The Crimson Hunt

by Smith, Victoria H.

  I slipped my hands to his cheeks and pulled in his lips hard to connect with mine. His hold pulled me in even stronger and we lost ourselves in each other.

  There were no more barriers between us now. No more secrets, no more complicated threads. It was just us and only us … finally.

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  I awoke the next morning, expecting to find him, but he’d gone. In his place was a teal bloom resting on the pillow, reminding me he didn’t go far. I grabbed the bloom and allowed the petals to touch my lips. They were just as soft as his kiss. I wanted to see him. I had to see him. I wouldn’t allow myself to remain in bed today.

  I covered my body in the quilt. The morning sun brightened my mood even more. I stood and went to my dresser for clothes. This time I didn’t have the need. There, next to the hand-carved dresser, was a suitcase. It was my suitcase from home.

  I gazed at it in wonder. I can’t believe he got it for me ….

  The zipper didn’t rip open fast enough. Inside, contained many, if not all, my clothes. Included within the bundle was a picture of Piper and me. Her firecracker red bob flowed within the frame. I took the portrait to my chest and sat to the floor. After a few moments, I pulled back the frame and stroked my thumb across the glass. He brought everything I lost back to me … along with himself.

  I positioned the frame on the dresser, then slid on a pair of my favorite skinny jeans and a white peasant top. I couldn’t get my clothes on fast enough. I had to see him.

  I left the room and raced down the stairs. An argument hastened my quick steps. The voices were Luca and Bernadetta. They were speaking in Italian, so I couldn’t understand them, but their elevated tones told they were arguing about something.

  Whatever the two were discussing must have been bad if they were arguing. Bernadetta didn’t seem like the type who got into heated discussions, and I’d never heard Luca raise his voice. I suddenly became worried the subject matter was me.

  The last step I made signaled my appearance, and they immediately stopped their discussion.

  Luca’s expression brightened when he saw me, but the tension around his eyes told me he was upset. Bernadetta looked even worse than he did. Her eyes were puffed and inflamed. They both stood in the kitchen, gazing at me in silence.

  Luca put his hand to Bernadetta’s cheek, smiling warmly at her. She gave him a half smile back and nodded. He left her and came toward me. Slipping his hand into my hair, he took his lips to my ear. “Meet me in the barn after you have eaten breakfast.” He gave me a soft kiss on the cheek, then left out the screen door.

  I was taken back by his quick departure, and my first reaction was to follow his exit.

  “You probably should give him a moment. What would you like for breakfast?” Bernadetta held a strong smile despite her sad eyes.

  My next response was elusive. I could only think about what happened before I came downstairs. I eventually ended up with scrambled eggs and a few strips of bacon. I couldn’t help but notice Bernadetta’s tears during the preparation of my breakfast. She took the dishcloth to her face several times. The fall weather was warm that day, but not warm enough to produce sweat. Especially, with the light breeze that came in through the kitchen window.

  “If you do not mind, dear, I need to be heading out to the coop,” she said.

  I guessed it was about that time.

  “Make sure you finish up before you go out. You have lost far too much weight since you have been here.” Her smile was there, but the redness of her eyes told of her sadness. She cupped my chin, then walked out the screen door.

  *

  I headed to the stables to get Sadie. I figured Luca would have left her for me, so I had an easier time getting out to him. I was right. Her big, brown eyes greeted me when I entered.

  I mounted her, not gracefully, but I managed. She made tracks and headed us to the old barn, the sun shining bright after the heavy storm. Sadie did all the navigating once again, so we arrived rather quickly.

  I dismounted and tied her up under the canopy. I ran swiftly inside to find him. My feet had just crossed the threshold when he swept me up in his arms. His kiss hit me instantly and his breath combined with mine ignited my senses. My hunger for him became carnal. My arms locked around his neck, and I forced him against my chest with the pull, pushing our progression.

