Page 52 of Of Oaths and Secrets

She looks at me, her expression softening. “He’s more guarded than anyone realizes, I think. But then, I’m sure you’re figuring that out.” She nudges me gently. “You look different, you know.”

“Different, how?” I ask, curiosity piqued.

She shrugs, her gaze playful but sincere. “Lighter. Maybe you’re starting to make this place your own.”

I smile, though her words tug at something deep inside me. Could I really be finding a place here? Or was I just convincing myself that I belonged in Rafaele’s world?

We reach the library, and Fate scampers off to explore while Teresa appears with a tray of coffee and cookies.

"Let’s sit,” Lucia says, tugging me toward the sofa with a playful smile. “And you can tell me all about what it’s like living with the great Rafaele Lucchese.”

I laugh, though part of me feels heavy. How do I explain a man like Rafaele? Even I’m not sure I understand him yet.

“You’re going to be sorely disappointed if you’re expecting any excitement. We mostly spend time here reading.”

She pours herself a cup of coffee, tilting her head slightly. “Rafaele isn’t comfortable with most people. They either bore or irritate him. I’m a bit of an exception—he finds me more amusing than annoying. But sharing not only his home but his quiet moments with you? That’s not a small thing.”

Her words hang in the air, and I realize just how intimate these quiet moments with Rafaele have become.

I let out a sigh, grabbing a cookie from the plate between us. “I don’t know with him anymore. He’s all hot and cold.”

She raises her eyebrows, a teasing smile playing at her lips. “You are probably the first person in history to describe Rafaele Lucchese as ‘hot’ about anything.”

The humor is a welcome relief from the tension, but there’s truth in what she says.

I feel the blush creep up my cheeks. “Why aren’t you afraid of him?” I blurt out, realizing too late how blunt it sounds.

She lets out a startled laugh. “What?”

I stammer, feeling my face flush even more. “It’s just… Rafaele is more than just his reputation—we both know that. But everyone I know is either scared or at least wary of him, and you… you seem to look at him like he’s a puppy.”

“Oh.” She leans back in her seat, her smile softening. “Don’t get me wrong. I know he’s not a puppy. I’m very aware my cousin is a dangerous man. But he lives by a code—trust. His rules are stringent, but they all come back to that one thing. If you’re loyal to him, he’ll be your fiercest ally. It’s not fear—it’s respect.”

I nod, but something shifts in her eyes, the carefree light dimming just a little.

“You don’t have to say more,” I murmur, sensing the weight behind her words.

“No, actually, I think I do. We’re friends now, aren’t we? And a little trust goes a long way.” She takes a sip of coffee, staring off as if gathering her thoughts. “You know, for most men in our world, women are just… transactions. Of course, you know that—you’ve just been auctioned off to the Lucchese.”

I wince at her bluntness, but she continues with a wave of her hand. “We don’t hold much value except as a means to an end. But Rafaele—he’s different. He doesn’t see women that way. He’s… well, ahead of his time, I guess you could say.”

She takes a deep breath, her smile fading. “A few years ago, a powerful man wanted me. Whether I was willing or not didn’t matter. He took what he wanted.”

The reality of her words hits me, and I feel my heart clench with pain for her. “Lucia, I?—”

She cuts me off with a small smile, but it doesn’t reach her eyes. “It’s okay. It was a long time ago. But I was supposed to marry him afterward, of course. That was the plan—tie me to him forever. My father was all for it. But Rafaele… Rafaele was the only one who came to me and asked what really happened. He was the only one who cared.”

I swallow hard, the image of the cold, ruthless man I’ve known for such a short time suddenly shifting in my mind. Rafaele, who everyone fears, who I’m starting to see in a different light, was the only one who stood by her.

“And you told him everything?” I ask softly.

“I did,” she says, her voice barely above a whisper. “And Rafaele made sure that man never touched me again. He put an end to it. For good.”

My breath catches in my throat, and suddenly, everything feels heavier. I’ve heard the stories, I’ve seen the fear people hold for him, but hearing this? It’s something different. Something more.

“Rafaele has a heart, Nora,” Lucia says gently as if reading my thoughts. “It’s buried deep, and not many people get to see it, but it’s there. And if he’s opening up to you, even just a little? That’s not something you should take lightly.”

I bite my lip, hesitating for a moment. But this is Lucia, and something about her feels so safe, so easy to talk to. I don’t know why, but I feel the pull to share what’s been in the back of my mind since that kiss in the car.

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