Page 51 of Of Oaths and Secrets

Each time I look at him, I catch glimpses of that intensity, but it’s always gone before I can grasp it. He retreated into the cool, composed, and polite version of himself as if he hadn't unleashed that fiery intensity.

I crave to see that fire again, even though I fear what it might mean—because I know he respects me, maybe even desires me. But love? No. I don’t think he’s capable of love the way I need.

For the past three days, we’ve settled into a routine. He comes home earlier, joins me in the library, and we talk—about ordinary things. But his gaze lingers on me as though he’swaiting for something. What does he want? Should I take a step toward him, like he did in the car? I wish I knew.

Fate barks, breaking my trance, and I throw the ball again, watching her dash after it. Her energy is infectious, carefree in a way that I can’t seem to be lately. The question remains, persisting. What if I let myself fall? Could I handle the consequences?

I rub my hands together to dispel the chill, both from the wind and from the thoughts racing through my mind.

“Mrs. Lucchese, Ms. Lucia is here to see you. Are you available?”

I turn briskly, surprised but relieved to see Teresa standing at the back door. Relief washes over me at the idea of seeing Lucia.

“Yes, please!” I respond, perhaps too quickly, but anything to take my mind off the confusing whirlwind of emotions Rafaele has stirred up in me.

Teresa smiles and heads back inside, giving me a moment to collect my thoughts. As much as I’ve grown used to the grand estate, it still feels too large, too empty at times—especially when I’m left alone with my thoughts.

Lucia brings energy with her—a break from the quiet tension that has settled into this house. As I step inside, Lucia is already there, standing in the foyer with a wide grin on her face. It’s impossible not to feel lighter when she’s around.

I can’t help but laugh when I see her drop to her knees within seconds of noticing Fate.

“Oh my god, and who are you?” she coos, rubbing Fate’s belly as the little dog sprawls out on the floor, soaking up the attention. “You’re little Fate, aren’t you? How cute are you?”

I watch them for a moment, a soft smile playing on my lips. Lucia’s energy is infectious, and I hadn’t realized how much I needed her energy until now.

Finally, she looks up at me, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “I’m sorry. I promise I didn’t come just for her.” She stands, brushing her knees off with a grin.

“You also came for her,” I reply, still smiling. “Honestly, I’d think it was weird if you didn’t. Everyone’s in love with Fate—even Rafaele.” The words slip out before I can stop them, and my mind drifts back to him, always back to him.

Lucia arches an eyebrow, her smile turning sly. “Oh sure, Rafaele loves the dog,” she says, with a teasing tone that makes me blush a little. She sees right through me, and I’m not ready to face that.

I clear my throat, and she continues. “He mentioned that I could visit anytime, so I figured I’d take him up on the offer. I’ve always wanted to see this place. It’s… well, it’s a little less gothic and bloody than I expected, but it’ll do.”

I frown, surprised. “You’ve never been here before?”

She shrugs. “Nope. First time. Rafaele is not keen to have people in his space.”

“Well, then,” I say, eager to distract us both from the weight of Rafaele’s absence. “Let me give you the grand tour.”

As if on cue, Teresa pops her head in from the kitchen. “I’ll get some coffee and cookies ready for you both in the library,” she says, already bustling back into the pantry before we can protest.

“This woman is a treasure,” I tell Lucia, who nods in agreement, her eyes twinkling.

“She really is,” she agrees, glancing toward the pantry where Teresa disappeared. “You’re lucky to have her.”

The estate’s grandeur can feel cold, but with people like Teresa and a dog like Fate, it’s starting to feel less like a fortress and more like a home.

Lucia hooks her arm through mine. “Now, come on. Let’s start that tour. I want to see the infamous Lucchese estate. Maybe I’ll find some secret torture chamber or something.”

I chuckle, shaking my head. “Sorry to disappoint, but no hidden dungeons—at least, not that I’ve found.”

We walk through the grand hall, the house somehow feeling less intimidating with her beside me, her curious eyes taking in every detail. The heavy atmosphere of the house seems to lift a little with Lucia’s presence. As I guide her through the rooms, I realize I’m relaxing more than I have in days, letting her energy lift the weight of Rafaele’s kiss and the swirling doubts it brought.

“This place is amazing,” Lucia says, pausing in front of one of the oil paintings. “I mean, it’s no wonder Rafaele never brings people over. It’s like… too personal, you know?”

I blink, surprised by her insight. She’s right. Everything about this house is so carefully curated, so guarded. It’s just like him.

“I never thought of it that way.”

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