“I know. I’m sorry. But be nice to Luca. We owe him and his people big time for this. Just hang tight; we’ll get you as soon as we can.”
The line goes dead. I sigh and hang up the handset. Thatas soon as we canbit means it could be a while. I’ve never been a priority in the Famiglia, and there are bodies to clean up back at the garage.
What a mess.
I watch Luca. He’s standing on the far side of the room. His shoulders are tense, and he’s having an animated discussion with someone on the other end of the line, half in Italian and half in English. I only catch bits and pieces, but I get the sense they’re discussing how to dispose of the bodies. When he’s done, he shoves the phone back in his pocket and rubs a hand down the bridge of his nose.
It goes against my better judgment, but when he looks back at me, I let down my guard for just a moment.
“Thanks for what you did back there.”
He stares at me. Those beautiful, tortured eyes. Death and passion seem to roll off him in waves. My heart’s in my throat, and I despise myself for it.
“I was just doing my job.”
“Still, you risked your life for me. Thank you.”
He nods once. “You’re welcome.” He walks over to one of the cabinets, roots around inside, and pulls out a ball of beige bandage wrap. “Let’s get you set up before your brother sends his people to pick you up.”
I make a little grunt as he comes toward me. This time, I manage to keep myself under control when he gets on his knees and rolls up my pant leg.
“Don’t hold your breath. Now that Raf knows I’m safe, I have a feeling I’ll be waiting a while.”
“You and him close?”
“No, not really.”
“He seemed concerned about you earlier.”
“That’s new then.”
His lips press together, and he pushes my pant leg up more. “This would be easier if you just took these off.”
“Like hell I’ll do that.”
“Suit yourself.” His hands are quick and surprisingly gentle as he wraps the bandage around my knee.
My heart skips a beat every time his fingers touch my skin. I can’t remember the last time somebody went out of their way to look out for me like this. Luca threw himself on top of me and could’ve gotten himself killed, all to keep me safe. And I know he only did that to preserve whatever alliance he’s building with my father, but still. I’m not used to being treated that way.
“There, how’s that? Too tight?” He leans back slightly, and I move my leg.
“No, that’s okay.” The bandage feels just right. “You’re good at that.”
“I’ve done this a few times.” His eyes roam my body. My work clothes are baggy, my shield against the world. His gaze lingers on my face, and his frown deepens. He reaches out, and I flinch back, but he keeps coming. His thumb brushes my cheek.
My heart races into my throat. I’ve never been touched like this. Neverletanyone get this close. His lips part slightly, and his jaw relaxes as if being this close to me eases some of his burden. I’m struck all over again by his scent, by his nearness, by the size and strength of him.
“You’re bleeding,” he says softly.
“What?” I ask, flushed and dizzy. The near-death experience must’ve scrambled my brain.
“Just a little scratch.” He brushes his thumb again, leaning closer. His other hand touches my hip. I should push him back. I should squirm away. Any other day, any other time, and I’d slam my fist right into his mouth.
Instead, I tilt my chin toward him. “How bad?” I ask, breathless and out of control. More out of control than I’ve been in a long time. I hate this feeling, but it’s exhilarating and terrifying all at once.
“It’ll heal. But you should take care. Sometimes it takes a while, coming down from something like what we just went through.”
“What do you mean, coming down?”
