reach for her hand leading the way back down the hall. “If we stay here any longer, we won’t get to talking.”

“You’re right, you do have a lot of talking to do if I’m correct about eight years of it.” She smiled a little.

I rub my thumb over the top of her hand to reinsure her, leading her out of the apartment. I scan the street as we approach the range rover. After receiving that lovely gift earlier, I’m not taking any chances. Helping her into the car, I make quick work to my side. Pulling into traffic I head to the restaurant we went to for lunch the very first time.

We get the same table we had the last time; the only difference is I didn’t shut the entire place down. I want Charlie to feel comfortable and if having other people around helps her, then so be it. Once we order, I know it’s time for me to spill fucking everything. With a deep breath, I let it all out.

“The only reason I broke up with you in high school is because my father wanted me too, I had to protect you, he was pissed that I was dating the detective’s daughter, he thought you only wanted me so you can rat me out to your dad. I knew that was all a lie. I didn’t want you because of who your dad was. I wanted you because of you. That’s all. I was trying to protect you. If I didn’t, my dad would’ve come after you. I wasn’t anyone special in the family yet and I didn’t hold any rank. I had no choice, Charlie.

“I’ll never forgive myself for what I did to you, for how I did it to you. You left town before I could talk to you. I never knew if you came home or not. I never asked Scarlett. She hated my guts for what I did. I didn’t blame her. I broke you.”

She covered her mouth with her hand, water rimmed her eyelids. A tremor shook her body. “Why didn’t you tell me this when you broke up with me? It could’ve saved us years of heartache. I went over things in my mind for weeks after the fact, trying to narrow it all down. Wondering what I did wrong, if I was too clingy or was I not good enough in bed. I ruined so many relationships over the years wondering the same thing.”

I raised a hand and stroked her jaw. “You did nothing wrong baby, nothing. It was all me. I’ll never forgive myself for what I said to you.”

She holds my hand to her face, leaning in. “I forgive you Lucca. I understand what you did and why. Blood in blood out.”

“Fuck.” I pull her closer capturing her lips with mine. Her small moan makes me hungry for more. I run my tongue along her lips. She opens for me. I run my tongue along hers. I move my hand into her hair pressing her closer to me. Her lips move with mine just as hungry.

A voice clears their throat. Making us pull apart. Heat invaded Charlie’s skin. I look up to see our waitress with our food. Smiling brightly at her I shoot her a wink. Her cheeks turn pink instantly as well. Once we have our food, we talk about the night of the raid. I tell her my point of view vs her Dads. I also let her know that me talking to her now has nothing to do with wanting to get back at her Dad.

I’m glad we spent this time talking and clearing the air.

---