L'amore: The Luminara Series

by SJ Molloy

  “Do you want to tell me about your fears, the memories you mentioned? Do you think it will help? Maybe if I just listen,” he asks with concern.

  Do I? I don’t know if it will help me or not. Sometimes talking about past events makes me think like I’m reliving it. I tense up. “I’m not sure … I think maybe I’d rather not. It might make me more edgy than I already am. I’m sorry, I know you are trying to help but thank you for asking,” I mumble against the back of my hand.

  “Okay, whatever you want. Dolcezza, can I ask you something?”

  “Yeah,” I reply, now worrying my fingers faster, along with chewing the inside of my cheek.

  “Can you please take your fingers away from your mouth? I know you are nervously twisting them in front of your mouth, your voice sounds muffled, and you do that when your are deep in thought or anxious. If I were there, I would gently kiss your hand, remove them from your mouth, and then kiss your lips. I need you to breathe, listen to my voice, my words, and try to relax. I know you are tense.”

  God, he’s good. I drop my hand and this time I admire my blue diamond and listen to him.

  “I have an idea. If you do not want to talk about the memories from your past, let me tell you about the background and some personal information about both agents. It might help you understand them and give you a better sense of trusting them, if you know more about them,” he suggests.

  “Okay.”

  “Okay? As in no fiery backlash?”

  “Yes, okay.”

  “Oh, and I was looking forward to having you so fiery that I would need to jump on a plane and rush home to claim you.”

  I smile. He’s trying so hard to help, and I know he’s trying to be light-hearted and uplifting. “I’ll look forward to you claiming me. I’m sure I can find some fire for you. Now tell me about them,” I say, my smile reaching my eyes as I stare towards the phone.

  He does. I learn about their work experience, where they come from, their hobbies, family, ages, achievements, and skills. Lucca even reads testimonials for them both from the agency and from well-known people they have protected, and it calms me and puts my mind at ease.

  “Baby, I wish I was in that bath, holding you to me.”

  “Hmmm … so do I,” I say lazily, stretching my legs in the tepid water. “So, Men in Black … are they staying here?”

  “Interesting name for them, but yes, they are staying in the guest suites around the back. Marco will put their mobile numbers into your phone so they are on call 24-7. I had an intercom installed today also which will take you straight through to the guest accommodation. Rose will show you how to work it. Do not leave that house without at least one of them. They are highly skilled and trained with the best, so you are in great hands until I come back. I am so sorry I never got the chance to explain about them. I was too busy dealing with Kimberley. I received the call from the agency to say they were on their way, just as you were leaving the club.”

  “Lucca, I don’t think Kimberley is an expert on martial arts and she’s smaller than me. It’s a bit extreme, don’t you think?” I want to know why she is such a threat.

  “No, until I find out what she is up to, they are staying, they have to. Rose says you were extremely upset. I am so sorry I am not there, baby, to hold you and calm you down. I am glad she was there for you. I know the security must be intimidating for you. If I had time to talk to you about it first I would have, but I had to act quickly.”

  “I miss you, Lucca. I wish I was wrapped in your arms right now.” I feel a rush of vulnerability once again now I’m gaining equilibrium.

  “You are, Lexi, you are. I have you. I will be back Friday night. It is killing me, baby. I promise everything will fine, and I will be back before you know it.” He sounds damaged, as if he feels guilty or torn up again. It does reassure me he has my best interests at heart.

  “As much as I would love to talk all night, Lucy will be here shortly so I need to get dressed. You can make lots of sweet love to me when you’re back, and I’ll try and be fiery for you, Romeo. I might even have phone sex with you another time you’re away from me when I’m not so worked up,” I tease in my ever developing sassy voice.

  Lucca groans. “I will not be leaving you on your own again, Lexi, but I am glad you are more relaxed. Keep saying shit like that, and I will never let you off this phone. I know you need to go, so it will need to wait, but stay safe and I will call you later. Lexi, I love you.”

  “I love you too.”

  “What’s with six and eight outside the house?” Lucy asks after our guests interrogated her on the way in.

  “Don’t ask. Come here and give me a hug,” I reply, very excited to see her.

