Luca

Chapter Eight

Romeo’s phone buzzes in his pocket and he curses under his breath.

“What is it?”

He stays where he is, hovering over me. “One of my jobs is basically the accountant and I forgot to go over some of the paperwork,” he answers vaguely. I’m not sure I want the details of this so-called business anyway.

He pecks me on the lips before standing up. Before he opens the door, he turns his head toward me. “I’ll be at the kitchen table, scream if you need me.” He smiles and leaves, shutting the door behind him.

I sigh and turn on my side, pulling the covers up to my chin. It’s late, I should probably try to sleep. I fall asleep rather quickly, but the peaceful rest does not last.

Before long, I find myself in a dark room, surrounded by groans of pain. A light comes on and I see the man from earlier, bruises and blood covering his naked body as he attempts to hide from the monster who did this. I turn, and behind me stands Luca, except here he has horns and fangs.

“Your turn,” he growls, shoving me farther into the room. Dream Luca stalks toward me, a sinister smile on his lips.

“Mel,” he whispers. “Mel!” he shouts, but the voice is not his own. Romeo? I blink open my eyes and see Romeo kneeling on my bed, hands gripping my shoulders.

“Mel? What happened?” Romeo shifts to sit on the bed and pulls me close. I wrap my arms around him, desperate for any comfort he can offer. I squeeze my eyes shut and shake my head against his chest. Romeo plays with my hair with one hand, gently moving it out of my face.

“You need to talk about it, Mel. That helps you let go. It was just a dream.” He whispers.

I shake my head gently. “No. It was real,” I sniff, tears still flowing. Romeo’s arms tighten around me. I look up at him. “Luca, he….” I hiccup.

The muscle in his jaw ticks. “Did he hurt you?” Romeo frantically scans my body for any signs of pain.

“Not physically.” I whisper. He nods and pulls me back into his chest. He rubs my back with one hand and holds me close with the other. After a few breaths, I start to feel sleepy again. “Can you…” I trail off, not sure how he will respond to my request.

“Yes.”

That brings a small smile to my lips. “You don't know what I was about to ask.”

“But I do know who is asking, so I know what my answer will be.”

“Can you stay? I…. I don't know if I'll be able to sleep alone.” I whisper. Romeo lays down with me still on top of him.

“Good night, Mel.”

The next morning, I awake still wrapped in Romeo’s embrace. Soft snoring fills my ears and I feel his warm breath brushing against my ear. I stay still, not wanting to wake him.

After a while, sunlight peaks through the curtains and birds sing quietly outside. Romeo groans and his grip on me loosens.

“Good morning, sunshine,” I say softly.

Romeo hums. Eventually, his beautiful eyes meet mine.

“Morning,” he mumbles grumpily, but the corners of lips turn up.

I sit up and stretch, noticing Romeo’s eyes traveling down my body and pausing where my shirt has ridden up. I choose to ignore him and walk to my closet to get dressed for the day.

Not feeling like wearing pants, I quickly change into a mini sundress with a blue and white floral pattern. As I braid my hair, I step into my bathroom. Romeo stands in front of the mirror attempting to smooth out his shirt.

He looks up and his jaw drops slightly, making all of my insecurities fly out the window.

I brush my teeth as he continues to stare. I smirk and shake my head. He combs through his hair with his hands before heading to the door. I follow him and we step out of my room together. Perhaps not the best choice, but it's the one I made.

Thankfully, only Giovanni is in the kitchen, sipping a cup of coffee and staring through the window above the sink. He turns around and gently sets his mug in the sink.

“You two are lucky that boss left last night.” He looks between me and Romeo and then to Romeo’s hand resting on my lower back.

“She couldn't sleep,” Romeo shrugs.

Giovanni chuckles. “I'm sure you helped, didn't you?”

I feel warmth rise to my cheeks and I am sure they're scarlet. “He did, actually.” I whisper.

Giovanni shakes his head and turns to face Romeo. Before he can say anything, though, Romeo speaks up. “She had a nightmare, dimwit. I just did what any decent man would do.”

“There is no room for decency in our line of work, Rome, you know that. If Luca sees you two,” Giovanni pauses.

“Then screw him. He's the reason Mel was screaming in terror last night.” Romeo clinches his fist.

Giovanni’s eyebrows raise for a moment so short that I'm not sure I saw it, until he speaks. “Mel?”

“Amelia.” Romeo corrects himself even though it's too late. Giovanni nods once and walks away.

I sigh and open the fridge. It's past 5:30 so I need something quick. I look over my shoulder at Romeo, who is staring at Giovanni's back as he disappears down the hallway.

“Want to have my absolute favorite breakfast of all time?” I smile mischievously.

Romeo’s lips break out in a grin, a single dimple on display.