24. Aria

Retail therapy is real. But as much as I love having new things, the therapeutic aspect is being with my friends. For the most part, we peruse baby shops, buying things for Lucy's baby. But I also buy items for my niece and nephew and for Kate's baby. We have lunch at a nice rooftop restaurant where I soak up the sun and the sounds of the city. I miss this place, but not so much that I feel a pull to it. The pull is to Luca. I miss his villa by the sea. I miss Roberta and the other staff who I'm sure are amused by my inability to speak to them but are patient with me. I even miss Bianca. She'd have loved today's shopping spree. Maybe someday, I can bring her to New York to join us. Mostly, I miss Luca. I miss the way he looks at me like I'm the center of the world. I miss hearing his voice and am trying hard not to let my mind think the worst about our inability to connect.

When the afternoon is done, Bruno escorts me back to the hotel.

"You look like you enjoyed yourself," he says next to me in the car.

I glance at him, wondering if he's feeling out whether or not I plan to stay instead of returning to Italy. "I did. It distracted me from not talking to Luca. Is he okay?"

Bruno nods but then looks out the window. It sends a sliver of concern through me.

"What's going on?"

"Nothing."

"Does it have to do with Electra? Is she still trying to get her claws in him?" My tone and expression are tough, but inside, I realize I have some fear that Bianca and the wives are right. Their men like to have extra women on the side.

"Electra is dealt with."

"How?"

Bruno shifts uncomfortably. That concern inside me grows.

"What, Bruno? What has Luca done to deal with Electra?" I'm terrified of both possibilities—that he killed her or he's taken her to his bed.

"I will take her south."

I gape. "Is that code for send her to hell?"

His eyes widen in surprise. "No. It means I'll marry her and move her south to run things for Don Conte there."

"You'll marry her?" This makes no sense.

He looks out the window again. "The baby is probably mine."

"Probably?" Did Luca and Bruno share her?

"It's not Luca's, if that is concerning you."

I believe him, and because I do, relief fills me. "Do you love her?"

"No. But I like the idea of being a father."

I smile. "I think you'll be a good one. You've been taking good care of me."

His smile to me is genuine. "Grazia."

We arrive at the hotel and head up to my suite. I plan to try again to call Luca. I may have to cut this trip short if I don't talk to him soon.

Bruno opens the door, and I step in. Movement near the window has me sucking in a breath of air.

Bruno must have seen it too as he steps in front of me and pulls his gun. "Who's there?"

Luca steps from the shadows, his arms up in surrender.

"Luca?" I ask, both confused and joyful.

A warm smile spreads across his face as he moves his arms open for an embrace. "Aria."

I feel a deep sense of belonging and throw my arms around him, kissing him passionately. Luca returns the kiss, his strong arms enveloping me.

"What are you doing here?"

"I couldn't be away from you one minute more."

I turn to Bruno. "Did you know he was coming?"

"I did not."

That surprises me. I look at Luca.

He gives me a sheepish smile. "I acted impulsively. I missed you, and so I got on a plane and here I am."

"I thought you couldn't come."

"I decided I'd risk it to see you. Paolo is watching things, although I'd like for you to return to Italy, Bruno."

"I should stay and protect you," Bruno says.

"I'd feel better with you managing things in Italy. Oh, and that issue we discussed before? It's resolved. Rocco Perotta is dealing with it."

Bruno's brows knit together.

"It's Rocco's responsibility," Luca says.

Bruno sighs, almost looking disappointed. "Grazia. I'll take my leave."

When Bruno leaves, I turn my attention to Luca. "What's that about?"

"Just an issue that's dealt with."

"Is this about Electra? He told me he was going to marry her because he was her baby's father."

Luca arches a brow, but his smile is amused. "He told you that, did he?"

"Yes. I think he likes me."

Luca laughs. "Everyone likes you, Mio Angelo. As far as Bruno, it turns out he isn't the father."

"Rocco is?"

Luca nods.

"Who is Rocco?"

"He works for me at a port in southern Italy. Is this what we're going to talk about? I've flown all the way from Italy, risking life and limb."

I loop my arms around his neck. "What would you rather talk about?"

"How much I missed you?" He pulls me close, his lips brushing against my forehead.

"I missed you too." I kiss him, coaxing him into one of those molten hot lip locks that make my toes curl. His hands slide down my back, covering my backside and pulling me close. His erection is hard against my belly. It sends liquid heat to my pussy.

"Perhaps we can talk later," he murmurs against my neck.

"Yes." My fingers undo the buttons of his shirt. Like a switch is flipped, our hands are a flurry of movement. Our clothes lie in our wake as we move to my room.

"I'm glad you're here," I say as I tug him on the bed over me.

"It fills my heart to hear you say that." He kisses me again, firmly, fully, passionately.

My body is on fire with need. "Luca, now. Please, now…"

"Normally, I'd like to take my time, but I find I'm as desperate as you, Mio Angelo." He levers back, sitting on his heels. He tugs my legs over his thighs, positioning his dick at my entrance.

His eyes are filled with a wild heat, but also with something more. Something I hope is love. Our gazes hold as he thrusts inside. Pleasure erupts. I arch back, my eyes closing to manage the delicious sensations.

"Watch me, Aria. Watch me make you come."

It takes a great deal of effort, but I open my eyes, meeting Luca's. They're intense, filled with heat and passion. His fingers grip my hips as he moves in and out, steadily building tension inside me.

"Do you feel me, Mio Angelo?"

"Yes."

"I'm in you. A part of you."

"Yes."

He lets out a feral growl. "Only me. You're mine." His thrusts become harder, faster, and I can barely breathe as I'm pushed to the edge.

"Only me. You're mine," I repeat back to him, not wanting to be simply his belonging. I want us to belong to each other.

He gives me a slight nod. "Come, Aria. Take me to heaven with you."

He drives in, grinding against me, hitting the spot that sends me rocketing out to oblivion. I cry out, my body going taut.

"Fuck… yes." He lets go, his body rocking, bucking, filling me with a part of him. Together we move, our bodies coming together like they're made for each other.

He collapses over me, his breath hard and heavy against my neck. "I love you, MioAngelo."

My heart stops. I turn my head toward him. He lifts his, looking at me. For the first time ever, I see vulnerability. I realize he's given me something he's never given anyone.

"I love you, Luca."

Relief spreads on his face and he kisses me. This is all I've ever wanted. I understand that there is still much for us to work through. Life isn't always smooth sailing. But with his words, I feel like I've found my place. I fall asleep in his arms feeling like I'm finally home.

I wakeup still wrapped in Luca"s strong embrace. A contented sigh escapes my lips.

Luca stirs beside me, pressing a gentle kiss to my forehead. "Good morning, my love," he murmurs, his voice rough with sleep.

I smile up at him, my fingers tracing the defined lines of his jaw. "Good morning." I nestle closer, reveling in the warmth of his body.

My stomach growls.

Luca chuckles. "Hungry?"

I smile sheepishly. "Apparently."

Luca reaches for the phone, ordering a decadent breakfast from room service. The simple gesture makes my heart swell with affection. He always takes such good care of me. Not that I need to be taken care of, but it's nice to feel nurtured. I should probably do the same for him.

We kiss for long moments, but then Luca rises from bed, getting a robe from the closet. "If I don't stop now, our breakfast will arrive and get cold."

It would be worth it to me, but I get out of bed too, slipping on a second robe Luca holds up for me.

We move to the main area of the suite just as a knock comes on the door.

"They are fast," Luca says as he goes to open it. He pulls the door open and immediately is shoved back. I gasp as I see a man with murderous eyes bearing down on Luca.