___________________________Caroline Pov______________________________________
"I swear, I came home to a whole florist, every color of rose you could think of that God created was crammed into our apartment. It was so sweet." I recalled the day I'd come home to tell Luca I was pregnant. I couldn't even get through the door between him kissing me aggressively and all the flowers. I've never had anyone do such a grand gesture for me before. I mean honestly if we had gotten married I would have expected that many flowers for the church service and dinner. He was truly the most generous man I had ever known. I honestly hadn't needed to ask for anything and if I did want to go out, like today with his mom, sister and her baby girl Allegra, he didn't even flinch handing me cash he had on hand. Never counted it in front of me.
I couldn't have asked God above for a better man.
"I need a present for him but I have no idea what to give him, what do you get for a man who can and does buy whatever he wants whenever he wants?" I asked genuinely perplexed. I really wanted to surprise him.
"Oh Bella, you've already given him a precious gift no one else ever has." His sister placed her hand on my stomach and smiled. His mother grinned and nodded.
"You stole that right out of my mouth Cami. You don't need to worry about gifts with Luca. Just being loyal, being a good wife and listening to him is all he really wants, sweetheart." Audrey was quickly becoming like my own mother. Which was good because my paternal mother was gone and my step mother and I never really had a chance to bond. With running away to protect myself I couldn't call and put everyone in danger.
"You could always give him more babies, he'll keep you busy being pregnant. That would be the best gift for him, Caroline." I rolled my eyes. I was never going to get a break. God help me if we have twins!!
" He's going to have to buy us a mansion for all these kids." I joked but the laughter seemed too real.
"Give him time I'm sure he's already planning it." Audrey added with her eyebrow arched. I wasn't sure if she was teasing or not.
"Alright, well let's get the check. I'm ready to spend my brother's money on him." Camellia stood up and waved over the waiter. She was so excited to help me pick out baby stuff. I had warned both women that Luca had ideas too so this was more of a registry day. I loved how involved he wanted to be from clothes, bed lines and maternity clothing for me.
"Camilla." Audrey warned dryly.
"I am too." I said giggling with her.
I needed a day out like this.
Macy's was packed. It didn't matter what level we were on. I felt like a canned sardine trying to get by. Finally someone recognized the elder Mrs. Changretta and we got chairs to sit in while they brought things to us.
I was having so much fun adding stuff and touching all the cute little clothes and things. I kept reminding everyone that I had no idea if it would be a boy or girl yet. Right now I was trying to stay somewhat neutral in colors. This was honestly just more for fun then anything.
"We'll have to use the restroom again so excuse me." I stood starting to walk away as my sister in law called out to me.
"It'll get worse I promise." She yelled. I shook my head as her mama scolded her for being too loud as always.
"Thanks Camilla." I yelled back earning a scoff from my mother in law. I couldn't help myself. I hadn't smiled this much my whole life as I had the night I'd met Luca and now.
On my way back I noticed movement off to my left. A man. This was mostly a women's department and women working as well. I knew instantly it wasn't one of Luca's men. I knew most if not all of them. They also wore very specific suit styles and colors. Red, black and white.
This was purple...shit...Detroit, The Purple Gang. I smiled and nodded my head pretending to be polite as I walked past.
My shoulders were tense, my face felt tight and I knew my eyes were scanning the room as my heart hammered in my chest. If they saw me would they know, where was Matteo?
I practically sped walked up to them and gave Audrey a concerned look. Thank god she could read signals. She instantly stood, snapping her fingers. Matteo materialized from some rack of clothing and reached out to me pulling me closer to the women who were standing and gathering their things.
So much for a fun day out.
"Miss Turner." The man's voice rang out almost taunting me in tone.
"No." I was surprised at how firm my voice sounded considering I could see little black spots in my vision and my breathing was rapid. I shivered.
"Breathe daughter, breathe." Audrey's hand came to rest on my stomach reminding me I was sharing my body. I took some deep breaths. I knew I should be safe but....
"It's Mrs. Changretta." Audrey shot back standing next to me and turning me away from him with a gentle nudge toward the stairs.
Matteo leaned in and said something, I saw his smile when he turned around. He had a wicked grin on his face. New York was bigger than Detroit...hopefully more fierce too.
I knew he was trying to intimidate me, remind me I wasn't untouchable and still on the run. I got the message clear as day. I still wasn't safe.
______________LUCAS POV________________________________
I slammed down the phone receiver seething with anger. Those stupid Detroit fuckers!
My mama had called to tell me they were on their way to my apartment and the altercation at Macys. I knew something had happened because my bond with Caroline flared and I felt the rising panic.
I slammed my hand on my desk causing the maid and my foot soldier to jump. Caroline was going to have to stay in the apartment to be safe. She was going to hate it and I was going to feel like the bad guy even though I knew she wouldn't blame me.
I could skin her father alive! At this point I had to make a call or get a message to him. I needed to get a message across the the Purple gang that my women, Mrs. Changretta was untouchable and with my connections to the other families in New York, any further intimidation tactics would be a full out declaration of war.
"Franco, I need a group of men to go to Detroit. Pack for a few days. I have an address. We need to send a message." I could see the twinkle in my eye from my reflection on my desk. I looked murderous and I was. No one was ever going to touch my women, ever!
"Luca!" I rushed my phone call once I heard her sweet voice ring out through the apartment. The door to my office was locked. I could feel my jaw tightening as I heard her footsteps approaching. I needed to be off this call so I could scoop her into my arms and kiss her senseless. Make sure she is alright.
"Yeah, thank you. Call me as soon as you are in that room. Bye." I placed the phone on the hook and walked to my door unlocking it. Her eyes widened as the door swung open. She'd been about to turn the handle.
"Oh, Tesoro." I grabbed her roughly and pulled her into me, hugging her tightly against me. She couldn't move. I didn't care. I was smelling her hair and feeling her heartbeat through my chest.
"So I hear you ran into an old friend, huh?" I pulled back but kept my hands on her arms so I was still touching her. I needed to feel her.
"Yeah, I guess...not exactly friendly." She was scared, her eyes were wide and her jaw was set. She was still smiling. She was the type to smile through pain. Her voice was soft, betraying her lovely face.
"I'm taking care of it but until I know you are safe. I need you to stay in the apartment and not go out unless it's with me until this thing is over, okay." I prayed to God she didn't fight me. I knew she would. She was a strong, level headed smart lady. All the things I liked in my women.
"No, I'm good with being by my side. That was terrifying, and embarrassing and I'm not just taking care of myself anymore." She said resolutely, placing her hand over her swelling belly.
You could have knocked me over with a feather. She wasn't arguing...she was actually agreeing with me. Either I was making more sense than usual or she was truly that scared. I wasn't sure I was thrilled with either possibility honestly. I didn't like my woman's fire being extinguished.
