Page 81 of Mafia Scars

I didn’t know such a place could be bought.

“How did you manage that?”

“There was a guy who owed me a favor.”

“What kind of favor?” I hoped this wasn’t going to be a revelation of one of his rackets or a loan someone couldn’t pay.

“Relax, it’s a better version of what you’re thinking. I paid a debt the guy couldn’t afford, saved him from the Cipriani’s, who you don’t ever want to run into. He then hooked me up with a way to purchase the property. They were going to knock it down to build a hotel. I didn’t want that to happen. I was able to purchase the entire estate, villa and vineyard.”

I beamed up at him. “That’s beautiful.” I’d been there many times as a child.

“I want to take you there.” He’d talked about the place before, and I always felt excited at the prospect. “I want you to dance there for me.”

Heat crept up to my cheeks, and a blush flushed over my entire body.

“Okay, I’d love that.”

Again, he took my hand and kissed it, then pulled me close to his chest, where I rested my head.

We stayed like this for a while, with him holding me and stroking my hair.

In his arms was safety and escape. It was a dream I never wanted to wake up from.

We left just as it was about to get dark after having taken advantage of a nice walk around the gorgeous surroundings.

Leaving brought back to the forefront of my mind that we had a situation on our hands that had to be dealt with.

I didn’t want to do it. I wanted to be at the part where Luc and I could plan out what we wanted to do as a couple.

I wanted us to be the gardener and the dancer.

I stopped him as her verged onto the road that would lead back to my father’s house.

“What’s up, doll?”

“Not yet. I don’t want to go back yet.” I held his gaze. “Take me home, to your place.”

“Your dad’s going to have my ass for keeping you out too long,” he joked. I knew it wouldn’t faze him if my father said anything. Plus, Dad was at least ten years too late to get rattled about me getting home late.

“I’ll deal with him tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow?” Luc raised his brows and gave me a wicked grin as he did a U-turn, taking us on the route that would lead to his house.

“Tomorrow,” I agreed.

I needed to be with Luc tonight. To be his, in his bed, in his arms with him inside me, all over me. Mind, body, and soul.

Chapter 17

Luc

* * *

That maddening urge to have her always raged within me.

It never stopped, and no way was I about to pass up a chance to spend the night with the woman of my dreams.

Raphael would have my ass, but I didn’t care what the guy said. Amelia was mine.