Page 21 of Broken Innocence
“I've said too much.” Allie grimaces and pats my shaking hand.
“No, thank you for telling me the truth.” Because it's obvious Luca didn't plan to.
Like she read my mind, Allie adds, “I'm sure it would have come out eventually. Luca and his brothers aren't ones to keep their feelings a secret.”
“Right,” I say as I try to wrap my head around the fact that Luca has been watching me.
No wonder Beanie likes him. She must have seen him from a window and recognized him when Luca broke into the apartment to get her.
Oh my god.Was that even the first time Luca broke in? Suddenly, my too-real dream of somebody comforting me in my sleep doesn't seem so far-fetched.
My breathing becomes labored. My muscles tighten to the detriment of the poor red panda in my hands. How did my life come to this?
“This isn't what I want,” I admit aloud. “My family is on the edges. I moved out of my parents' house to put distance between me and the mafia.”
A sympathetic expression flashes across Allie's face. “And now you'll be tied even closer when you marry Luca.”
“IfI marry Luca.”
“Unfortunately, I don't think you have much of a choice.”
We'll see about that.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
LUCA
Footsteps crunch the dead leaves that escaped the gardener’s leaf blower.It's like she wants to get caught, I think, casually lounging against the corner of the manor.
Since Eden's arrival at Blackchapel, we've spoken almost every day, but for the past few, she's been suspiciously quiet, a panicky look growing in her eyes, and I know it's because of our wedding tomorrow.
Which is why I'm stationed outside tonight.
I've been waiting for my Butterfly to burst from her cocoon for weeks, and it looks like she's finally worked up the courage to try.
As if she could escape her future as my wife.
“Evening.” I step out of the shadows in front of Eden. Beanie's cat carrier is held protectively against her chest.
“Luca,” she squeaks. “What are you doing here?”
“Better question is what are you doing out here, bride of mine? You should be getting your beauty sleep before tomorrow's festivities.”
Her throat works under the dim light of the moon. Eden opens her mouth then shuts it; she doesn't have a good reason for traipsing outside her room at one o'clock in the morning.
“Where did you plan on going?” I ask, curious to know the plan she's worked out. Her parents wouldn't harbor her for long. They're too loyal to the Don. Like everyone else inThe Family.
Eden rocks on her heels before another round of courage straightens her shoulders. “It doesn't matter. We can't marry.”
“You'd prefer my brother? The one who had his minions put their fucking hands on you then stuff you in the back of a van?”
“Of course not. I don't want to marry anybody. Not yet.”
“Too bad, Butterfly. Your fate is sealed, and it's tied to mine.”
“Please just let me go. Enzo will forget all about me, and you can finish your revenge against your dad and brother. I don’t need to be involved.”
“No.” I step forward and pry Beanie out of her clenched hands, setting her on the ground beside us. Her pitiful mewling sounds throughout the night, but she's going to have to survive her enclosure for a little while longer.
