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Chapter sixty-seven

Samara

I t isn’t my story to tell.

As much as it annoys me to not know the full story, especially because I’m now really starting to believe I have it all wrong, I respect him for not telling me.

And as for the cuddling situation, I have little fight left in me when it comes to him. It’s been so long since I’ve trusted someone just to hold me, let alone get any comfort from doing so.

It feels nice to be held. So, just for tonight, I allow myself this seemingly simple pleasure as I melt against his hard chest and nestle my face in closer to him. I take a deep breath, filling my lungs with the intoxicating scent of citrus, leather, and amber.

Luca rolls onto his back, dragging me on top of him as he keeps one arm secured around my waist.

I feel him reach over for the lamp, and a moment later, the room is filled with a calm darkness. His calloused fingers rake over the skin of my lower back, pressing soothing circles just above the waistband of my sleep shorts.

He cups my jaw, gently angling my face toward his, and still, I make no move to pull away.

His warm breath and sweet words are like a caress over my lips. “Thank you, princess.”

“What for?” I ask, confused.

“ For this. For not pushing me to tell you more, even though I know the wheels are turning and you really want answers.” My heart cracks open wide, the contents spilling free. “For just being here, holding me and letting me hold you,” he whispers, his voice sounding broken. Luca presses a gentle kiss to my forehead before moving his hand from my jaw to wrap it around my ribs.

I close my eyes, unable to formulate a response, and allow my actions to speak louder than words ever could.

It doesn’t take long before I’m drifting off to sleep.