by Aria Ford
“I- I don’t understand…” Panic slammed into my chest, and my ribs buckled from the force of it. Pulling me flush against him, Luciano’s hard body knocked the air from my lungs. His grunt was soft under the blood rushing in my ears, and I curled my hands into fists. Colorful spots dotted the void we were immersed in, and I blinked hard before coarse fingertips brushed my cheek.
“Stop panicking, Aya.” Softly caressing my hot face, Luciano’s command settled over me like a thick, heavy blanket. Dampening my anxiety, he nudged his knee farther up my inner thighs as he leaned close to me. “Tell me why you’re sti-“
“I love you!” Gasping loudly, I clamped my palms over my mouth as Luciano froze, turning cold like stone against my front. Tearing my eyes from his, I squeezed my lids shut even while his gaze bored into my crown. Dark, violent tremors slid down my spine, but I felt like a weight had been lifted from my chest.
Holding myself very still, I waited with screaming lungs for him to say or do something- anything. It was torture, the silence pounding against my skull.
“… Good…” Sneaking to cup the back of my head, Luciano’s palm was warm and strong when he tucked me tenderly under his chin. My breath escaped in a gust, and I relaxed into his body before he spoke up again. “Now, go to sleep.”
In the silence my mind worked at a pleased leisure, and a smile once again stretched my lips. Closing my eyes, I took a deep, calming breath as Luciano’s began to even out. Everything would be okay as long as I was right here; there was no doubt in my mind about that. His arms around me provided safety even in this war zone of a house. Not even Sylvi could get to me. Luciano was strong, warm, like a living wall that kept me in and everyone else out.
Alarm slithered up my spine, pulling me from my peaceful slumber with a violent jerk. Shooting up to sit, I tensed at the absence of protective arms around me. The place next to me was stark, and my heart beat harder in its cage. Looking around wildly, my eyes widened at the large body that lounged in a chair that hadn’t been here when I went to sleep.
The sun illuminated taut, tanned skin that covered thick muscle, but the longer I stared the more my gut churned. Long legs supported a lazy slouch, and my gaze flickered up to the multitude of tattoos etched into his flesh. Gulping down the lump in my throat, I held my breath before finally reaching his face. Intense, piercing, brown eyes met mine, and a shiver lodged between my shoulder blades.
“You’re awake.” Dropping to his lips, my eyes widened at how familiar he seemed, and he pushed himself up from his seat with the grace of a predator. “I’m Marco. Luciano told me to look after you.”
“Luciano did?” Clenching my jaw tightly, I scooted back when Marco stilled, like a lion whose prey had started to amble away. His calculating eyes scanned my form, and I pulled my knees to my chest. Slowly he stalked towards me, each step palpitating my heart and sending a shudder through my lungs.
“Yes. He doesn’t trust Sylvi, and I suppose it’s with good reason. That little shit has a grudge against you for taking away his best friend.” Stopping at the edge of the bed, Marco smirked even as his words rattled my brain. “I can understand it, but he should’ve just killed you. Now he’s just gone and made it worse, hasn’t he? Just goes to show that anyone that isn’t dead is a problem.”
The headboard stopped my retreat, and I cringed when Marco leaned down close to my face. His breath smelled like mint and eggs, mixing with whatever cologne he was wearing to send air into my skull. Boring into me, his gaze narrowed into fine points before he finally straightened.
“Don’t be nervous, ragazza di coniglio. The last thing I plan to do is throw myself in with a fucking idiot like Sylvi. Luciano will be back for you soon. I’ll be gentle with you, I promise.” Sauntering back to his chair, Marco dropped down heavily. His low grunt pushed stale air from my lungs, and I sucked in a breath as he jostled himself into a slouch. “I’m more than happy to simply look after you for the time being, ragazza di coniglio.”
Seconds ticked by in silence before I convinced my muscles to move, and I threw my legs over the side of the bed away from Marco. Staring down at my dress, I pursed my lips together as the lightly colored fabric brought back memories I just wanted to forget. Scowling lightly, I stood up to make my way into the bathroom as the dress irritated my skin.
