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28

LUCIA

T he town car jerked to a stop in front of us, and I barely had time to register the flat tire before Matteo and Nicola’s car slowed to a halt right behind us. Alexander had seemed like he wanted to talk to me about something and I felt the pang of nervous energy. He mentioned kissing in front of Gianna, and it was the first time we had done that; we had been careful not to kiss in front of her so as not to confuse her. But she hadn’t been fazed, had brushed it away when I asked her about it: Mommy, you said you kiss people you love. We love Alex. Then she returned to asking if we could watch a princess movie.

Alexander sighed beside me, muttering something that sounded suspiciously like a curse, as Matteo rolled down his window and leaned out.

“What’d you do this time, Wright?” Matteo called out with a grin, his elbow resting lazily on the window ledge.

“It’s a flat tire, genius,” Alexander shot back, opening his door. “Unless you think I went outside and slashed it for fun.”

“I wouldn’t put it past you,” Matteo quipped, already opening his own door. “C’mon, get in. Plenty of room in our car for everyone.”

Nicola groaned audibly. “Oh, great. Now we’re playing sardines. Just what I wanted.”

“Relax, Nic,” Matteo said, smirking as he climbed out. “I’m sure you’ll survive five minutes squished next to me.”

“Doubt it, I’ll probably contract a disease,” Nicola muttered, shooting him a glare as she slid over to make room.

Alexander held out a hand to help me out of the car, and my stomach flipped as our fingers touched. The memory of his kiss after the race flashed in my mind like a neon sign I couldn’t turn off. I glanced up at him, but his expression was unreadable as he waited for me to climb into Matteo and Nicola’s car.

Matteo gave me an exaggerated grin as I slid into the backseat. “Welcome to the party, Luce!” he said, as if this were some kind of exclusive VIP lounge instead of a crowded car.

“Thanks for the invitation,” I said dryly, squeezing into the middle seat as Alexander climbed in beside me.

Nicola, sitting on Matteo’s other side, shot him a withering look. “If you make one more joke about me enjoying this, I swear to God, DeLuca?—”

“You’ll fall madly in love with me?” Matteo cut in, waggling his eyebrows.

“No,” she snapped. “I’ll throw you out of the car while it’s moving.”

Alexander laughed quietly beside me, leaning closer so only I could hear him. “How long do you think before they’re fucking? Tonight?”

“Ew, but yeah, by end of season for sure,” I whispered back, trying not to laugh. I had been watching them the whole time I had been here, and no one ever got under Matteo’s skin because most people adored him. Nicola, however, seemed dead set on annoying him at any free moment, and Matteo had never had anyone not like him.

“Hey, what are you two whispering about over there?” Matteo asked, narrowing his eyes at us in the rearview mirror.

“Nothing,” Alexander said smoothly, leaning back in his seat like he didn’t have a care in the world. “Just enjoying the show.”

Matteo huffed, but before he could fire back, the car pulled up in front of the nightclub. The bass from the music inside was already vibrating through the air, and a line of people stretched around the block.

Nicola didn’t wait for anyone else, opening her door and hopping out. “Finally,” she muttered, straightening her jacket as Matteo slid out after her.

I stepped onto the curb, taking a deep breath. The night was electric, the lights of the city glowing around us, and for once, I wasn’t overwhelmed. I wasn’t the nervous, out-of-place mom who didn’t belong here. I was me , and for the first time in a long time, I felt confident.

Alexander came up beside me, his presence steadying in a way I couldn’t explain. He glanced down at me, a small smile tugging at his lips. “Ready for this?”

I tilted my chin up, matching his smile. “More than ready.”

The four of us headed inside, bypassing the line with ease, thanks to Matteo and Alexander’s names on the list. The music hit me like a wave—loud, pulsing, and alive. I couldn’t stop the smile spreading across my face as we made our way to a booth near the dance floor.

Drinks were ordered, jokes were exchanged, everything felt easy. But as the night wore on, my thoughts kept drifting back to Alexander. The kiss after the race. The way he looked at me when he thought I wasn’t paying attention.

Did it mean anything to him, or was I reading too much into it?

