L'amore: The Luminara Series

by SJ Molloy

  Hmmm …

  Kimberley drops her face towards the table when she notices Lucca’s intimacy with me. She stares at my ring then excuses herself to use the restrooms. Anna follows her. They return just as the bottles of wine are being delivered to the table. Kimberley’s eyes are red and wet—she has been crying.

  Fuck!

  File P for predicament. Predicament to be in even before we have wine.

  “Are you okay?” Lucca whispers in my ear, sensing I’m tense. His hot breath warms my neck, causing sweet flutters in my core because of his compassion and protection.

  I relax, lowering my shoulders, and turn around to face him. “Yes, I’m fine. I love you,” I whisper back, suddenly feeling very possessive of him in this moment. Embarrassed by my confession in such a public place, I drop my chin, but he automatically lifts it, leaning over to kiss me softly on my lips. It doesn’t go unnoticed.

  “You got it bad, mate,” Omari says. Chris chuckles and Lucca scoffs at the two of them.

  “Can you two give it a rest? Honestly, you cannot even stop touching each other at dinner,” Anna blurts out, drawing attention to us.

  Kimberley looks green and I’m sure I’m flaming red.

  I straighten up to look at the menu once Lucca has removed his lips in his own time, ignoring Anna’s remark.

  After a beautiful meal of antipasto, breads, oils, Carpaccio, scallops, mushroom risotto, and a generous amount of Pinot Grigio wine, we are all more than satisfied. The conversations are in full swing, and I feel more relaxed. Kimberley has loosened up, but she glances every now and then towards Lucca and continually seeks approval. This is really irritating me, even more than Omari with his wanting eyes, absolutely intrigued with Lucca and I. Maybe Omari is just protecting his mate the same way my girls are with me because our relationship has progressed very quickly.

  I excuse myself to use the bathroom, and when I stand, all the men stand with me. “Please, sit down. Thank you, but there is no need to stand,” I nervously direct towards the table.

  Suzanne smiles and the remaining company nod. Lucca brushes his fingers across my wrist before I walk off.

  As I’m applying some gloss, the restroom door opens, and Kimberley joins me. Reluctantly, I break the ice. “Did you enjoy your meal?” I ask her.

  She stares at me before answering, “Yes, and you?”

  “Very much, thank you. How long have you been working for Lucca?”

  “Long enough to have history,” she replies dryly.

  Bitch!

  This is not going well. I hate history; it always has a way of biting you on the ass.

  “Kimberley, I’m not sure what’s going on here, and I’m embarrassed to bring it up, but I can’t help notice you’re uneasy and a little off with me. Have I done something wrong?” I ask with tightness in my throat.

  “Nope.” She brusquely passes by me to enter a cubicle. I shake my head and leave. She’s not worth the effort, but she has definitely rattled my cage this evening.

  Walking back to the table, I sit down next to Lucca. He moves to wrap his arm around me, but I face the other direction to speak directly to Suzanne. I’m angry and worried about Kimberley’s attitude, and I just don’t know what to make of it.

  Rafaello and Armando join us for an espresso and dessert. I notice Kimberley orders the same flavour gelato as Lucca. I wonder if she knows cinnamon gelato is his guilty pleasure. The very thought stirs up more of this hatred I’ve been feeling towards her.

  Lucca acknowledges it. “Good choice, Kimberley,” and she brims with happiness. And now I’m livid and jealous.

  She’s pathetic.

  I don’t like her.

  After dessert, there is some shuffling of seats as people leave and come back to the table, so Omari sits directly across from me now. He hands Lucca a sizeable envelope from his briefcase. Lucca nods his head and thanks him.

  After chatting with Omari, I learn that he lived in Australia and moved to America thereafter to complete his law degree and now is a partner for his father’s firm here in Glasgow. He actually seems very pleasant and not intimidating like my first impression of him. Noticing the Australian in my accent, he asks where I am from originally. I tense, say Victoria, and leave it at that. He tells me his sister is currently backpacking around Australia and is in Melbourne just now.

  Mum.

  Travel.

  Backpack.

  Taken.

