Page 33 of Flawed

As it slows, the sound of our breaths and the ticking of my clock replaces our cries. The heat radiating off our skin cools. And the reality of our situation pops back into my mind.

Luca tenderly kisses me, retreats, and studies me for a moment. He opens his mouth then shuts it, rolling over and tugging me into his chest.

I curl into him, unsure what to do with all the unspoken words between us, wishing there were no Abruzzos or even Marinos. If there weren't, life would be normal for us.

But it's not.

His heartbeat slows, thumping in my ear, making me think about when I heard the baby's heart on the ultrasound this previous week. Maybe I'm crazy, but it sounds just like Luca's.

What am I doing? This is my baby's father.

Am I wrong to keep this a secret?

The Abruzzos are vile humans.

Luca's not though. My baby deserves two parents, and I have no doubts. Luca would be an amazing father.

I tilt my head and start to speak, but Luca puts two fingers over my lips.

He orders, "It's late. You need rest. Close your eyes, stellina."

Exhaustion sets in, and I yawn. Luca's right. For the baby's sake, I need to sleep.

He pecks me on the lips and repeats, "Sleep."

I slowly nod then curl back into his arms. My mind races with what-ifs, and I decide I need to reassess everything tomorrow. Maybe there is a way we can be together.

He tightens his arms around me, as if I might escape him. I tighten my arm, too, then fall asleep to the beating of his heart and the slowing pattern of his breath.

I don't wake up until two in the afternoon the next day. Luca's handkerchief is around my eyes. I smile at his thoughtfulness to shut out the sunshine so that I could sleep. Even though I have blinds, it's still light in my room. The black satin material of my sheets smells like him. I breathe the scent deeply, debating again about what to do.

I finally decide there's no way Luca would ever hurt our child or me. Surely he'll protect his own from any Abruzzo evil?

For several minutes, I sit with my decision to tell him about the baby. The more time that passes, the more resolved I get to tell him. Nothing feels right anymore about hiding my pregnancy from Luca. Not a bone in my body believes he won't keep our baby and me safe.

And I don't want to give him up. I barely know him, but my heart is crying out for me to make sure I don't let him walk out of here without him knowing how I feel about him.

Confident I'm making the right choice and relieved to finally tell him the truth, I put on my robe. I open the bedroom door and call out, "Luca?"

My gut drops as I scan the tiny apartment.

He's gone.

He'll be back. He probably had to go to work.

What day is it?

I rack my brain.

It's Thursday.

Relief fills me.

It is the middle of the workday. Stop freaking out.

Still hoping he's here, I check the bathroom, but it's empty. I return to the bedroom then find a note on my dresser.

Chanel,

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