I pushed the thoughts away with a sip of my drink, determined to enjoy myself. When the music shifted to a faster beat, I grabbed Nicola’s hand. “Come on. Let’s dance.”

She hesitated, then nodded, dragging me toward the dance floor. The rhythm of the music took over, and I let it drown out my doubts, my worries, and the stupid flutter in my chest every time Alexander smiled at me.

But even as I danced, I couldn’t shake the feeling of his eyes on me, every time I glanced over, they met mine.

“You should ask him to dance,” Nicola said, raising a brow.

“Who, Alex?” I asked.

“Yeah, you know, the one you’re eye fucking.”

“Am not!” I yelled.

“Sure, sure. Anyway, I gotta go…do something.” She trailed off, and with an evil smirk, danced away. Alexander was already making his way over to me.

“Hey,” he said over the music.

“Hey.” I smiled and reached out for him, closing my eyes. We danced like that, some part of our bodies connected throughout the next few songs. Each song that passed, we grew closer. Maybe it was the crowd, maybe it was us.

The music pulsed around us, the bass thrumming in time with my heartbeat as Alexander’s hand slid to my waist. My arms looped around his neck, and the world outside the dance floor ceased to exist. It was just us, swaying together, the energy between us crackling like static.

I opened my eyes to find his gaze fixed on me, intense and unwavering. His hand on my waist tightened slightly, pulling me just a fraction closer.

“You’re really something else,” he murmured, his voice low enough that I had to lean in to hear him.

“Is that so?” I teased, my lips quirking into a smile.

He nodded, his expression serious despite the playful tone. “Yeah. I don’t think you realize it, though.”

I swallowed hard, trying to ignore the way his words made my chest flutter. “Careful, Wright. You’re starting to sound like you’re trying to charm me.”

“Who says I’m not?” He smirked, his face inching closer to mine.

I could feel his breath against my cheek, the air between us charged. My heart was racing, and I wasn’t sure if it was the music, the drinks, or just him .

The crowd around us kept shifting, but Alexander didn’t move.

“I like us,” he said, his voice quieter now.

“Yeah?” I said, trying to keep my voice light even as my pulse hammered in my ears. He slid his other hand to my waist.

I let out a shaky breath, nodding as I stepped even closer. Our movements slowed, matching the beat of the song. His forehead dipped toward mine, our noses almost brushing.

“Lucia,” he murmured, his voice almost lost in the music.

“Yes?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

“I want to kiss you again,” he admitted, his eyes searching mine. No cameras here I could see, just us.

My heart leaped into my throat. “Alexander?—”

“Tell me no if you don’t want to,” he said, cutting me off gently.

The honesty in his voice made my knees weak. I couldn’t look away, couldn’t think straight with him so close. And then, before I could second-guess myself, I tilted my head up.

“Kiss me,” I whispered.

He didn’t hesitate. His lips found mine in a kiss that was both deliberate and consuming, his hand sliding to the small of my back as he pulled me flush against him. The music faded into the background, and all I could feel was him—his warmth, his strength, and the way he kissed me like he’d been waiting for this moment as long as I had.

When we finally pulled apart, his forehead rested against mine, his breath ragged. My heart felt like it might jump right out of my chest. I wanted more, I wanted him.

“I’ve been wanting to do that all night,” he admitted with a soft laugh.

Before either of us could say more, a loud wolf whistle cut through the moment. We turned to see Matteo standing on the edge of the dance floor, his arms crossed and a smug grin plastered on his face.

“Took you long enough!” he called, raising his drink in mock celebration.

Alexander groaned, his head dropping to my shoulder. “Your brother’s timing is impeccable.”

I laughed, my hands still resting on his shoulders. “The worst.”

“Good thing I’m not easily deterred,” Alexander said, pulling back just enough to meet my gaze, his smile soft and sincere.

“Good thing,” I echoed, my heart still racing as we stayed locked in the moment, the world around us a distant hum, as he leaned in again to kiss me.

The night continued, a blur of laughter, music, and fleeting touches that set my skin alight. Alexander stayed close, his presence magnetic. Eventually I was pulled away by Nicola and her knowing smile. She gave me a little nudge with her elbow and tilted her head toward the bar.

