Luca

Chapter Seven

The walk-in closet is huge and filled to the brim with clothes, all in my size and new with tags still on. I find athletic clothes in one of the drawers.

When Romeo is gone, I change into light purple leggings and a matching sports bra and tennis shoes and walk back to the gym since it's not time for dinner yet.

I use the treadmill to warm up and then move on to body weight exercises.

I think about what to make for dinner while doing a cool-down yoga flow. I decide on a simple baked chicken, roasted veggies, and rice.

I fix my ponytail on my way to the kitchen but stop before entering. Luca stands by the island, talking on the phone. He mutters something and hangs up.

“It's five o'clock, piccola.” His lips are pressed into a thin line.

“I know, sir. Dinner won't take long,” I whisper.

His gaze trails down my body, analyzing my outfit. “I see you found the gym.”

“Yes I…” Will Romeo get hurt again if Luca knows he gave me a tour? “I found it.”

Luca steps toward me. I don't dare step back even though I desperately want to. My eyes dart to the side, not able to force myself to make eye contact with the monster.

“Did someone show you around?”

When I don't answer, he grips my chin between his thumb and forefinger and tilts my head up to face him. 

“I am going to ask one more time. Did someone show you around?” He commands, hints of anger in his tone.

“Yes.” I whisper.

He smiles briefly. “Who, piccola?”

“Please don't hurt him.”

He laughs darkly. “Romeo?”

The look on my face must give it away. He lets go of my face and storms up the stairs.

I watch him until he disappears behind his bedroom door.

I really hope he doesn’t hurt Romeo more. He didn’t do anything wrong, it’s not like he kissed me. Which, for the record, would not be wrong because I do not belong to Luca. No matter what he says.

I cook dinner and have it ready at exactly six pm. Despite my worrying for Romeo’s well-being, I smile, proud of myself for my accomplishment.

Luca walks down the stairs, smirking when he sees me. He’s got to be planning something.

He starts to make his plate when Romeo and Giovanni walk in the door. They’re having a conversation that I can’t focus enough to eavesdrop on due to Luca’s staring. I try to subtly glare at him. I want to eavesdrop.

Romeo looks to Luca and then to me, a question in his eyes.

As we eat dinner, the men talk about business but not specifically enough that I’m intrigued or entertained, much to my dismay. If I’m gonna stay here, I at least want some tea.

A mischievous smile forms on Luca’s lips and he turns his head to look at Romeo. “Romeo.”

Romeo gently lays his fork on his plate. “Boss?”

Luca stands. “Let’s take a walk.” He leads Romeo out through the front door. Romeo glances at me while Luca’s back is turned.

Giovanni’s eyebrows raise, but he says nothing.

Once Giovanni is finished eating, he places his plate in the sink and walks to his room, nodding at me as he leaves. I guess that’s a “thank you”?