It wasn’t as soft as Luciano’s shirts, and I shut the door behind me before slipping out of it.
Sweat and grime peeled from my skin in layers under the burning hot waterfall, and I lifted my arms over my head to turn my face to the shower head. The onslaught was welcome, and a small smile picked up my lips as heavy drops trailed down my chest and back. Steam started to build in the glass box, heating the tiled walls. Grabbing a bottle of shampoo, I carefully poured out its contents before working it into my hair with robotic movements.
Peeking out of the bathroom, my wandering eye easily caught sight of Luciano as he leaned on the footboard of my bed. His large, muscular body was swathed in a dark gray suit, and my tongue sneaked out to moisten my lips. Images flashed through my mind’s eye of what was underneath his clothes, and heat suffused my cheeks.
“Aya…” Jumping at the call, I blinked away my thoughts to fine Luciano watching me. His dark eyes shone with expectancy, and my face flamed as he clenched and released his jaw. “Let’s go.”
Squeezing out of the crack in the door, I smoothed my dress absently before Marco appeared in my peripheral. Stepping close to Luciano, he playfully punched his shoulder while my gaze slid between them. The similarities were shocking, and I sucked my lips between my teeth as Marco spoke up.
“You’re being rude, Luc. Tell her she’s very beautiful in her little, purple dress.” My eyes widened at the deep, dark scowl Luciano shot Marco, and his eyes scanned me from head to toe. The banter was almost playful, and shock blew up my pupils as they flickered from one to the other.
They’re siblings.
Stiffening at the realization, I dug my toes into the carpet as goosebumps washed my arms and chest. Across the room Marco turned his attention to me, a knowing smirk slipping between his cheeks.
“Luciano is my big half-brother- we share the same father. Although, I chose this life, while h-”. Cut off by a sharp shove, Marco stumbled lithely before Luciano stomped over to me. Tingles shot down my spine, and I gasped when he grabbed my arm. His gentle caress was a distant memory as he glared at his brother.
“Fuck off, Marco.” Pulling me towards the door, Luciano shoved past his half-brother as I gnawed on my cheek. “… or you’ll eat a bullet.”
“It’s not the first time you’ve shot me, Luc. I’m just excited to see that little wimp get the shit beaten out of him.” Behind us Marco clapped his hands, and I jumped closer to Luciano. Pressing against his side, I shivered at his brother’s gleeful tone. Licking my lips, my tongue caught on the crackled, dried skin before he glanced down at me. Luciano’s gaze bored into my crown, and I peeked up at him through my lashes. The hallway was ending, but he didn’t look away until we stopped at the top of the stairs.
The stairway looked steeper than I remembered, and I inched back as wooziness washed over me. Still holding my arm, Luciano tugged gently to catch draw my attention. His eyebrows were furrowed, concern deepening the creases around his mouth as he frowned. Blood flushed my cheeks, and I held my breath when he tugged me to him.
“I’ll carry you.” Carefully picking me up, Luciano dragged his palm down my leg to rub my foot. The tender gesture melted my heart, and I rested my head on his shoulder with a small smile. His touch prompted no pain, not even the slightest twinge, and he blew out a hot breath before descending the stairs.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
LUCIANO
Lunch was quiet, and my skin prickled with the nervousness radiating from Sylvi. He knew he fucked up, and a vicious satisfaction ripped through my chest. Squeezing Aya’s thigh, I leaned back in my chair to stare at a man I no longer recognized.
Not a man- just a pig.
“Cagna-!” Tyler’s harsh curse pulled my attention, and my gaze flickered to him as he shuffled in his seat. His sneakered foot shot out, and disgust twisted his face. Soft fingertips crept over the top of my hand as a pained squeal bounced across the table. I couldn’t see the whore he kept on her knees, and that was a relief.
