“Why can’t I ever just be happy, Luca?”
I wipe away her tears with the pad of my thumb. I don’t have the answers for her. I often think the same fucking thing.
Another loud knock comes from the door.
“You will be. Now is the start of a new life for you, baby. Take it with both hands.” I swallow the lump forming in my throat at what her ‘happy’ might look like. The fact she could find a man, create a family, all without me.
“One last kiss?” My voice shakes.
She wraps her hands around me and squeezes. “No.”
“Please, Rosa. Don’t make me beg.” I’m desperate to have one last taste of heaven before I get sent to hell.
She lifts her head and pouts. “Make it last a lifetime.”
I cup her face and claim her lips for the last time. I kiss her until there is no air left in my lungs. Hoping she understands just how much she means to me, I know it’s already fueling my resolve to get her back.
“You’re perfect, tesoro.”
I rest my forehead against hers, fighting my own tears. Never in my life has a woman stolen my heart.
She goes up on tiptoes, her soft hand stroking my cheek. I lean into her touch, savoring this moment.
“You are perfect, too, Mr. Russo. I’m going to miss you.”
The door bangs again. Those three little words are on the tip of my tongue, but I hold them back. When I do say them again, I will do it properly, and there won’t be a goodbye following it.
I sigh. “You’d best get going.”
She offers me a sad smile as I step away.
She disappears into her room and quickly returns wearing a black sundress, tugging her pink suitcase behind her.
I dart after her and grab the bag to carry it down behind her, dropping it next to her as she slips on her sparkly sandals. I lean on the door frame and watch as she opens it to Frankie. It pisses me off that he can look that happy when I feel this shitty. He pushes up his aviators with a large smile. “Rosa!” He opens his arms to her, and she ducks underneath, dragging her suitcase.
“I just want to go,” she huffs, not looking back at me.
I swallow down the pain.
Frankie watches as she throws her case into the back seat and follows it, pulling the door shut behind her.
“I take it I have making up to do on all fronts.” Frankie shakes his head.
He hurt her. He will have to earn her trust again. The same as he will have to earn mine again.
“Look after her, Frankie.”
I slam the door shut and lean against it. The house is too quiet to be here with my own thoughts. It’s already empty without her.
I can’t handle it. She’s everywhere in my house. Every time I turn around, I’m reminded of her. Even by those stupid hair bands that get everywhere. Her perfume. Her favorite caramel syrup.
I need to remind myself why I’m putting myself through this torture.
So, here I am, knocking at my brother’s front door at eight pm. I can’t shake the fact I think I saw Antonio lurking in the shadows down the road as I drove in.
A reminder of the threat that looms over me.
The door swings open, and Keller greets me with little Darcy nestled in his arms. His face flashes with concern. “Everything okay?”
I step inside and find Sienna chasing Max around the house, his laughter filling the room.
“You need to brush your teeth, young man!” she admonishes once she catches him.
Keller and I both chuckle.
“Drink?” he shouts over his shoulder.
“Please, a fucking strong one.” I follow him into the kitchen.
He bundles Darcy into my arms. I hold her tight against me and kiss the top of her black curls.
As Keller pours the Macallan, I pace around the kitchen, bouncing Darcy up and down, and she giggles. For a moment, I don’t hurt as bad.
“Uncle Luca will always protect you,” I whisper.
Her big dark eyes look up at me, and she gives me a toothy smile.
“Here you go.” He places the glass down on the island. “Let me take Darcy upstairs, then you can tell me what’s going on.”
“Night, night, beautiful.” I scrunch my fingers in an exaggerated wave.
She babbles back, and I laugh. No one will ever lay a finger on her. I would rather die than let anything happen to any of them under this roof. They are my family and I will do everything I can to protect them.
