Page 98 of Worship

I nod and kiss Ella’s little cheeks.“We’re in for it.”My heart feels like it’s beating through my chest. I’ve never loved the sound of something so much. Biting my lip as I look back up at him, it feels as if I can see my entire future.

I’m going to let him keep me barefoot and pregnant forever.

We arrived at his lake house right as the sun was setting. Ella stayed awake until the last ten minutes of the drive. I wanted to put her to sleep, but the moment we arrived, Rose was here to greet us, and a small part of me was relieved and also disappointed.

I liked our bubble. I feel like an imposter in front of Rose, but with Luca, caring for Ella feels natural.It’ll just take time,I tell myself, sighing as I look out at the lake from the back deck. It’s gorgeous, everything I’ve ever wanted, with glass walls and beamed ceilings.

I stare at the way the deep reds from the sunset reflect off the glass like water and feel complete. If today was as good as my life ever gets, I’ll feel as if I’ve won.

Luca’s arm relaxes over my shoulder, a glass of wine dangling from his hand. I take the stem and smile up at him, bringing the red wine to my lips and taking a sip.

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” His eyes search mine for a moment. “You know I only called Rose so we could fuck like bunnies, uninterrupted.”

His crassness makes me smile.

Of course he saw through me. I nod.

“I know. I just feel like an idiot in front of her. I don’t know Ella as well, and I don’t even know Rose. I feel a little bit like the mistress being moved in.”

“You are the mistress being moved in.” He smirks, making me laugh. “Give it time, baby. Rose will love you, and if she doesn’t, I’ll pack your shit.” Luca laughs out, and I pinch him. Hard.Dick.

“Ow!” He growls and fixes his eyes on me, making my insides tingle. “I’m going to make you pay for that.”

The implication is far more sexual than vengeful, even though he sounds deadly.

“Promise,” I say, licking my lips as he tilts my chin up with his finger.

“Would I lie?” he answers coolly.

Luca’s hand pulls away from my chin, and he takes my glass, putting it on the table.

“How I see it is you need to stop assuming the worst and trust me to care for you, and the only way for us to do that is to make sure you get what you need, over and over, until you take it for granted.”

He’s talking about more than just sex, even though I love the “over and over” part. I didn’t trust him; I prolonged this moment as much as his stubbornness did. But I did it by way of mistrust, assuming he wouldn’t do what we both needed.

“So, you want to teach me a lesson in trust?”

The desire in my voice gives away my readiness.

He nods.

“I paid a helluva price almost losing you. What price should you pay for not trusting me? Huh?”

The tumbler he’s holding runs up my leg, and I can feel the coolness through my jeans. Luca leans close to my cheek and whispers, “Choose your fate. Do you want to be fucked or loved, Angel?”

I close my eyes, knowing they aren’t mutually exclusive, but for us, they have very specific meanings. He knows I need the connection between us, the aggression and anger we’ve both felt to play about in the sheets.

His breath is warm against my skin as he keeps whispering.

“Maybe we play your favorite game, Angel. I’ll hunt you…here.”

He brings the glass between my legs and runs it up, rolling it over where my clit is throbbing. My breath hitches.

“Do you trust me?” he asks seductively.

He sets his drink down and begins to gather my T-shirt, tugging it up.