  Simon.

  Michael.

  Devil.

  Abuse.

  Fear.

  Pain.

  I swallow hard, inhaling very slowly to control my breathing. Having an anxiety attack after dessert seems to be a common theme, so I’m conscious of it and fighting very hard to stay in the conversation without losing composure. Lucca changes the subject very quickly and keeps a close hold around me. Omari wasn’t to know and I know he was being polite, but still, it hurts to be reminded of it.

  History.

  Kimberley is sitting at the far end of the table nursing her wine glass and mumbling into Anna’s ear. She stands and excuses herself as she has an early start at work tomorrow. Marco offers to take her home. She passively nods and reluctantly shakes my hand and then Lucca’s with more familiarity. I smile, but my skin is cold, brushed with an icy chill, and quite frankly I’m glad she’s leaving.

  Chapter 4

  Insecurities

  Suzanne’s husband Jonathon picks her up, and Lyle and Andy leave together in a taxi. Lucca does his Alpha male thing and wraps his arms around my waist so Chris and Omari need to say goodbye to both of us at the same time.

  “Look after her, Lucca, mate. She’s one to keep,” Omari says, picking up his briefcase, and I blush because he says it genuinely with respect, not with the boyish banter he has been exchanging with Lucca already this evening.

  He has definitely grown on me and after briefly getting to know him; I don’t think he’s as bad as I first thought. I was intimidated with the fact that initially both Omari and Chris appeared to be sleazy, but after listening to their friendly banter with Lucca tonight, I know it must be their way. The same way Hazel, the girls, and I would probably act together in our own comfortable girly way.

  “I intend to. I am not letting her go so you two fuckwits keep that in mind,” Lucca says, smirking playfully before kissing my temple.

  His crude vocabulary doesn’t faze me because I’m used to him swearing, and I’ve experienced his protectiveness. In fact, I like that he’s being himself around his friends. It reminds me of the way Cameron would speak to his mates.

  “Chris, still on for that game?” Lucca asks, running his hand down his cheek across his stubble.

  “Hell yeah, I’ll whip your ass, Lucca boy. You know nothing will keep me off that pitch,” Chris affirms confidently then punches Lucca’s bicep before casually putting his hand in his pocket then leans to the side.

  “Chris, are you having a laugh? You’re first subbed, my man, I can guarantee it.” Omari scoffs, patting him playfully on the back while shaking his head. I want to laugh because the distaste on Chris’s face is a picture, and he shifts his weight. He obviously doesn’t agree.

  “Omari, you fuckwit, I’ll be man of the match, dude. It’s a no-brainer,” Chris chides, now slipping his arms into his blazer, then places both his hands in his trouser pockets.

  “Hmmm, we will see. Lexi, why do you not ask Cameron if he wants a game with us?” Lucca suggests before pushing all the chairs in then lifting an envelope from the table that Omari gave him.

  “Sure, I’ll ask him. This match I would love to see. Cameron’s pretty good. He played pro before going into the forces, so I’m sure he’d love to.” I shrug and smile but I know I’m stirring a reaction from them. Now I have their attention. They turn to look at me with raised brows, standing more alert and enthused.

  “Ha, Chrissy boy, you have just been knocked out the league, my friend. Sounds like Cameron might just show you how to play footbal
l like a proper pro.” Lucca smirks. It’s funny hearing Lucca using similar dialogue to his friends. Although it’s the same banter, Lucca’s Italian influence in his accent makes him sound very different to when his friends are sounding playful, it’s actually rather cute.

  “Fuck off, Lucca. I’m a force to be reckoned with. Got it all going on, on the pitch.” Chris laughs with sarcasm in his voice and air kicks an imaginary ball in front of him, which results in Omari scoffing and Lucca shaking his head and rolling his eyes.

  I can’t help but giggle. “You really think you’re that good?” I ask with some false confidence through the effects of the wine. Omari and Lucca laugh. I reach for Lucca’s hand and he grasps it tightly, reminding me that he’s backing me up.

  “Yes, he does,” Lucca adds in a more serious tone, this time insinuating he knows Chris so well he has his character sussed out.

