Leading Her from the Darkness

CHAPTER 19

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I am sitting on the couch, nervously bouncing my leg while I wait for Luca to arrive. Lily had left about ten minutes prior to go meet up with Zach. She is going to be spending yet another night with him, but at least I'll have my privacy for whatever covert conversation I am about to have. My mind is reeling, trying to make heads or tails of what had him so apprehensive back at the shop.

As if the universe could sense my spiraling, I hear a sharp knocking sound echo throughout the apartment, signaling Luca's arrival. I jump up and make my way to the door, taking a deep breath before opening it to greet him.

"Hey Luca," I greet him with a timid smile.

"Hey," he almost whispers as he steps inside, shutting the door behind him. I walk over to the kitchen counter where I had placed his jacket and grab it, awkwardly handing it over.

"I think this belongs to you," I laugh nervously.

"Thanks." He reaches out to grab it from me, and his fingers brush over mine, lingering for just a moment before finally retracting.

"Sooo... what is it you wanted to talk to me about? Why was Charlie glaring at you like a child who just got reprimanded back at the bookstore? And why did you both keep staring at me like I was somehow at fault?" I ask, pivoting on my feet anxiously and wrap my arms around my torso protectively.

He sighs and motions us over to the couch to sit. I follow hesitantly, shuffling my feet behind him. We end up sitting next to each other, but I turn my body to face him. I cross my legs to get comfortable and motion my hand out toward him to continue.

"He is just trying to make sure I don't piss off Dawson. Well, more-so than I already have, anyway. I work with him and he's not really the person whose shit-list you want to be on." His statement causes me to tilt my head in confusion and mindlessly pick at the torn fabric of my jeans.

"What do you mean by that? How did you piss him off?" I question.

"Well... you." He takes a deep breath, "There are things about him you don't know, but it's not my business to tell you. Just believe me when I say that 'Angry Dawson' is not someone you want to mess with." His words just cause me to have even more questions.

"Me? What about me? Dawson and I haven't been on speaking terms for the last two weeks, so I'm not sure why he would be pissed off." I take a second to run my fingers through the ends of my hair, attempting to calm my thoughts. Then I add, "Is there any reason I should fear him?" I whisper faintly, nervous of the answer.

He shakes his head, "You really don't get it, do you? In his eyes, you are his. Just because you guys fought, doesn't mean that he hasn't staked his claim. And when Dawson wants something... or in this case, someone - that means everyone is a threat. Even me." He avoids my second question, but I decide not to push it, knowing that he will not tell me for the sake of his friendship.

"First of all, I do not belong to anyone. I have made that clear to him since day one. I. Don't. Date." I take a deep breath, trying to gather my emotions as I grow increasingly irritated. "Second, what does this have to do with you? You helped me when I needed someone. He should be thanking you, not pissed off at you."

Luca rubs both of his hands over his face, taking a ragged breath, uncomfortable talking about all of this.

"I mean, he does have a reason. The night at the bar when we were talking at the counter... I was drawn to you. Much like Dawson was at the pub, I assume. I saw a fighter in you. Not just regarding the attack, but a fighter in life. I knew that I wanted to know you and that I wanted to be the one to protect you," he confesses, his blue eyes flickering between mine.