Page 12 of Mine Again
His back, the shift of his muscles, the quiet certainty in the way he moves. It isn’t just that he’s beautiful. It’s that he’shim. Steady. Confident. And somehow, thank God, he sees me more clearly than anyone ever has.
He disappears into the bathroom to get rid of the condom. When he comes back, he crouches beside his jacket, rummages through a pocket, and returns with something small between his fingers. A blackvelvet box.
We’re already engaged, his ring sparkling on my finger, but my heart still skips a beat.
He climbs onto the bed beside me and sits cross-legged, the box resting in his palm.
“Open it,” he says.
I take it carefully. The lid snaps open with a soft click.
Inside, nestled in black satin, is a gold chain. At its center is a butterfly. Pale crystal wings edged in soft pink, lavender, and an icy blue color like captured light.
My throat tightens.
“It reminded me of you,” he says, his voice softer now. “Beautiful. Light. Free. Even when it doesn’t seem like you are.”
His words hit something deep.
“Luca…”
He looks down for a second, clearing his throat. “I know it’s just a necklace. But it’s more than that to me. You’re more than what your father wants to make you into. And I see that.”
I don’t think. I just move.
Wrapping my arms around him, I press my cheek to his chest, holding on like I never want to let go.
“It’s perfect,” I say, so full of love for him. “Like you.”
He takes the necklace from the box and clasps it around my neck. His fingers brush my skin, sending a shiver down my spine. The crystal catches the twinkling fairy lights, scattering rainbows across his chest.
He looks at it for a long beat, then leans down and kisses my skin below the pendant, right over my heart.
“There,” he murmurs. “Now I’m always with you. Even when I can’t be.”
My eyes sting again.
He slides a finger beneath my chin, lifting my face until I’m looking straight into his eyes.
Warm, hazel-brown. Calm.
“I love you, Isa. You’re mine.”
His voice is low and rough, like the words were torn out of him.
My stomach flips, my heart dancing with joy.
I want to be his in every way. Not just now. Always.
A life without him doesn’t make sense. And thank God I don’t have to imagine it.
Out of nowhere, the sharp ring of a phone shatters our magical stillness, cutting me off from telling him how much I love him.
“Who would call you this late?” I ask as Luca reaches for his pants to get his phone.
He frowns. “Unknown number.” His eyes narrow.
Something shifts in him. It’s subtle, but I sense it. His jaw tightens, and his fingers drum restlessly against the case.