  “Well, Chris, I’m sure Cameron will look forward to it. In fact, if you are short of numbers, Cameron can bring along some of his premier league footie mates for safe measure.” I lift my chin and look forward to seeing their expressions now.

  “Are you serious?” Omari asks, completely flabbergasted.

  “I am pretty sure she is,” Lucca says. I love him for supporting me in this moment, so I squeeze his hand to thank him, and he reciprocates with a soft kiss to my bare shoulder.

  “Okay, let’s do it. Lucca, keep me updated. I need to do my research and suss out everyone else’s weaknesses and strengths.” Chris is very serious and competitive it appears.

  I’m actually excited about this, and I know Hazel will combust at the thought of the competitive male testosterone during this match. She’ll probably try and rope Dominic in too. Omari and Chris say a final goodbye, kissing me passively with more respect this time before heading off. Rafaello and Armando excuse themselves to attend to a matter downstairs.

  Now I’m alone with Lucca. I absently glance at the seat Kimberley was sitting in before, and it provokes the tension I felt earlier on. I can’t help this niggling feeling, and I have burning questions about Kimberley I’d like answered. I’m almost about to confront him until I realise we have company.

  Anna returns from the restroom and wraps her arm around Lucca’s shoulder. “Marco will drop you off when he is taking us home,” Lucca says to Anna, which logistically makes sense since we pass her apartment on the way home.

  “No, it is okay. I have a lift.” She checks her phone then rests her head against his shoulder before trying to change the subject, and I can’t help think she is hiding something. Lucca must be thinking the same because he looks baffled.

  “With whom?” Lucca protectively asks.

  “Never mind.” Her head lifts straight back off his shoulder again when Lucca bristles and turns to confront her.

  “With whom, Orianna?” Lucca raises his voice, this time getting agitated. I give her a sympathetic smile because I know how protective Lucca can be and I feel sorry for her being put on the spot. I’m sure she can handle Lucca and stick up for herself, but she surprises me. “If you must know, Cameron is picking me up,” she snaps then warily meets my eyes, the look on her face telling me she wishes she’d never mentioned it. She was keeping that information from me, not from Lucca.

  That removes the smile from my face.

  I know she feels the heat in my eyes burning her, or she sees the pain flicker in them, because she nibbles her bottom lip nervously then turns her focus back to Lucca.

  “Calm down, Anna. Okay. I would rather know who is taking you home, that is all,” Lucca says.

  “I did not want to mention it because I know how Lexi feels about it, and I did not want to upset her, and … I am an adult, Lucca” Anna adds, giving me an apologetic smile, her voice trailing off. My face drops and I chew the inside of my cheek because I’m annoyed about this; it’s not what I wanted to hear tonight.

  “I am well aware you are an adult, but you are my baby sister, and as your brother I like to look out for you. I love that you have Lexi’s good intentions at heart and do not want to upset her, but frankly, Orianna, I am shocked that you are still carrying on this affair with Cameron when you know he has a girlfriend and how much it is hurting Lexi.” He rakes his hand through his hair and places the envelope under his arm then pinches his brow with his free hand. “It is pissing me off and it should stop. It is wrong, Anna. You are both using each other.”

  Lucca’s always been rather passive about Anna seeing Cameron because he assumed it was mindless fun in Tuscany that wouldn’t continue. He’s asked me not to get involved, but now they’re carrying on their affair and it’s changing his perception. I can see it in his eyes that he adores his sister and he’s trying not to show how disappointed he is in her. If I didn’t know better I’d say it’s because he doesn’t want to rile me up any more than I already am about it and he’s considering my feelings.

  Anna blushes. I’m just not sure if it’s due to rage or embarrassment because I haven’t seen her blush much. “Lucca! You cannot tell me what to do. Do you think I do not know this is messy? I did not exactly plan to meet him in Tuscany, but I like his company and he has feelings for me whether you like it or not. We have talked about his relationship, what we are doing, and the impact it has on everyone else. Out of respect for Cameron and his partner, I will not want to talk about what they have or do not have together. That is personal. You need to trust me.” She nibbles her bottom lip again nervously.

