You are mine

He came back to me ruined.
But not by heartbreak... by love.
When my childhood best friend Luca showed up at my door after disappearing for years, I thought he needed a place to stay.
A friend to lean on.
A soft bed and a warmer home.
But he insisted on sleeping close.
First on the floor.
Then beside my bed.
Then with his hand wrapped in mine like he'd die if he let go.
And I let him.
God, I let him.
Until the night I pulled away-and something in him cracked open.
He overheard my parents arranging a date for me.
And the boy I knew became the man he always hid underneath:
Cold.
Jealous.
Devoted.
Unhinged.
He looked at me like I was the only thing he ever wanted.
"Aria, you're not going anywhere.
You're the only girl I've ever loved.
I came back for you.
I already told our parents.
Now I just need to make sure you stay mine."
I thought he needed saving.
Turns out he came back to claim me.
And I don't know which part scares me more-the way he loves me...
...or the way I'm starting to love him back.