  Her hair is as glossy as ever, and she has black city shorts on with a beautiful red silk blouse that matches the pillar box lipstick she wears. After the house tour, I pour her a glass of wine and we sit at the dining area in the kitchen while Rose cooks her Mexican fiesta. Marco walks through and asks for my phone, and I give it to him because I assume he’s adding my two new best friends’ contact information. Men in Black.

  I introduce him to Lucy, and he kisses her on both cheeks and holds his gaze a little too long, and it’s not lost on Lucy either. She blushes and looks away first. There is a definite attraction on both parts because I can see her shuffle in her chair and act fidgety. I excuse myself to help Rose and leave the two of them to become acquainted.

  “Marco, are you joining us for dinner?” I ask, my voice hopeful.

  “I am not sure, I do not want to interrupt or intrude.” His left eye twitches again and I wonder if he’s nervous I have put him on the spot.

  Lucy sits forward in her chair and bats her long lashes subtly. She wants him to stay.

  “Nonsense, there is plenty for everyone,” Rose adds, and that settles it. Thankfully Rose intervenes, and I slide a chair out for Marco.

  “I’m just going to find Doris. I’ll be back in a minute.” Lucy widens her eyes as if to say “what are you doing, get back here right now.” I nod, smile, and rush off. I only plan to be a minute or two, but I think this is what she needs to break the ice and give her confidence to start up conversation.

  The front doors are opened for me by Men in Black at either side. “Ma’am,” the taller one says with a polite nod.

  “Thank you, but please, call me Lexi.” I tense because Marco is not by my side and I still don’t know these strangers, so I plan to get Doris and get back into the house pronto. Until I get to know them, I can’t fully trust them yet. I avert my gaze towards Doris. “There you are. What are you doing?”

  She has sprawled out at the feet of the shorter one, and I am confused. Looking up with possessive eyes, she then transfixes her gaze straight ahead, ignoring me. How strange.

  “She hasn’t left our side. Looks as if we’ve gained a guard dog,” the shorter one says in a thick, raspy, Southern Irish accent.

  So he does talk after all. He actually has a very nice voice. He should speak more often because his voice is kind of sexy and a complete contrast to his steely, bulky exterior. He’s actually not as intimidating now that I hear him speak as opposed to the stern, hostile nodding.

  “She’s sussing you out. I’m sorry, I’ll take her inside.” I put my hand under her collar to drag her but she refuses to budge.

  Big bloody lump of stubbornness.

  “No need, she’s fine. That’s a good protector you have there. We’ll be rotating shifts, so you might only see one of us here at any given time. The dog can keep us company,” taller one adds.

  “I’m sorry … is it Lloyd?”

  “Yes, and that’s Devon.” Lloyd appears to be more approachable than Devon.

  “I think we got off on the wrong foot, and I do apologise, but I wasn’t expecting you.”

  “No need to apologise. We’re here to help, but we’ll need you to cooperate,” Devon adds. Doris grumbles and does a commando crawl towards his foot placing her nose to the heel of h
is shoe.

  “Yes, I can manage that. I suppose I don’t have a choice now. Would you like dinner?” I offer. Not that they are my favourite people, but I feel sorry for them standing out here bored, cold, and hungry. I know what it feels like to be hungry, fighting sleep outside in the dark, and for that reason, I’d like to show them some hospitality and invite them inside, but I don’t even know if that’s correct protocol here.

  “Thank you kindly, but no, we have been adequately set up in the guest accommodations and have plenty of supplies. We’re here to work, ma—Lexi,” Lloyd aptly corrects himself. He comes across as being the senior-superior of both guards. He seems to do most of the talking.

  “Okay then, if you’re sure. I suppose I’m leaving her with you.” I sigh, looking down towards Doris who has pinned Devon on the spot with her curling paw over his toe cap.

  Marco and Lucy appear to be hitting it off. She’s giving him the lowdown on her working life, and I hear him mention his Tuscan upbringing and friendship with Lucca. I set the table while Rose finishes the meal and top Lucy’s wine, giving them time to chat. I’m glad they are getting along.

  “Is there enough food for me?” I hear a familiar voice behind me.

