Page 79 of Worship

I melt a bit at his touch, and I hate how much I like it. Even after he showed his assholery, I still want to affix myself to him. Maybe if only to strangle him for his behavior.

“Will you behave, please?” I chastise under my breath, and he just grins before planting a kiss to my cheek as Blair takes a photo. I push him back gently.

“That’s the opposite of my request.”

My words are laced with a quiet irritation.

“One more, it’s blurry,” Blair says, and I roll my eyes.

Luca pulls me close to him.

“Don’t worry, I won’t hurt him.”

“You’re acting like this because you’re jealous,” I accuse, nestling in to the comfort of his body, looking at Blair’s phone and smiling.

Luca brings his mouth to my ear.

“Why would I be jealous? I just fucked his girlfriend in the pantry.”

My back straightens, and I spin to look at him as Blair calls out for Dom and Drew to join us. Luca brushes a hair behind my ear.

“Promise you’ll hear me out and I’ll play nice.”

I knew I was being set up. His face is bright, excited at his little game of cat and mouse, and god help me, because I love it. I’m completely sucked in, totally unable to resist him and his asshole ways.

“Fine,” I reluctantly agree.

“Forgive me, baby.”

Luca puts his hand on my back, and we turn to take the picture with all of us together.

“I can’t make any promises,” I answer, and his fingers brush the flesh on my lower back, making my pussy slick.

I break from the group the moment Blair says done and head back to my seat, smiling as Michael begins to stand to pull out my chair, but Luca beats him to it and pushes it back in.

“You’re good, Mikey. I got it from here.”

Michael sits down like a good puppy, completely emasculated, and I shoot Luca a look like “What the fuck.”

He just said he’d behave. Luca’s arm snakes around my waist, and my arms lift slightly as I appraise his possession of me.

“What are you doing?” I hiss quietly, and he shushes me.

Blair reaches her knife out and gently taps her glass. “A toast,” she calls out, and everyone joins in, looking to me and Luca. I’d forgotten about this part.

Luca winks at me, squeezing my waist gently. I plaster a smile on my face and take a deep breath. Luca motions his hand for everyone to settle down. The voices begin to hush, and I smile back at Drew’s beaming face.

This is why we’re here, this beautiful moment, and I’m suddenly happy that Luca is standing next to me for this moment. This is how I want to remember tonight. I glance up at him, there’s understanding in his eyes. He always knows just what I want.

I grab my wine from the table.

“Okay, as the most amazing godmother slash aunt, I’ll start by saying that this baby or babies,” I say with a wink to Dom’s grumbles, and everyone laughs, “will always have my whole heart.” Drew covers her mouth and blows me a kiss. “I couldn’t be happier for the two of you. The love you share comes once in a lifetime, and when you find it, you hold on to it because it’s a treasure you’ll never find again.” Luca squeezes me again, as I continue. “I’m so happy you’ve found that in each other. The world deserves more of the both of you.” Dante pats the table in support, and I giggle, willing my tears back. “I promise that I will always be there, present and loving, in your child’s life. Forever.”

Drew’s eyes glisten, and Luca lets me go so I can walk around the table and hug her fiercely. I love my friend, and her happiness is everything I’ve ever wanted for her.

Luca clears his throat to bring the attention back to himself, but I continue standing next to Drew, my hand in hers.

Luca looks out, so handsome and charming.