Page 146 of Flawed

What's her life been like, growing up without a father?

The pain of losing mine flashes in my mind. I curse Chanel for not telling me about Zara. She knows I lost my father at a young age. I never wanted to be a deadbeat dad.

But now I am.

That's going to change.

I vow to do whatever I can to have a relationship with Zara, whether or not Chanel or her parents like it.

Surely at fifteen, it's Zara's decision?

Will she let me into her life after all these years?

I lock eyes with Sophia, warning, "Don't try to come between my daughter and me. Now that I know about her, you can't hide her from me anymore."

"They didn't know," Chanel states.

My anger builds. I turn, and I scowl at her for the first time in my life.

Tense silence fills the air.

Massimo breaks it. "Can someone please get my gun? I think this is a conversation between all of you that I shouldn't be part of."

Chanel glances at him, wincing. "I'm sorry about that."

He rises, stating, "We'll talk later. Where is it?"

She goes to her purse, pulls it out, and hands it to him.

He hesitates then tugs her into him, murmuring, "I'm a phone call away if you need me."

She sniffles and nods. They exchange a glance, and he releases her.

He kisses Zara on the head then says, "Pierre. Sophia." He gives me another disgusted look then leaves.

I ignore him and focus on Chanel again. "We need to talk."

She squeezes her eyes shut.

I address Zara. "Forgive me for a moment." I rush toward Chanel and maneuver her into her bedroom.

"Luca, what—"

I shut and lock the door then steer her into her bathroom and secure that door as well.

"What are you doing?" she screeches.

I spin her against the door and eliminate any room between us. The scent of her strawberry shampoo wafts in my nostrils. I take a deep breath then curse myself for the hard-on it's starting to cause.

What is it about this woman?

I can't even be pissed at her without being attracted to her.

I fume, "How could you hide my own flesh and blood from me?"

Guilt fills her expression. Her bottom lip trembles. Tears well in her eyes.

"Stellina, answer me," I demand.

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