Chapter 82
Chapter 38
Amber lay awake, staring at the ceiling in the dim glow cast by the bedside lamp, unable to calm her racing thoughts. Nico’s innocent words echoed in her head, and she clutched the sheets tightly, waiting with bated breath. She needed answers, and there was only one person who could give them. Sleep felt a million miles away as her heart pounded harder with each passing moment, her pulse accelerating when she finally heard Luca’s car rolling into the driveway.
Her gaze fixed on the door, Amber waited as the sounds outside played out in familiar sequence—the soft click of the garage, the hum of the engine, the slight slam of the door. Footsteps followed, approaching her room but halting just past her door. The silence thickened, and Amber held her breath, only relaxing when she heard the faint creak of his bedroom door closing. She didn’t wait long before slipping out of bed and padding down the hallway, her mind a whirlwind as she made her way to his room.
Her knock was soft, hesitant. “Luca?” she called, her voice barely above a whisper.
From inside, his sleepy voice beckoned her in. “May I know to what I owe this pleasure at such an hour, *mio piccolo passero*?” The endearment caught her off guard, her cheeks flushing as she fumbled her way into the dim room, struggling to find the light switch.
Amber cleared her throat, trying to sound steady. “I was talking to Nico, and… he said some things—”
“What things?” His voice was a low murmur, laced with a warmth that prickled her skin. “Come closer, *cara*. I can’t hear you from there.” His tone was laced with something both familiar and dangerous, a whisper that seemed to pull her forward against her better judgment.
Ignoring the warning bells in her mind, Amber took another step forward. She was barely a foot from the edge of his bed when, without warning, Luca’s arm shot out, pulling her onto the mattress beside him in one smooth motion. Before she knew it, she was pressed against his bare chest, her body entangled with his. Her protests were muffled as he tightened his hold, leaving her struggling but helplessly aware of the warmth radiating between them.
“Luca, let go of me!” She twisted in his arms, but it was no use. His grip was strong and unyielding, and every movement seemed only to pull them closer.
He chuckled softly, his fingers tracing soothing circles on her back as he held her in place. “*Shh*, *piccola*, stop fighting. You’re just making this harder on yourself.” His voice was low, steady, but she felt the unmistakable press of him against her, her struggles only intensifying his obvious desire.
Amber’s breath hitched as the familiar scent of him—woody and faintly spicy—wrapped around her, making her head spin. Her mind screamed at her to get out of his grasp, but her body betrayed her, leaning into his warmth, remembering the comfort she’d once found there.
“Please, Luca,” she whispered, her voice filled with a desperation she tried to suppress. “Let me go. This is… this is a mistake.”
He sighed, his hand sliding down her back as he held her firmly. “I’ll let you go,” he murmured. “As soon as you tell me what’s bothering you so much that you couldn’t wait until morning.” His tone was gentle but unwavering, forcing her to focus on the truth she’d come to confront.
“Nico said…” She hesitated, the words catching in her throat. “He said you told him you were going to marry me again.” Her voice was barely a whisper, but she could feel his chest vibrating beneath her as he chuckled softly, almost amused.
“Did he now?” Luca’s voice held an undeniable warmth. “Well, I did wonder how long it would stay a secret…” His hand moved to cradle her face, lifting her gaze to meet his in the dim light.
Amber stared at him, her pulse racing as she tried to comprehend the absurdity of his words. “You can’t be serious, Luca,” she protested, the anger and confusion clear in her eyes. “You’re set to marry Carlotta in a few weeks. This is… this is madness. You’re playing games, and I won’t let you drag Nico into it.”
He watched her, his eyes softening as she fought back tears, her vulnerability evident. Then, without warning, he cupped her face in his hands, his mouth crashing down on hers with an intensity that stole her breath. His lips were warm and unyielding, each kiss igniting a fire that she’d tried so hard to bury.
Amber gasped as his hands moved with confident familiarity, his touch reigniting memories she’d locked away, his fingers tracing the curve of her neck, moving down the lines of her body with reverence and need.
“Luca,” she managed to gasp, pushing at him even as her body betrayed her, shivering beneath his touch. “Stop… what are you doing…”
He pulled back just enough to look into her eyes, his own gaze fierce and unwavering. “You don’t get it, do you, Amber? I’m doing what I should have done three years ago,” he murmured, his fingers gently brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. “I’m never letting you go again.”
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