  He picks his bloody timing …

  “Cameron, what are you doing here?” I place a bowl of salsa, crème fraiche, and guacamole on the table staring down deciding whether I should look at Lucy or Cameron first. I want to see who is the most agitated in this uncomfortable predicament.

  “You asked me to come by and stay, remember? Plus, I wanted to make sure you’re okay.” He nudges me, looking for backup so he doesn’t look like a complete idiot in front of Lucy for randomly stopping by when she’s here.

  Shit. My brain is so fuzzy and spongy recently. I forgot to get back to him.

  “Oh, I asked Lucy as well because you never confirmed what night you were coming. I’m sorry, you don’t need to stay if you have plans, but there’s plenty of dinner.” I glide my hand towards the food.

  Fuck!

  File A for awkward. Awkward situation, Lucy and Cameron here together.

  Cameron shakes Marco’s hand and gives Lucy a small, light kiss on the cheek, which she undoubtedly flusters under and worries the pendant in front of her chest. Rose goes back to the coach house when she’s finished serving.

  “I’m glad that the security agents are here, and I’m surprised you never kicked off about it, but it’s for the best,” Cameron adds casually while cutting into his enchilada. “Lloyd, he’s a top guy, served with the best. Devon, he’s highly skilled in combat. You can trust them both.” He munches on his food nodding towards Marco.

  “You knew about this?” I snap at him my fork clattering against the plate loudly. Marco exchanges a narrowed glance at Cameron—a silent warning?

  “Yes, Lucca and I spoke during the night as I was on shift. They’re two of the best in the industry. You’re in very safe hands. Lex, he pulled a lot of strings to get the two of them.” He says it as I should be eternally grateful. What I am is really pissed; he knew about this and kept it from me.

  I drop my fork and stare at my plate.

  “Lexi, are you okay?” Lucy asks softly, reaching for my hand.

  “I’m not sure, because it seems that everyone is keeping me in the dark,” I snap intentionally, for Cameron’s benefit.

  Silence.

  Tumbleweed!

  “You don’t need to worry about it. You should be grateful that Lucca has the power and means to protect you like this. You’re very lucky,” Cameron adds.

  After shaking my head, I shamble to the fridge and lift a jug of juice and fill up the empty tumblers, turning away so he doesn’t recognise the heat in my eyes. Once I’ve poured more juice, I muster courage to retort. “Yes, Cameron, I’m well aware I’m very fortunate and extremely grateful if you must know, but I don’t like people keeping secrets.”

  Cameron gives Marco the look—I’ve seen it before. Marco’s left eye twitches; he nods and drops his gaze back to the food. Lucy doesn’t know what to think, but she gives me her complete, undivided attention with warm, loving eyes. She knows I’m hurt.

  I jerk my head as if to warn Lucy just to forget this. She tries to lighten the tense atmosphere and makes small chitchat.

  Changing the subject, I ask Lucy if she went on another date with Harris Jones. That gets both Marco and Cameron’s attention. They deserve a wake-up call for being dismissive tonight. She nudges my knee under the table, obviously mortified that I’m meddling.

  “No, he’s not my type. He wants to see me again and has been leaving messages, but I’m ignoring him for now. We had a lovely few dates, but I just don’t know… ” she whispers then takes a sip of wine.

  Cameron is now very quiet and deep in thought. Marco and Lucy continue to talk about Italy, holidays, and travel. She says she would absolutely love to go travelling to Italy at some point.

  “Marco, Lucca said you have your padi diving qualifications, is that right?” I ask.

  “Yes, my father is an avid deep sea diver, so I have always enjoyed it. Do you dive, Lucy?” Marco asks her. I like where this interaction is going.

  “I’ve never tried it, but I do love snorkelling and swimming. Maybe I will someday.” She’s being extremely modest.

  “Lucy used to swim competitively,” I say with my chin held high.

  “Really? That is great.” It’s piqued Marco’s attention, but Cameron stares at the table.

  “Yes, front crawl. My dad and coach had high hopes I’d make the Olympics one day as I was smashing my PB, but I damaged my shoulder falling off a horse one summer up at Lexi’s grandparents’ place so that put the dream to rest. It still dislocates even now.” Lucy runs her middle finger and thumb across her shoulder as if remembering the accident.

