Page 71 of Luca
As we leave the restaurant and begin the walk back through Prague's illuminated streets, I try to think of a way forward. Luca knows something is wrong, but he doesn't seem ready to confront me directly. Maybe I still have time to figure out how to handle this. Maybe I can still find a way to protect both Sofia and myself.
But with every step we take toward the hotel, toward the intimacy of our shared room where there will be nowhere to hide, I feel more panicked. Is it safe to be alone with him right now?
I’m not sure.
"Thank you for dinner," I say as we approach the hotel entrance. "It was lovely."
"Was it? You seemed distracted most of the evening."
"Just thinking about everything we've seen today. Prague is so... overwhelming. In a good way."
"Yes. It certainly has been revealing."
The word 'revealing' is intentional, but I force myself to smile as we enter the hotel lobby.
"I think I'd like to take a bath before bed," I say once we're in our suite. "Relax a bit before tomorrow."
"Of course. Take your time."
As I disappear into the bathroom and start running water, I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror. There’s pure fear in my eyes, the stress that's been building since this afternoon. The weight of maintaining a lie that's getting heavier every day.
I don't know how much longer I can keep this up. And I'm starting to think that Luca isn't going to let me find out.
Whatever information he received today, it's changed something fundamental between us.
The game is over.
And I'm not going to win.
Chapter 27: Gabriella
In the middle of the night, Prague is a different city entirely.
The tourists are asleep in their hotels, the street performers have packed up their instruments, and only the occasional drunk stumbles through the cobblestone streets.
It's the perfect time to disappear.
I slip out of bed carefully, listening to Luca's deep, even breathing. He's exhausted from the day's business calls and the tension of whatever game we've been playing around the truth. I hope he sleeps deeply for the next few hours.
I’m running out of time and I need to find Sofia tonight. To warn her about Papa’s panic and how the lies are closing in on me. This is my last chance.
In the bathroom, I change into my real clothes - dark jeans, black sweater, the jacket again. I look more like someone who belongs in Prague's shadows rather than its expensive hotels.
The service exit is easier to navigate the second time. I know which corridors to avoid, which cameras have blind spots. Within minutes, I'm on the street, moving quickly through the night toward the hostel.
The neighborhood looks different at night, seedier but also more alive. Late-night cafes and bars spilling light onto the sidewalks, groups of young travelers heading home after a night partying. I blend in perfectly.
As I round the corner near the hostel, I see her. My sister is standing in the shadows beside the entrance, smoking a cigarette and looking more relaxed than I would’ve imagined.
She smokes now? I’m shocked and also happy to see her doing something completely out of character.
"Gabby?" She drops the cigarette and stares at me like I'm a ghost. "What are you doing here? Oh my God! I’m so glad to see you. I got your message but I didn’t know if you’d come."
"I came to warn you." I cross quickly to her, glancing around to make sure we're alone. "Papa is panicking. He's been making phone calls, trying to track you down."
"Oh no." She runs her hands through her hair, which is shorter than mine now and dyed a subtle auburn. "I knew this was too good to last. Where is Luca?"
Panic flashes in her eyes and I take her hands in mine. “He’s asleep back at the hotel. We’re both here in Prague so I can’t stay long. I must get back. Don’t worry though. Everything will be fine. You look good."
