Page 18 of Sexted By a Stranger

She was silent for a moment, then spoke slowly. "Luca, I know your business is big, you deal with all kinds of people. But I'm not some girl who only knows how to hide behind her man. If there's anything I can help you with..."

Her words made me both touched and pained. She trusted me so much, even willing to share the burden, but she didn't know how bloody and dangerous this "business" was.

"Stellina, you've already helped me the most."

"Me?" She looked confused.

"You've given me something to care about, given me endless strength," I kissed her forehead. "For you, I'd face any challenge."

Tears glistened in her eyes. "Luca..."

"However," my tone turned serious, "I need you to promise that no matter what happens, trust that I can protect you. Even if my methods confuse you temporarily, please remember it's only because I can't lose you."

Sheila stared at me, as if trying to see through me. "Are you hiding something from me?"

My heartbeat skipped. She was indeed perceptive.

"Sheila," I took a deep breath, "when I'm healed, I'll tell you some things. About me, about what we might face. But right now..."

"You're worried I'll be afraid?" she interrupted. "Luca, I love you as a person, not your status or position. No matter who you are, what kind of work you do, that won't change how I feel about you."

Her words made my heart constrict. If she knew I was a mafia don controlling the underworld, that her lover's hands were stained with blood, that we were being hunted by madmen right now...

I could almost see the starlight in her eyes extinguishing bit by bit, replaced by fear and incredulous despair.

No, not the time. At least not now, when I was so weak and she so shaken.

I needed time, needed to heal, needed enough power to control the situation before she could handle that dark world.

"Sheila," I pulled her into my arms, "give me a little time, will you? You need rest now, and so do I. Promise me, take care of yourself, okay?"

She nodded in my arms. "Okay. But Luca," she looked up at me, "you promise me too—rest!

Now! Immediately! Whatever earth-shattering business can wait until you can sit up without breaking into cold sweats.

" Her fingertips lightly brushed the bandage edges.

"Your job right now is to heal, Mr. Luca Bellomo. "

I tightened my arms, guilt and self-reproach flooding like a tide.

"Yes, ma'am."

"Alright, enough of that." I forced myself to release her, switching to a lighter tone. "How about your latest designs? Any new inspiration these days?"

Sheila's eyes suddenly lit up. "Yes! While taking care of you these days, I thought of a theme about protection. I want to design a necklace set symbolizing protection and loyalty..."

Listening to her excitedly describe her design concepts, watching the light sparkle in her eyes, my mood improved slightly. At least right now, in this manor under my protection, she could maintain this innocence and passion.

I would guard this light with my life. Whether Connor stood in the way, or the Direwolf Bratva, or all of hell itself.

"Sounds wonderful," I praised sincerely. "When you finish the design, I must be the first to see it."

"Of course," she smiled. "You're always first."

Just then, a light knock came from outside. Lennox's voice sounded, "Boss, Williams is here."

I checked the time—indeed it was time.

"Come in."

Williams entered, smiling when he saw the freshly bandaged wound.

"About how long until full recovery?" Sheila asked.

"As long as the wound doesn't tear open again, normal activity in about two weeks," he raised an eyebrow at me. "But still avoid strenuous exercise."

His words carried implications. Sheila's cheeks rapidly flushed pink in the dim light.

After Williams left, Sheila began organizing my medications again. "Remember to take your medicine on time. Don't push yourself."

"Yes, nurse," I joked.

She rolled her eyes at me, but her eyes were full of smiles.

"Come on," I extended my hand to her. "Go rest."

Sheila immediately put down what she was holding and stood, carefully avoiding my injury, using her slender body to support most of my weight.

Her arm circled my waist. Through the thin shirt, I could clearly feel the strength and warmth from her delicate arms. We were very close, her hair nearly brushing my jaw, that fresh scent surrounding me again.

Back in the master bedroom, Sheila helped me lie down on the spacious bed. She pulled the thin covers to my chest, then carefully checked the bandages on my shoulder, confirming no new blood was seeping through.

"Sleep now. Call me if you need anything."

I tilted my head slightly toward the other side of the bed, a silent indication.

Sheila clearly understood my meaning. Her cheeks quickly flushed pink in the darkness.

The mattress beside me dipped slightly, followed by the rustle of fabric. Her warm hand climbed up my right arm, obediently leaning against my shoulder.

In the darkness, her voice came like a whispered murmur. "Luca."

"Yes?"

"No matter what you're gonna tell me," She paused, her tone firm as bedrock. "I'm here."

Four simple words, but a rush of heat surged to my eyes, achingly sour.

She might not know exactly what would happen, but she'd already caught the scent of the storm and felt the approaching danger.

She didn't flee, didn't interrogate, just used the most steadfast way to tell me she would stand by my side.

I pulled her waist, drawing her into my embrace.

Her soft body collided with my chest. I used all my strength to circle her in my arms, chin resting on her hair, greedily inhaling that scent that could calm any storm.

"Sheila," My voice carried a vulnerability and plea I hadn't even noticed. "please keep your word."