Page 43 of Worship

He sets me next to him as he goes about clearing the table our lunch is cluttered on. I watch him care for me. I know that’s what he’s doing, showing me because he can’t tell me.

It’s all too complicated.

He tosses our garbage in the bin, pausing for a moment, keeping his eyes on the door. “Qualunque cosa stia succedendo tra di noi non è nulla che mi sia mai aspettato, ma non so come smettere di volere che ciò accada. Mi fai sentire debole, Gretchen, e non sono sicuro di cosa fare al riguardo.”Whatever’s happening between us is nothing I ever expected, but I don’t know how to stop wanting it. You make me feel weak, Gretchen, and I’m not sure what to do about that.

“In English, Luca.”

I beam at him, loving this little game he’s started with me.

He turns around but shakes his head.

“Not yet.”

Luca opens the door and walks out just as my assistant walks in with my next meeting.

NOT BEING IN THE SAMEroom is an inconvenience I’m not looking forward to, but I want Gretchen, wholly and completely, so I need to change my tactics.

She’s fucking incredible, and having a taste has made me crave her. My thoughts were about her last night before I fell asleep and this morning when I woke up. Gretchen’s running through my veins. But she needs to be patient because I have some unfinished business.

I take a left out of the building, heading toward my office. Her building is only a few blocks from mine, and the walk helps to clear my mind. My phone buzzes in my pocket, and I pull it out, seeing Matteo’s name on the screen.

“Hey, man, what’s up?” I answer.

“What up, Luca. Just checking in. Last night was smooth as silk, and we have a dozen new applicants to vet.”

When I was hospitalized, Matteo took over my duties at Church. It was beneficial for both him and his dad. The senior Prozzi asked for my assistance, and I gave it.

“Send them to Dom. Liquor sales?” I ask, my voice clipped.

“Fantastic. Your gig is easy. You sure you don’t need me to stay on permanently? The thought of going back to the clubs for my dad makes me wish I’d taken up law rather than following in his footsteps.”

Matteo has a strained relationship with his father, and he hates the lifestyle too. We have that in common. I hate my uncle and this lifestyle more than anyone knows.

“I’ll talk to Dom.” I reassure him.

We’ve spoken about bringing him on. Neither of us has the time to devote to the club anymore.

“Thanks, Luca. Oh, by the way, one of Drew’s friends came in last night. She brought some jackass with her; they stayed for a while. We took care of the bill.”Now I’m curious.

“Good. Which friend?” I ask.

“Blair. You ever meet her?” Matteo questions.

A smile spreads across my face. Blair asked me question after question the night I met her at Dom’s. It was a matter of time before she found a way into Church.

“Yeah, she was at the wedding party. She’s fun.” I say amused at the information.

He laughs when I say fun.

“She’s a fucking knockout, and holy shit can her mouth…”

Jesus H.“All right, enough. And keep your dick in your pants while you’re on the job.”

At thirty-three, Matteo is the youngest of the guys, but he makes sure not to act a day over twenty-one. I suspect it’s because he doesn’t have a direction; I hope to provide him one with Church.

“Roger that, Dad.” He jokes sarcastically.

“Fuck you, son.” I laugh.