  We backed into an old, wooden work counter against the wall. Picking me up by the waist, he placed me on the counter. My thighs locked him to me, and we immediately tugged at each other’s clothes. I took the focus off his shirt and helped him remove mine. His gaze veered toward my chest and his eyes burned at the sight. After a moment, his focus went back to the kiss. I grew giddy inside by his initial reaction to my undergarments. I wore attractive lace today—hoping to impress him.

  After I pretty much ripped his shirt off his body, our skin finally connected. I raked my fingers along his smooth skin. He groaned and I took his bottom lip in between my teeth. His hands maneuvered to my hips, and he tugged me closer to him. My hands made their way up his chest and to his metal chain. My fingers quickly got lost in the links just like last night. His hands braced my thighs during my play of it.

  Escaping my mouth, his lips went to my neck. His kiss dug so deep into my skin that I actually gasped from the pleasure. My eyes shot open, and I had an instant realization. “What were you and Bernadetta arguing about in the kitchen?” The words cut through the moment like a samurai sword.

  His lips froze. Pulling back, he looked into my eyes. “What makes you think we were arguing about something?” he asked, his breathing labored.

  I arched an eyebrow, giving him a you’re a really bad liar look.

  Luca let out a breath, then rested his forehead against my chest, as if contemplating whether or not to tell me the truth.

  I grabbed the back of his head and ran my fingers through his soft, dark locks. I was sorry I even brought it up.

  Defeated by the battle within himself, he lifted his head and sighed. “She is upset with me over the decision I have made, and the question I plan to ask you.”

  My eyes widened at the thought. He wanted to get married already? I just turned twenty-one. I didn’t know if I was ready for something like that. “You want to get married?”

  His eyes went the biggest I’d ever seen them. “That is not what I was going to ask. Unless you—”

  Oh, thank God. “No, no, that’s okay. Sorry, I assumed. Go on.” I gave a crooked smile.

  He gave a short laugh, then continued. “I have decided to leave the program. I have decided to choose you.” He lay his forehead against mine.

  I pretty much assumed this already, but I knew he would formally bring it up. Could I let him? “Are you sure—”

  He pulled away, and placed his finger to my lips. “I know the repercussions. I have chosen you. The question is … have you chosen me?” He slipped his hand to my cheek.

  I didn’t have to wonder long before I nodded.

  Smiling, he brought his lips to mine again. He leaned into me, and I quickly shimmed to the side of the counter. This allowed him to climb up and lay on top of me. Our chests pressed against the other, he kissed me from my lips to my hairline. I pulled my lips away. “So, Bernadetta is upset that you’re leaving the program to be with me?” Damn me and my questioning. I was really killing the mood.

  He kissed my forehead, then propped himself up on his arm. With a small smile, he said, “No. She is upset that I have chosen to leave everything behind. She feels I am in danger. My superiors will not make my defiance easy. We will have to stay mobile to be protected.”

  I finally realized where he was going with this. “You want us to go away together? Leave it all behind?”

  He placed his hand to my cheek. “Only if you want to. You have a choice.”

  This was it. I couldn’t debate anything anymore. I had to make a decision. As I watched Luca looking to me for answers, I realized my whole life I let my past rule me. My head k
ept me from doing so many things for so long, I forgot what it was like to listen to my heart.

  I wrapped my arms around his neck, and pulled his ear close to my lips. “Yes, of course.”

  His lips found mine once again. The discussion was never really a discussion, at all.

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  “Come in,” I said, after hearing a knock at my door. It was probably Luca wondering if I was ready to go.

  The door creaked open and Bernadetta stepped in. Her kind face brightened up the already beautiful room. “Hello, Ariel.”

  Her voice was brave, but her face showed she’d been crying.

  It hurt my heart to see her so sad. I brightened up, too, trying to stay positive for her. “Hi.”

  She walked toward me. “I wanted to know if you needed help with anything before you go.”

  “I just finished the last of it. I think I got everything.”

  She stepped to the windowsill and picked up the handmade quilt. “You forgot this.” She handed it out to me.