“Come on,” she said, her tone laced with mischief.

I hesitated, glancing over my shoulder at Alexander, who was talking to Matteo and a few others. Nicola rolled her eyes and tugged me forward.

“He’ll survive without you for five minutes. Besides, we need to talk.”

We weaved through the crowd, the air buzzing with energy, and found an empty spot near the bar. Nicola flagged down the bartender, ordering something fruity for me and a tequila shot for herself.

“Okay,” she started, handing me my drink. “Spill.”

I raised an eyebrow, feigning innocence. “Spill what?”

“Don’t play dumb, Lucia. I saw that kiss.” She leaned against the bar, her smirk practically glowing under the neon lights.

Heat crept up my neck. “It wasn’t a big deal.”

“Oh sure, just a casual kiss with one of the most famous drivers in the world, with no cameras around, might I add,” she teased, throwing back her shot with practiced ease.

I sipped my drink, the tart sweetness doing little to cool the fire in my chest. “It’s complicated.”

“Complicated, my ass.” Nicola set her glass down with a dramatic clink. “You like him. He definitely likes you. So what’s the problem?”

“The problem,” I said, lowering my voice, “is that this whole thing started as fake.”

Nicola waved a dismissive hand. “Yeah, and now it’s not fake. Congratulations, you’ve graduated to the real deal.”

I gave her a pointed look. “It’s not that simple.”

“Why not?” she asked, genuinely curious.

“Because,” I said, glancing at Alexander across the room. He caught my eye and sent me a quick, heart-stopping smile. “He’s…a lot. And I’m just?—”

“A catch,” Nicola interrupted firmly. “You’re hot, you’re the kindest person I have ever met, you’re an amazing mother. If anything, he’s lucky to have you.”

I sighed, swirling my drink. “What if it’s all too much? The media, traveling, the…everything. It’s not just about me…it’s about Gianna too.”

Nicola softened, her teasing demeanor giving way to something more serious. “Look, I get it. You’ve got more to think about than most people. But that doesn’t mean you don’t deserve this, Lucia. You deserve to be happy.”

Her words hit me hard, cutting through the noise in my head.

“And,” she added, her smirk returning, “I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but Alexander looks at you like you hung the moon. I say, stop overthinking and enjoy it.”

I laughed, despite myself. “You make it sound so easy.”

“Maybe it is,” she said with a shrug. “Or maybe you’re just scared it’s real.”

I didn’t have an answer to that, so I just sipped my drink and watched as Alexander made his way across the room, his eyes locked on mine.

Nicola leaned in, her voice low and conspiratorial. “He’s coming over here. I’m gonna disappear and leave you to it.”

Before I could protest, Nicola smirked, gave me a playful wink, and disappeared into the pulsing crowd. I barely had time to process her words before Alexander appeared, his tall frame cutting through the throng of people with ease.

“Hey,” he said, his voice soft but clear despite the pounding music around us.

“Hey,” I replied, my pulse quickening at the sight of him.

His gaze searched mine, his brows drawing together slightly. “Everything okay?”

I nodded quickly, setting my drink on the nearest high-top table. “Yeah. Just girl talk.”

“Should I be worried?” he teased, his smile warm and easy, the kind that made my knees feel a little weak.

“Not at all.” I stepped closer, the space between us growing smaller. “Nicola’s just…blunt.”

“Mm-hm,” he hummed, his gaze dropping to my lips like a magnet.

“What?” I asked, suddenly self-conscious under his scrutiny. My fingers brushed my hair back instinctively, even though nothing was out of place.

“You look so beautiful,” he said, the words soft but weighted, cutting straight through the haze of noise and lights around us.

The words were simple but hit me like a punch to the chest. It shouldn’t have taken me by surprise—Alexander had always been the type to give compliments freely, unapologetically honest about how he felt and who he cared about. But the way he said it now, low and earnest, felt different.

I barely managed to whisper, “Thank you,” before he stepped closer, sending shivers down my spine.

“I want to kiss you again.”

My breath hitched, my mind momentarily blanking.

“No cameras around here,” I murmured, trying to lighten the moment even though my heart was racing.