  Cameron shuffles in his chair. He was the one who carried her across Mr. Murdock’s paddock back to the house. It was our first year at university, and I had taken all the girls up for a summer holiday as we couldn’t afford to go abroad on our student bursaries at the time.

  “That feels like yesterday, Lucy. God, I remember it so well. It was a bad injury, and I was pissed you had to give up on swimming competitively. You were great,” Cameron adds.

  Lucy blushes and drops her head as Marco watches her, mystified. Reaching over, he places a gentle hand on her shoulder, and she relaxes under his touch.

  Caring.

  Protective.

  Sensitive.

  He’ll be good for her. Just like Cameron and Anna have proved me wrong and seem to be good for each other.

  “Well, the next diving trip, you are more than welcome to join us. My dad will love that you are a swimmer. He adores the water,” Marco says.

  She beams with delight, and it’s lovely to see her striking movie star smile.

  Cameron frowns as he watches the interaction and chemistry between them. I think she might have found her Cameron hangover cure, and he’s sitting right next to her.

  Tall, dark, attractive, and Italian.

  Result!

  I ask Cameron to help me with the plates and leave Marco and Lucy chatting away after I fill her wine glass up again.

  “Are you staying?” I ask him.

  “Do you think it’s a good idea?” he asks, lifting his brow towards Lucy and Marco, who seem to be exchanging sweet talk and chuckling.

  “I’m sure Lucy won’t mind. Anyway, we’re all adults and it looks as if they’re hitting it off.”

  Devil’s advocate.

  “Hmmm … I see that.” He runs a shaky hand through his shaggy, waxed hair, restyling it.

  “Are you jealous?”

  “Nope.”

  He bloody well is.

  Changing the subject, he tells me that he knows Jackson really likes me.

  “Stop trying to divert the heat from you. Anyway, I know Jackson likes me. He told me so.”

  He humours me and shakes his head smiling. “No, I mean, he’s hot for you. If
Lucca weren’t so possessive, I think he would have tried to claim you by now. I had to speak to him about not overstepping the boundaries. He’s a great mate but you are out of bounds and he knows it.”

  Now I’m blushing.

  “Oh, don’t be ridiculous.” I flick him with the dish cloth.

  “Just saying, he’s got it bad.”

  “So do you want to watch a movie with us tonight, then?” I like when Cameron and I joke, laugh, and confide in one another. It’s much better than quarrelling, and I do adore his company.

  “I suppose. I’m not seeing Anna until tomorrow, but none of that chick flick crap you watch, and definitely not fucking Marley and Me again.” He scoffs.

  I laugh because he knows I’ve watched that movie a million times and cry every time.

  Marco leaves after coffee, but not before getting Lucy’s phone number and checking with Men in Black. Lucy and I have a chat while Cameron takes Doris for a walk. She is definitely smitten with Marco because she asks why he’s not in a relationship or doesn’t have a girlfriend. I suggest that she go out on a proper date with him and try to get to know him since he definitely seems to like her.

  I ask her if she’s angry or uneasy because Cameron is here when he’s outside talking to Men in Black, but she says she doesn’t mind and that she’s over it. I think a certain Marco da Vinci has distracted her, and I couldn’t be happier.

  We watch some action movie which doesn’t hold my attention, so I’m relieved when Lucca calls. I excuse myself to go up to the suite to ask if there has been any development on Kimberley. Probing him, I ask why Marco doesn’t have a girlfriend, and he tells me his first love died. She was terminally ill with cancer and his soul was destroyed, so he vowed never to fall in love again. Lucca’s voice sounds distant.

  “That’s awful. I had no idea. I think Lucy really likes him. That’s such a shame. Everyone deserves love.”

  “Yes, they do.”

  I press the phone to my ear as I tidy my dressing room. “Is that why you support cancer trials?” I ask innocently.

  “How do you know about that?”

  “I saw some documents when I was looking for a pen.” I forgot all about it until he mentioned cancer. Now I feel like I’ve breached his personal privacy, he seems annoyed.