What We Left in the Dark

Sixteen

Luca guided me out of the building, his arm securely around my waist. My mind was still spinning from everything that had happened, the weight of Jason's actions pressing down on me like a suffocating blanket. I felt numb, my thoughts a tangled mess of fear, anger, and exhaustion.

Luca didn't say a word as he helped me into the backseat of a car and slid in beside me. He gave the driver a brief nod, and we were on our way. I glanced at Luca, searching for something—comfort, reassurance, anything to help me feel grounded again—but his expression was unreadable, his jaw set in a tense line.

The silence between us was heavy, but I couldn't bring myself to break it. I leaned my head against the cool glass of the window, my mind still trying to process everything that had happened.

Luca guided me into his apartment, and the moment I stepped inside, I was struck by its sleek and classic design. The space was a perfect reflection of Luca—posh yet personal, with clean lines and elegant furnishings that spoke of understated luxury. The walls were adorned with tasteful art, and the dark wood floors gleamed under the soft lighting. Despite the modernity, there were touches that made it feel like a home—bookshelves filled with well-worn volumes, a plush throw draped over the back of a leather armchair, and a faint scent of cedar lingering in the air.

I felt a sense of calm wash over me, the chaos of the day slowly ebbing away. The apartment was a sanctuary, a place where the outside world couldn't reach me. Luca led me through the living room, where floor-to-ceiling windows offered a stunning view of the city. The lights of Manhattan twinkled in the distance, and for a moment, I was reminded of the night on the riverwalk, where we had looked out at the city together.

"It's nice," Luca said, his voice breaking the silence, "but not as nice as being on the outside looking in, like at your place."

I nodded, understanding exactly what he meant. There was something special about seeing the city from afar, from a distance that allowed you to appreciate its beauty without being consumed by it. Here, in Luca's apartment, the city felt closer, more immediate, but the view still set me at ease.

Luca approached me with a glass of water, setting it gently on the coffee table. Then, without hesitation, he wrapped his arms around me, pulling me into a warm embrace. "I'm here now," he murmured against my hair. "You're safe with me."

I nodded, leaning into his embrace, letting the tension in my body melt away. There was no need to linger on his absence over the past few days; what mattered was that he was here now, and I could focus on that. Luca held me for a moment longer before pulling back, his hands still resting gently on my shoulders.

"Come on," he said softly. "You need to rest."

He led me down a hallway to the bedroom, the space just as inviting as the rest of the apartment. The bed was large and covered in crisp white linens, and the curtains were drawn back to reveal more of the stunning city view. Luca went to a drawer, pulling out a soft, oversized shirt and handing it to me. "You can wear this to bed," he said, his voice tender. "I'll give you some privacy to change."

I took the shirt with a nod, and Luca left the room, closing the door behind him. I changed quickly, slipping out of my work clothes and into the comfort of his shirt. It was soft against my skin, the fabric carrying the faint scent of Luca—something earthy and masculine that made me feel safe.

When he returned, my breath caught at the sight of him. He was dressed in nothing but a pair of loose sweatpants, the fabric hanging low enough to reveal the cuts of his v-line, directing my eyes to heaven. His chest was bare, the muscles of his torso defined in the dim light of the bedroom. He smiled a small, knowing smile as he caught my reaction, a glint of something warm and teasing in his eyes.

He walked over to the bed, peeling back the covers with a smooth, graceful movement. "Get in," he said softly, his voice gentle as he gestured to the bed.

I slid beneath the covers, the sheets cool and comforting against my skin. Luca stood beside the bed for a moment, his gaze lingering on me before he spoke again. "I'll sleep on the couch. Let me know if you need anything."

"No," I said quickly, surprising myself with the urgency in my voice. "Please... stay with me."

Luca's expression softened, his eyes searching mine as if to make sure I was certain. Then, with a slight nod, he slipped into the bed beside me. The mattress dipped slightly under his weight, and the warmth of his body radiated toward me, soothing the lingering unease that had settled in my chest.

We lay there in silence for a moment, the city lights casting a soft glow through the windows. I could feel the heat of Luca's body next to mine, the steady rhythm of his breathing lulling me into a sense of calm. Despite everything that had happened, despite the fear and the anger that still lingered, I felt a spark of something else—something that stirred deep within me as I lay beside him.

Luca turned to face me, his hand reaching out to gently brush a strand of hair from my face. "You're safe here, Catalina," he whispered, his voice low and soothing. "I'm not going anywhere."

I nodded, my heart swelling with gratitude and something more, something unspoken. I closed my eyes, letting the warmth of his presence wrap around me, and for the first time in what felt like forever, I began to drift off into a peaceful sleep, comforted by the knowledge that Luca was right there beside me.