“Get the fuck out of my sight.” Pushing himself up, Tyler wiped his jeans roughly while the sound of knees on hardwood pounded against my ears. His glare was hard and hot when he sent it Sylvi’s way, his eyes blazing and face contorting even more. “You just had to fuck everything up, Sylvi. And don’t even try to make up some shitty excuse. If you were pissed Aya took your man candy, you should’ve shot her- not tried to get her to run away. Seriously, how fucking stupid are you?”
Next to me Marco chuckled lowly, and my fingers itched to reach for the gun tucked against my back. Instead I grabbed Aya’s arm, rubbing her frail, smooth wrist as I watched the drama unfold. Glancing over, I ground my teeth together at her pink cheeks and slight smile. She wasn’t pay attention to anything beyond her chicken salad and me, trusting me to be vigilant about her.
Rubbing my thumb over the top of her hand, I tore my gaze from her to beat back the twitch in my lips.
“Don’t blame me for your inability to train your whores properly, Tyler.” Grumbling from his seat, Sylvi drew my line of sight as he pushed around his food with his fork. He didn’t try to defend himself from the accusations, and Tyler groaned harshly before stomping towards the door.
“You’re so fucking insecure about your personal life- it’s insane.” Stalking out of the room, Tyler hissed out curse after curse before his footfall softened into nothing. The dining room was quiet, tense, and I pushed my loaded fork past my teeth before turning to my brother.
Marco had the nastiest smirk painting his face, his hands clenching and releasing on either side of a plate he hadn’t touched. I could see the images he conjured up in his mind, thinking of all the ways Sylvi would get what he was owed.
But I’m going to make him sweat a little longer.
The tension rose with each passing minute, and I set my fork down with a clatter before standing. Tugging Aya out of her seat, I rubbed my jaw with my free hand on my way out of the dining room. I couldn’t think of anything but smashing Sylvi’s face with him so close, but there were other things I had to do today.
I needed to take Aya to her dead father’s law firm. That knowledge twisted my face in annoyance, and I snatched my keys from the rack. It’d been months, and I kept putting off bringing her back.
“Where are we going?” My car roared to life before Aya posed her question, and I jerked on the gear before tossing her my pack of cigarettes wordlessly. Rolling down my window as we rolled out of the driveway, I adjusted my grip on the wheel to lean back into my seat. The smell of cigarette smoke plumed, and she waited patiently for me to take it between my lips.
Taking a deep, hard drag, I took the smoke down into the bowels of my lungs. Carefully Aya took the four-inch-long cancerous stick, and I held my breath as I turned onto the main road. My body greedily absorbed the toxic chemicals, giving me the calmness I needed to open my mouth.
“I want answers. The safe was a dead end.” Smoke billowed from my nose and mouth with each word, and I let out the rest of my breath harshly. “Trevor had you for a reason.”
“Oh.” Aya’s soft noise was almost lost in the air that rushed past me, and I glanced over with narrowed eyes. Her features were pinched, body tight as she clutched her seatbelt with one hand. She held my cigarette like a normal person would, and I reached to snatch it from her.
They were already expensive as fuck, and I wasn’t going to pay for two bad habits.
“Do you mean we’re going to the law firm?” Grunting in acknowledgment, I sucked on the butt of my cigarette before she spoke up again. “Okay… b- but… what about Sylvi?”
Pursing my lips together, I exhaled slowly out of my nose and stepped harder on the gas pedal. Speeding towards downtown, the scenery disappeared as soon as we came up on it. My mind churned, knowing full well that Aya’s fear of Sylvi’s power was real. He’d fucked with her head, and she didn’t have any defenses against it. There were going to be times when I couldn’t bring her with me, but Sylvi could always find someone willing to terrorize to gain favor.
“Don’t worry about Sylvi anymore, mia Aya. He’ll be dealt with when we get back.” Taking another long drag, my gaze flickered between Aya and the road as she swiped back some of her long, wavy hair. “… He shouldn’t have been able to get that close.”
The nibbling of guilt was becoming increasingly, irritatingly familiar, and I squeezed the wheel tightly enough to make the leather groan. In my peripheral Aya went still, her mouth parting, and the muscles in my legs bunched up in discomfort. Easing off the gas, I held my breath as we slowed to the speed limit. Blood pounded against my ear drums, but after a few long, heavy seconds the beat was broken by a quiet click.