  She doesn’t sound her usual brassy, confident self; her voice is breaking and she looks at me carefully, her blue eyes apologetic and pleading for acceptance. When she sighs and helplessly looks at Lucca, there’s no missing she is actually hurting and troubled, and he relaxes his tense posture, softening his voice at her dismay.

  “Anna, I did trust you. I trusted you not to continue this and you did. I told Lexi this was nothing and not to worry, yet you are still throwing it in her face and being selfish and immature. What would the rest of the family say? Cameron is a great guy, I am not disputing that, but you should have more respect for yourself … Jesus.” He sighs and reaches for her hand to show her he doesn’t intentionally want to hurt her but has her best interest at heart.

  Anna pulls her hand away, a flash of anger now across her face. “You are one to talk about respect … trust … being selfish and immature, especially with your history. You do not have the best track record yourself. We all make mistakes, Lucca. You should know that, but the thing is … I do not see Cameron as a mistake. Very much the opposite.” She raises her voice because Lucca has offended her.

  My stomach knots because the last thing I need to hear is about Lucca’s past. It only rekindles the anger I have been feeling about him and Kimberley tonight.

  The blazing heat in Lucca’s eyes tells me he is angry, hurt, shocked and … full of regret, but it still doesn’t diminish the insecurities I already have. “Okay, I deserved that. You make a fair point and I have paid, suffered, and learned from my mistakes, but I wish you did not have to drag up my past when you can see it is obviously hurting Lexi. This is about you and Cameron.” Lucca reaches for my hand and pulls me into his side, wrapping a reassuring arm around my waist.

  Anna panics. “Lexi, I am so sorry. I did not mean that the way it sounded, and the last thing I want to do is hurt you. I am so sorry, please forgive me. That was insensitive and rude, and I am sorry my seeing Cameron upsets you. But I … I really connect with him and now we … um …” She sighs and pinches her eyes closed because she obviously is conflicted. “I am sorry. I hope this did not ruin your evening. Please try not worry about us. I do not know what else to say other than apologise.”

  She reaches for my hand and I brush my thumb across her palm and hang onto her fingers to acknowledge her apology, but I’m yet to answer because I’m full of mixed emotions tonight. Although Lucca needed to confront Anna, and I’m glad for his support, tonight probably isn’t the best time or place. Instead, I form a lacklustre smile and nod
my head.

  Lucca sighs audibly. “Thank you for apologising, but we should talk about this at another time, not tonight. I love you, Anna, I do, and I do not want you to get hurt. I need you to understand that my relationship with Lexi is my …” He grasps my hand rubbing his thumb over my engagement ring to remind me I’m his life, his world now.

  Anna’s shoulders slump. “I get it, Lucca, you do not need to explain. Your relationship with Lexi is and should be your priority now. I would expect it to be, and I adore that you are settling down and being a supportive fiancé. I promise you I will not let my life interfere with yours or hurt anyone any more than I already have. Maybe I am not as good a person as you, Lucca, and I am sorry if I let you down. I never meant for this to interfere with you both.”

  Now I want to scream. I swallow down a lump in my throat as she clearly manipulates Lucca, and I have to look away to stop myself from lashing out at her.

  Lucca lifts the envelope from under his arm, leans in, wraps his arms around her, and kisses her forehead. “Anna, please do not say that. You have not and will never let me down. Ever. Period. I love you unconditionally. I just want to protect you. I am sorry for snapping at you, but I am glad you see where I am coming from. I know how Lexi feels about it, and I have to say, I am with her on this. You need to sort this out, Anna.”

  She cuddles into him then leans over and kisses my cheek, rubbing her hand softly down my arm. Except I don’t feel soothed, and I know that’s her intention, but I’m still pissed off and feeling tense.

  I don’t know who I’m angrier with—Cameron, Anna, or Lucca … for not saying something earlier to Anna, even at my house when we discovered she had stayed over. Or back in Tuscany. It should never have gotten this far. It wouldn’t have been an issue if Cameron had already broken it off with Rachel.