Before dawn | Dark romance

Chapter 79 - Moments between chaos

As the night unfolds, laughter bubbles up from me more than I expected. It feels liberating, a soft escape from the usual weight of my thoughts. Luca keeps us on the edges of the party, just far enough from the throngs of people so we can breathe and be ourselves. The chatter and clinking of glasses fade into a background hum, and all I can focus on is him.

He looks utterly captivating, like he always does. He is in his tailored suit hugging his form perfectly, accentuating his broad shoulders and slim waist. The way he carries himself—so confidently, so commanding—makes my heart race. There's an energy about him that pulls me in, anchoring me amidst the swirling chaos of the party.

After a while, Luca leans in, his voice low and enticing. "Let's step outside for some fresh air," he suggests, his commanding presence making it feel less like a request and more like an order I'm eager to follow.

"Lead the way," I reply, a smile tugging at my lips as he gestures toward the patio.

Stepping outside, I'm hit by the cool night air, a stark contrast to the warmth of the crowded room. It feels like our own private oasis, a sanctuary amid the chaos of the event. The city lights shimmer in the distance, casting a soft glow around us. I take a moment to breathe it all in, the coolness washing over me, refreshing and exhilarating.

Luca leans against the railing, looking effortlessly powerful, his dark hair slightly tousled by the breeze. He glances at me, a smirk playing on his lips, and I can't help but feel a rush of warmth flood through me. "You'll catch a fly, Madeleine," he teases, hiding his smirk behind a glass of amber liquid. The low light accentuates his chiseled features, giving him an almost ethereal quality.

I roll my eyes playfully, feeling a flutter in my chest. "I'm just admiring the view."

"Good," he replies, his tone shifting to something more serious. "Now, tell me—have you thought about what you want to do with your life?"

His question takes me by surprise. "What do you mean?" I ask, confusion coloring my tone.

"Well," he starts, shifting slightly to face me, his dark eyes piercing yet inviting, "the other day you mentioned you were bored shopping all day, or playing the 'housewife', so what do you want to do then?"

I take a moment, considering my response. It's a question I've wrestled with for the longest time now "I thought about finding a job, maybe save up to go to university. I mean, I have the right papers," I finally say, trying to sound casual but feeling the weight of my aspirations.

He chuckles softly, shaking his head. A glimmer of affection dances in his eyes. "You know money isn't the issue, baby."

"Luca, you've paid more than enough for me," I protest lightly, trying to keep my tone playful. "I've been living off your generosity this entire time."

"So?" His confidence is disarming, but there's a warmth behind it that makes me feel cherished. "You deserve more than that."

"It's not happening. You're not my ATM," I assert, crossing my arms defiantly, though a smile threatens to break through.

He raises an eyebrow, a smirk playing at the corners of his lips. "You think I'm doing this for my benefit? You're worth more than any amount of money, Maddie."

His gaze softens, and I can see the genuine care in his expression. "You wanted to study literature, right?"

A warm rush through me as he remembers the conversation a while ago, back on the rooftop in London. "Yeah, I think so. I don't know yet for sure. I just want to find something I love."

He nods, his expression serious but still inviting. "If you decide to go for it, I have connections at Columbia and NYU. I could pull some strings for you."