“Fuck that, I already told you,” he said firmly, stepping closer, his eyes locking onto mine with an intensity that left no room for misinterpretation. “I want to kiss you because I want to. Nothing else. Understand?”

“Oh,” I managed to squeak, my voice embarrassingly weak.

He smiled faintly at my reaction, his hand brushing against mine like a silent invitation. His touch sent a spark through me, and suddenly Nicola’s words echoed in my mind: Stop overthinking and enjoy it.

For tonight, at least, I decided to do just that.

“I’ll remind you as many times as you need me to, pretty girl.”

A slow smile spread across my lips as I tilted my head to meet his gaze. “Want to get out of here?” I asked, surprising even myself with the boldness of my words.

Alexander paused, his eyes darkening slightly. “More than anything,” he replied, his voice thick with something that made my stomach flutter.

Without hesitation, I reached for his hand, lacing my fingers with his as we made our way through the crowd. The music and lights faded into the background, my world narrowing to the warmth of his hand in mine and the way my heart raced with anticipation. We loaded into the first cab we found, Alexander flagging it down. The ride was short on the way but felt so long on the way back. He asked for the aux cord and played cheesy songs as we bet the other couldn’t remember all the words. I won every bet.

We stumbled into the hotel lobby, our laughter echoing against the polished marble floors. My cheeks ached from smiling so much, my heart thrumming with a mix of nerves and excitement. Everything felt heightened—the buzz of the night still thrumming in my veins, the warmth of Alexander’s hand brushing against mine as we walked side by side, and the way his voice dipped low when he leaned in to speak, like it was meant just for me.

The elevator doors slid open with a quiet chime, and we stepped inside. I pressed the button for our floor, and Alexander leaned casually against the mirrored wall, his gaze fixed on me.

“You had fun tonight,” he said, his voice soft, a faint smile tugging at his lips.

“I did,” I admitted, glancing at him. “It’s been a while since I’ve felt…like this.”

“Like what?” he asked, stepping closer.

I hesitated, the words caught somewhere between my chest and throat. “Light,” I said finally. “Free.”

His hand brushed against mine, his fingers curling gently around mine. “I’m glad,” he murmured, his thumb stroking the back of my hand in slow circles.

The elevator dinged, and the doors opened to our floor. I stepped out, my pulse quickening as I felt him follow close behind me. We walked down the quiet hallway, his presence steady and reassuring, and when we reached our hallway, I turned to face him. Anna was watching Gianna for the night in my room, and all I wanted was this night not to end. We neared our doors, across the hall from each other’s.

“So,” I said softly.

Alexander’s hand found mine, stilling my nervous movements. His touch was warm, grounding, and when I looked up, his eyes were locked on mine, the intensity in his gaze stealing the breath from my lungs.

“Come inside?” he asked, his voice low and rough, like he was struggling to find the right words, holding up his hotel key card.

I swallowed hard, unsure of what to say, what to do. The air between us felt electric, charged with all the things we weren’t saying. I plucked the key card from his hand and unlocked his door. Once inside, the door shut quickly and his hands were on me.

He leaned in and I followed, our lips meeting.

It wasn’t rushed or frantic, it was gentle, deliberate, like he was giving me time to pull away if I wanted to. But I didn’t want to.

His lips brushed against mine, soft and warm, and everything else fell away. The world narrowed to just this moment, just him, and I felt myself leaning into him, my hands finding their way to his chest. His thumb traced the curve of my jaw, before it slid back into my hair. Shivers erupted through me.

“You’re incredible, you know that?” he said, his voice barely above a whisper, once inside his room. “I’ve dreamed of kissing you.”

“You have kissed me before,” I replied.

“No, kissing you for real, not for PR stunts, or pictures or to put on a show. Kissing you and knowing without a single doubt that it was real, because this”—he pointed to the two of us—“is maybe the most important thing to me.” He paused, holding my face in his hands. “I don’t want to lose this, to lose you,” he admitted, and I melted. Right there, a pile of mush on the ground.

“You couldn’t, even if you tried,” I replied softly, then kissed him again. This time it wasn’t soft or slow or chaste. It was a punishing kiss, a hard one, lips pressing into his, opening for him.