19

LUCIA

T he boutique was bustling, full of chatter and the soft rustle of clothes being pulled from racks. Nicola was rifling through a rack of dresses, holding one up and then immediately putting it back with a dramatic eye roll. Meanwhile, Gia sat in her stroller, her little fingers wrapped around a stuffed giraffe, playing pretend with it.

As Nicola held up another dress for inspection, my phone buzzed in my pocket. I pulled it out, expecting a text from Matteo or Alexander, but my stomach dropped when I saw the message.

Unknown Number

I know what you’re doing.

The words stared back at me, cold and accusatory. My heart skipped a beat, and a chill ran down my spine.

“Lucia? What’s wrong?” Nicola’s voice pulled me back to reality. She was looking at me with concern, her hand frozen mid-reach for another dress.

I handed her my phone without a word, unable to say it out loud.

Her eyes scanned the screen, and her expression darkened. “Oh, hell no.”

“Do you think…?” I trailed off, my voice shaky.

Nicola’s lips pressed into a thin line. “It’s him, isn’t it? Your ex?”

I swallowed hard, nodding. “I don’t know who else it could be.”

“That bastard,” she hissed, gripping my phone tightly. “Lucia, you need to tell Matteo and Alexander. This isn’t something you can handle on your own. Come on, we’re going back to the hotel. You’re telling them. No arguments.”

Back at the hotel, Nicola wasted no time. She handed Gia her favorite book and a snack, then scooped her up. “I’ll take her into the bedroom. You go talk to them. And, Lucia,” she added, her voice softening, “they’ll want to help you. You don’t need to do everything yourself, let us take care of you now and then.”

I nodded, my stomach twisting with nerves. I could hear the voices of Matteo and Alexander from the living area. Taking a deep breath, I stepped into the room. Matteo glanced over first, his easy smile fading when he saw my face.

“What’s wrong?” he asked immediately, sitting up straighter.

It had been so long, I hadn’t heard from Josh since I left. Nothing, now this. Maybe he saw me on some magazine or online? I should have been more careful.

Alexander turned his attention to me, too, his brow furrowing in concern. “Luce?”

I held up my phone, my hand trembling slightly as I handed it to Matteo. “I got this text.”

Matteo read it, his jaw tightening with every word. By the time he finished, his expression was pure fury. “That son of a—” He stood abruptly, pacing the room. “He thinks he can threaten you? After everything?”

Alexander stayed seated, but his calm demeanor was deceiving. His eyes were stormy, his jaw clenched. “You’re sure it’s him?”

“Who else would it be?” I said quietly, wrapping my arms around myself.

Matteo stopped pacing, his hands fisted at his sides. “We’ll get extra security. I’ll make sure someone’s with you and Gia at all times.”

Alexander stood, crossing the room to stand in front of me. “Lucia,” he said gently, his voice low but firm. “If he ever shows his face, he’ll regret it. I’ll make sure of that.”

I looked between the two of them, overwhelmed by their protectiveness. “I don’t want to cause trouble. I just…I don’t want him anywhere near Gia.”

“He won’t get near her. Or you,” Matteo said firmly. “I’ll make some calls.”

Alexander reached out, brushing a hand over my arm in a reassuring gesture. “You’re not alone in this, Lucia. We’ll handle it.”

Their words were comforting, but the knot in my chest remained.