De Luca

𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐞

Andre and I took a detour, we stopped at a cafe that overlooked a beach. Taking time to talk over a chai latte and sandwiches.

We arrived at the house somewhere around six in the afternoon. When I got out of the car I was surprised to see the kids a sobbing mess, they ran from Vanessa to me.

I bent down so I was level with their height and wrapped them both in a tight hug.

"Why are you two crying?" I asked as my voice wavered, wanting to cry along with them.

It was nice to be back home.

Rosa sniffed "W-we missed y-you." she said between hiccups and stutters, after her words she let out another sob and hugged my bruised neck tightly.

I couldn't help the tears that streamed down my face. I cradled the two in my arms, stroking both of their heads.

We stayed there for a few minutes before they calmed down and backed away with a kiss on their foreheads. I stood and had just enough time to balance myself before Vanessa had her arms wrapped tightly around me.

Even she was crying.

I let her hold me in her motherly embrace. After her gentle hug which lasted for quite a while came Marias quick embrace, she pulled back with a kiss to my cheek.

I sniffled and wiped away my tears with the back of my palms.

I looked around for a certain tall handsome Italian but couldn't find him, making my heart drop.

Vanessa stroked the side of my face, as she took in my bruised neck and face, spending more time looking at the healing bruise around my eye.

"Everyone missed you dearly." she said with a raw throat.

I forced a smile, looking at her.

She sniffled, dropping her hand.

"He's waiting in your room."

"I promise I'll come down soon."

"Rest up dear, I'll see you tomorrow."

I kissed her cheek in gratitude before making my way up to my room. I stood in from of my door with fresh tears in my eyes, my hand hovering above the doorknob.

What will he act like when he sees me? Will he be mad? Should I still be angry at him?

"Last night was bad. It should've never happened. You and I can never get close."

"Look, I know-"

"No, I don't think you do. My men are starting to doubt me because I haven't done anything about the situation we're in, especially with the Valentino's now starting to attack my men in New York. I'm being called weak, and that is not a good thing at all."

"Well why are you blaming me!" I almost shouted as I threw my hands up in the air.

"Because since you have been here I haven't gotten as much work done as I would."

"And that's my fault!" I yelled this time.

"In a way yes."

I sighed dropping my hand, letting it rest by my side.

Suddenly the door opened. Just like that night he had shared everything with me. But this time Elias pulled me into his chest immediately, holding me so close as if he were trying to make us one.

My eyes were wide and I stood tense, but in a second I softened up to him, breathing in his scent and taking in his warmth.

My heart beat rapidly in my chest, I almost thought it was going to explode.

It wasn't long before I let myself go, feeling safe in his arms. I let out a sob as I clutched to his shirt. My legs giving out from underneath me. If it hadnt been for Elias holding me tightly I would have drop to the floor.

Time seemed to blur. Really I didn't need it, because I was here with Elias, safe in his arms.

"I-i killed him." I sobbed into his chest.

One of his arms moved to stroke my hair "I know, I know." he spoke softly.

He picked me up. I heard a close of a door before we walked over to the bed and laid down on it. My face buried in his chest and his arms wrapped around my body, holding me together.

I'm sure it took hours for the tears to stop pouring from my eyes. My throat was sore and I had no doubt my eyes were puffy and red, my nose and cheeks were definitely a rosy colour too.

Elias hadn't let go of me once, always trying my hair and whispering soothing words to me.

I sniffled looking up at him, it took a minute for his fascinating eyes to connect with mine. He moved his hand to caress my check, his thumb gently wiping away any tears.

He kissed my forehead and moved his hand back to stroking my hair "Leave the questions for tomorrow, rest for now." he spoke.

I didn't argue, feeling exhausted from all the crying. So I snuggled deeper into his embrace and closed my eyes.

_________

Short chapter but I just wanted Elias and Grace to have their own thing.

Who loved their moment?

But what's going to happen in the morning?

Also thoughts on the new book I'm going to start (Mister Arlington) it's about the royal leader Tobias Arlington.