  I swallowed hard, hesitating to reach for it. “But this is yours. I couldn’t take it.” I breathed in deep through my nose. I had to fight the tears until she at least left the room.

  She gazed warmly at the quilt. “I made this for Luca when he first came to us with threads from our home. The threads come from a special plant that grows there. They bring comfort if in contact with the skin. Use it when you need a reminder of home.” Her eyes shifted up from the quilt and to mine.

  I slowly reached out for it, then laid it across my lap. “Thank you. I will.” I gazed at the treasure, caressing its soft threads under my fingertips.

  Smiling, she nodded. She then left as quickly as she came in.

  I instantly became aware of the value of what I held. Bernadetta gave the quilt to me the first day I came here. She gave me something that was so special to herself, and she didn’t even know me. From day one, she gave me a home.

  *

  I made the emotional walk through the house, taking in the last of its beautiful elements.

  Luca came into the kitchen and took my bag from me. “Are you ready to go, Ariel?”

  I nodded, the tears I fought now streaming down my cheeks.

  He placed down my bag and brought me into his arms. “It will be all right. Our paths will meet again with them. I promise you.” He kissed my cheek, then took my bag outside, leaving me to my final moments.

  I took one last look around the kitchen, and then followed him to the front yard.

  Bernadetta and Giovanni were already outside. Giovanni’s arm was around Bernadetta, and he had the reins of Sadie in his other hand.

  I watched Luca place our bags in the back seat of his car, and then walked over to the couple. Not knowing what to say, I ran to the two of them. They both quickly welcomed me into their arms.

  “Take care of one another.” Giovanni smiled at me, and then kissed me on the cheek. His scruffy beard tickled my skin.

  “Do not lose hope, my child. You will always have a place with us.” Bernadetta cupped my chin and kissed me on the forehead. She pulled a sweet berry from her pocket and handed it to me, her expression warmer than the sun.

  I accepted the fruit, then gave both of them one last kiss. “Thank you both for the gift you’ve given me.”

  They nodded and I knew they both understood what I meant.

  I walked over to Sadie and stroked her silky brown mane. “I couldn’t have done this without you.” I kissed her velvet face. “Don’t forget me velvet lady.”

  She nudged my face with her warm one.

  Stepping back, I let Luca say his goodbyes. I didn’t want to intervene in their moment.

  Luca gave Giovanni a strong hug. “Thank you for seeking me out, and thank you for bringing her back to me.”

  Giovanni released their hug and gave Luca a pat on the back. “You are stronger than you will ever know, and you forever have my respect.”

  Luca nodded and approached Sadie. She gave him another ornery look. He returned it, then rubbed her face. After a moment, she nudged him toward Bernadetta. He smiled at her and gave her one last rub between the eyes.

  He walked over to Bernadetta and placed her hand in between his. “Ti amo, Madre.” He kissed her on the cheek, then brought her into an embrace.

  She rubbed his back and no longer held in her tears. “Ti amo, Luca. My son.”

  Their embrace couldn’t be disrupted. Their embrace was making up for a life of stolen time.

  “Take care of her,” Bernadetta said in Luca’s ear.

  Luca nodded and stepped back. He held Bernadetta’s hand for a long moment, and then walked over to me. Slipping his hand in mine, he said, “Are you ready?”

  “As I’ll ever be.”

  We walked away, but I stopped us. I turned back and waved at the couple, absorbing the moment for as long as I could. I knew this would probably be the last time I’d ever see the loving family I just became a part of.

  *

  “Do not be so sad, Ariel.” Luca gazed over at me.

  I sighed. “I can’t help it. I’m sorry.” I really was. I should be happy we were together and headed to safety. I couldn’t help but think about what we left behind, though.

  “Do not apologize. I understand. You have lost so much that it hurts to lose yet another.”

  He looked away, and I watched him navigate the road. He had to be just as scared as I was, but of course he wouldn’t let on. I didn’t want him to feel like he wasn’t worth what I gave up. I had to toughen up. “Where are we going?” I asked, trying to sound positive.