Slamming my foot on the brakes, I ground my molars together as the tires squealed and burned in protest. The car was moving too slow to do any damage, but Aya was still thrown off balance. Her body hit the dash with a soft thump, and my hands reached for her on their own as her squeal rattled my skull.
Before I could get a single word out Aya threw her arms around my shoulders to hold tight, and I tensed. All thought left my mind, focusing instead of her soft lips against the base of my neck- of her eyelashes tickling my jugular. Huddling in my lap, her body didn’t tremble like I expected; she deflated in a heavy, warm sigh that tightened my chest until I couldn’t breathe.
Slowly, arduously, I slid my palms over her until I could keep her firmly against me. Each movement I made was stiff, robotic, and Aya tightened her grip on me. Her short, thin fingernails dug into my suit. Against my skin her lips curved into a smile that caused my throat to tighten.
So this is what a hug feels like…? The singular thought was all that could withstand the wasteland of my mind, and I squeezed Aya’s form. I had never noticed before how much weight she’d gained since first coming to Sylvi’s mansion. Releasing my lungful in a gust, I cupped her head to bury my nose in her hair.
“I don’t care. I don’t care about anything- because I have you, Luciano.” At Aya’s wisp of a declaration my heart stopped before all the tension of the past days melted away. Taking a deep breath of her, I closed my eyes to savor her nearness- the feel of her. My gut stopped twisting, and what felt like a thousand pounds was lifted from my shoulders. Cotton clung to the roof of my mouth, and pressure built behind my eyes.
A new kind of pain- a good kind of pain- tore at my soul, and I welcomed it with every fiber of my being.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
AYA
“… I didn’t believe him. I would never, ever betray you. I- I would… I would die first… I would-”. Conviction seared my chest, but callused fingertips halted my words to rub my lips. Sucking in a sharp breath, I closed my eyes as Luciano tightened his grip on my outer thigh. His heart beat under my ear was unstable, hard, but I knew mine wasn’t any better.
“You’re not doing jack shit, Aya. I’ll handle Sylvi. When I’m done with him his whores will be sympathetic. Nessuno può farti del male.” Smiling at Luciano’s foreign tongue, I lifted my head to look at him. My eyes widened at the slight upturn of his lips, and I reached to trace the delicate curve. Taking hold of my wrist, he squeezed gently before his faint smile disappeared and a frown took its place. “But don’t ever unbuckle again.”
Blinking slowly, red seeped into my cheeks as Luciano’s eyes na
rrowed into fine points.
“S- sorry. But… you apolog-“ Cut off by a palm against my mouth, blood rushed to my face at his scowl. Squeezing my body in warning, he pushed me off him and over the center console. Even under the warmth of the midday sun couldn’t compare to him, and goosebumps washed my chest and arms. Slowly reaching for my seat belt, I nibbled my bottom lip before he groaned softly. Peeking over, my eyes narrowed as he swiped his hand down his freshly shaven face.
“Don’t fucking do it again.” Growling out the command, Luciano waited stiffly for me to buckle before the car jerked forward. His pack of cigarettes landed in my lap, and butterflies erupted in my belly as I fiddled with the box.
The drive downtown was listless, and I tapped my fingers together in my lap as I watched the scenery become more human and less nature. The transition was gradual, but with each turn my stomach churned more violently. My fingertips tingled, sweat gathering against my upper lip as we came closer and closer to the law firm my father had once been head of.
My father… Closing my eyes to the city streets, I tried to picture him in my mind. He had red hair, I knew; even people we didn’t know would comment on it when I was little.
But the rest of him was draped in shadow, and I cracked my eyelids apart with a soft sigh.
“… You shouldn’t torture yourself trying to remember them, Aya.” Gruff and low, Luciano’s voice sounded strong and sure from the driver’s seat. Glancing over, my gaze scanned his tight features. His nostrils flared, shoulders tense as the veins in his hands bulged from under his taut skin.