I turn away and face the mirror again, but our eyes lock in the reflection. The downward turn of his soft looking lips tells me I didn’t do a good job at hiding my pain. I’m instantly filled with regret. I hate to be so vulnerable, especially since I’ve been telling myself that I’m strong enough to endure anything. I don’t want to be weak.
“There are fresh clothes on the bed, nothing fancy. But I wanted you to be comfortable. Even though you look amazing in my shirt,” Luca absently mumbles the last part.
I’m not sure if he meant to say that out loud, but his words shock me. Luca hasn’t made any sexual advances towards me, but maybe that’s his angle. Is he a creep? I don’t get creep vibes from him, but there’s no way that he’s attracted to me looking like this.
What man in their right mind would be attracted to a woman they found getting beat up in a club restroom? Maybe he has some kind of kink?
My guard goes up instantly. I refuse to make the same mistake twice. My body hasn’t even started to heal from the trauma I just suffered. There’s no way I can let another man get close enough to hurt me again.
“Thank you. If you give me a minute, I’ll clean up and get out of your hair.”
Although I expect some pushback like last night, Luca simply nods and quietly leaves the bathroom. I exhale a deep breath, but it’s not from relief. I’m not sure why the thought of Luca using me for something nefarious makes me feel guilty, but the emotions bubbling within me assure me that I’m not thinking clearly.
“I must have nightingale syndrome.”
After dressing in a comfortable jogging suit and slides, I had an idea of what I was going to do. After Luca lets me use his tablet, I sent my cousin a message on social media. Even though we don’t see each other as often as I would like, thank goodness she responded immediately.
Karlie isn’t nosy and she keeps her business to herself, so I know I can trust her. Although I’m a private person, she deserves to know what’s going on with me because she’s letting me stay with her. I’m grateful to have someone besides Talia to stay with.
Ross would definitely find me at Talia’s if I went there. That is, if he’s even looking for me. But I think I know Ross well enough that I can easily say that he wants to find me. I left without his permission, he will be searching high and low for me. He’ll never look for Karlie, though, because I was smart enough to keep our contact to myself.
I should’ve recognized the signs of isolation when he would complain about all my friends and family. I wanted to be a good wife, so I spent less and less time with them. I didn’t want to argue or fight, so I slowly distanced myself from my loved ones until all I had left was Ross.
It may sound stupid, and I never thought I could be in a domestic violence situation. I can admit that I was judgmental. Now, here I am. Boy, God will humble you.
“Would you like something to eat before you go?” Luca asks, coming into the family room where I’ve been waiting.
I’m not sure where he’s been since this morning, but he’s dressed like he has to go to court or something. Here I am in a jogging suit, and he’s wearing freshly pressed slacks, shiny shoes, and freaking suspenders. Who in the hell wears suspenders on a Saturday?
“No, thank you. I don’t have much of an appetite,” I respond with a shaky smile.
“Hmmm. Understandable. You’ve been through a lot. I do wish you’d eat, though. How about you take a muffin to go? I also have bagels fresh from the bakery down the street,” he says.
Luca’s gray eyes are bright with hope, so I couldn’t possibly turn him down. Even if I’m not a big bread-eater, I’m going to take a muffin just because he made the effort. This man has goneout of his way to help me, and even though my walls are up, I refuse to be rude.
“Sure, thanks again, Luca. Your kindness is…” I’m at a loss for words.
I’m not sure of his reasons for helping me, but he did. For that, I am thankful. I wish I wasn’t so jaded, but it is what it is. He’s helped, and now I need to help myself.
“Here’s my card. One of my men will take you wherever you need to go.”
“One of your men?” I question.
That’s a weird phrase.
“Uhh. Yeah. I’m President of the firm, I have a lot of employees,” Luca answered.
I nod, “Oh, okay. That makes sense. I appreciate it.” I inspect the fancy business card.
“Please use it. No matter what you need, I’ll be there.”
Luca’s words are so sincere that they leave me speechless. Outside of my family, no one has ever been so forthcoming with their help. It makes me rethink his reasons. But I can’t dwell on Luca right now. Karlie said I could stay as long as I needed, but I plan on getting on my feet as soon as possible.
“Is it okay if I hug you?” I ask.
Luca’s face lights up, and he walks towards me with his arms open. I smile and wrap my arms around his torso. His arms tighten around me, and that strange feeling of safety engulfs me. I can’t help myself when I breathe in his spicy yet sweet scent.
When I go to back up, Luca slightly tightens his arms. Instead of fighting the feeling, I hold him tighter, too. I didn’t realize just how muscular and tall Luca was until this moment. I can feel his abs and rock hard chest. A girl could get used to feeling protected by such a strong man. But I guess that isn’t meant for me.