  Luca slid his hand in mine. “Wherever you want.”

  My eyes widened. “Really? What about money and stuff?” That really did sound nosy. I probably shouldn’t have asked him that.

  He kissed my hand. “You do not have to worry about any of that. It is taken care of. I have been wiring money over into separate accounts for quite some time.”

  I pulled in his hand and rested it on my lap. Stroking his forearm with my fingers, I smiled. He really was amazing. “We can really go anywhere?”

  He leaned in. “Anywhere you want,” he whispered, then kissed my temple.

  There was one place I thought he might like, and it was kinda nearby. Maybe the environment would provide the relief I needed, as well. I reached down to the illuminated, blue touch screen of the GPS and typed in the location. My fingers flowed through the intricacies of the glowing screen. I felt like Number One on the USS Enterprise in Star Trek. I had to admit it was pretty sweet.

  Luca’s gaze ventured toward me. His lips formed into a smile.

  I quickly covered the screen. “Hey, don’t look. I want it to be a surprise. Promise you won’t look?”

  He laughed and gazed back to the road. “I promise.”

  After I finished keying in our entry, I sat back and listened to the gentle hums of the vehicle for a long moment. “Has anyone ever told you your car sounds like a spaceship?” Wow …. That sounded really stupid. Maybe I should just stick to being silent.

  He arched an eyebrow and smiled. “Define spaceship?”

  “You know? Spaceship. Aliens use it in movies to get around. ‘Take me to your leader,’” I joked. God, I was such a space cadet and the pun wasn’t intended.

  Luca’s cheeks stiffened, trying to maintain seriousness. “We do not have any of that where I am from. We just use cars, not unlike yours.”

  I laughed at how ridiculous I just sounded. Wait a second …. I laughed. Maybe this road might not be so hard, after all. I pulled Luca’s hand in closer, watching him as he took us toward our destination. I couldn’t help but smile at his beauty. Not just the way he looked, but him. “I have a lot more annoying questions to ask you.” I gave a coy smile.

  He glanced my way and laughed. “I am counting on it.” He unlocked our hands and put his arm around me. He kissed the top of my head. “But I do not mind. As always, I will tell you anything you want to know.”

 
I leaned into his body, letting him take us away.

  *

  I think Luca knew exactly where we were going the minute we hit the border, but of course he wouldn’t let on. I still made him close his eyes anyway.

  “May I open my eyes now, Ariel?” he asked.

  I covered his eyes with my hands to insure no peaking and led him forward. “Patience is a virtue.”

  We slowly made it to the railing, and I let go. Luca’s eyes adjusted and a slow smile made its way to his lips.

  This was the first time I’d been here myself. I had only seen and heard about its beauty from my textbooks and the nature channels. Here it was, though. Niagara Falls. The flowing waters lit up the night with rainbow lights, and since we arrived so late, its beauty was just for us.

  “Come on. Let us get closer.” Luca grabbed my hand.

  What did he mean by ‘closer’? I didn’t want to get banned from Canada tonight. There didn’t seem to be anyone else around. I guessed getting closer was okay.

  I let him drag me down a grassy hill and to a low fence. We hopped over and got up close and personal with the Falls. It really was amazing. The natural beauty of the place made us both silent. I watched Luca as he stood by the shore. He was so happy when he was connected to the environment. Like he just had a natural connection with it.

  He turned and made a motion for my hand.

  I came over and he pulled me in front of him.

  He wrapped me up in his strong arms. “Thank you for taking me here.” He kissed my cheek from behind.

  I glanced up at him. “Please tell me you haven’t been here before.” I had a sneaking suspicion he had from the way he barely paid attention to the vocal commands of the GPS. In fact, he pretty much took no direction from it, at all. We ended up here in half the time.

  He looked down at me with a shy smile. “Maybe once or twice.”

  “Hey, that’s not fair.” I pretended to wrestle away from his embrace. I should have known he had. He’d probably been all over the world.