“Ariella, listen to me,” Luca said, his tone light but sincere. “Seriously, I’m not even mad at you. I mean—okay—maybe I’m a little upset that the two of you decided to do the deed while I was next door.”
I groaned, embarrassment washing over me all over again. He laughed, clearly trying to ease the tension.
But then he got all serious, "Ariella,” he said, nudging my arm lightly. “Look, I kinda like that you have a backbone. You were fighting for the man you love. I know you love Asher. And Asher loves you. I love that you threatened me, honestly—it shows you’ve got fire. You’re going to be the queen one day. You’re gonna need that, aren’t you?”
I managed a small smile and nodded.
“But seriously,” he added, chuckling, “have pity on the poor guy. He was hurt, for God’s sake!”
He starte
