CHAPTER 12: WHISPERS IN THE STREET
1427 Words
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Natalie’s POV
The morning after their business meeting, I sat at the dining table, savoring a freshly brewed cup of coffee. Luca had returned from his early workout, his presence commanding as ever. The tension between us had ebbed slightly, and the silences were no longer entirely uncomfortable.
“We're leaving for Italy tomorrow,” Luca announced abruptly, breaking my peaceful moment.
I frowned, clearly pissed. “Already? We just got here!” I put down her cup and turned toward him, my incredulity clear. “Luca, you can’t bring me to Europe, tell me to play the doting wife, and then whisk me back home without even letting me explore.”
Luca raised a brow, his expression unreadable. “We’re not here for a vacation.” Like I didn't f*****g know that man.
“Well, I think I deserve at least a few days to enjoy Europe,” I said, my voice firmer than I expected, I'm proud of me babyyy. “You promised me a honeymoon. Don’t tell me this is your idea of romance.”
Luca’s lips curved into a faint smirk, but his gaze remained sharp. “Romance isn’t exactly my forte.”
“Clearly.” I stood and folded my arms, meeting his challenging stare with one of my own. “You owe me this, Luca. Take me shopping. Show me the city. Let me have at least one day of pretending this arrangement isn’t entirely... transactional.”
For a moment, I thought he might argue,I mean it's Mafia freaking boss Luca De Rossi but instead, he leaned back, his expression thoughtful. “Fine. Tomorrow, we’ll explore.”
“Thank you, Husband” I said, trying to suppress the small surge of triumph.
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The next day began with an unexpected gesture. Luca handed me his sleek black card as they prepared to leave for the city. I mean, I've seen them in movies and all but a real life one? Given to me?? Here I f*****g come Italyyyy
“Here,” he said simply, sliding the card toward her.
I blinked at it, then back at him. “Is this... what I think it is?”
“It’s a credit card, Natalie, not a weapon.”
I picked it up gingerly, as though it might explode. “You’re just giving me this? No limits? No rules?”
Luca smirked. “Do you plan to bankrupt me?”
“I wouldn’t dare,” I muttered, though a small grin tugged at my lips.
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Our first stop was a high-end boutique nestled in the heart of the city. I marveled at the luxurious displays, my excitement bubbling over despite my attempts to remain composed.
“Buongiorno, Signor De Rossi,” the boutique owner greeted Luca warmly as we entered. So... they know each other orrrr??? He probably brought his other women here.
“Buongiorno,” Luca replied smoothly, slipping into Italian with practiced ease. “Questa è mia moglie, Natalie De Rossi. Trattala come una regina.” (This is my wife, Natalie De Rossi. Treat her like a queen.)
I definitely caught my name in the flow of Italian and glanced at him questioningly. “What did you just say?”
“Nothing you need to worry about,” he said, his tone teasing.
The staff whisked me away to the fitting rooms, showering me with exquisite dresses, shoes, and accessories. Luca remained in the background, his steady gaze following my every move, like I was just going to dissappear into thin air.
I emerged from the fitting room in a stunning emerald gown, the fabric hugging my curves in all the right places. I hesitated, feeling self-conscious under his scrutiny.
“What do you think?” I asked nervously.
Luca’s eyes traveled the length of my outfit before he finally spoke. “You look... perfect.”
Why is Luca's compliment making my stomach turn, if I didn't know better, I would've said butterflies in my bellly. I might get tachycardia at this rate.
My cheeks flushed at the rare compliment, and I turned away quickly, pretending to adjust the dress.
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By the time we finished shopping, I was laden with bags, each one containing items I hadn’t dared to dream of owning. I bought a belt for Daniel and a tie for Adriano as well. I need to get something for Joan. As we walked to the next destination, I found herself stealing glances at Luca.
“You’re surprisingly generous for someone who claims to be emotionally unavailable,” I teased.
Luca’s lips twitched, but he didn’t respond.
Our next stop was a sleek jewelry store. As I admired a delicate diamond necklace, Luca stepped up beside me.
“Get it,” he said simply.
“I don’t need—”
“I didn’t ask if you needed it.”
I sighed, realizing it was pointless to argue.
As the jeweler wrapped the necklace, Luca exchanged a few words in Italian. I definitely caught snippets but couldn’t piece them together.
“Again with the Italian,” I muttered. “What are you plotting?”
Luca smirked. “Just ensuring you get the best.”
I went further into the store to look for jewellery for Olga, our chef and Joan, I needed to get them something. I don't know what to gift a mother in law, but I'll just look for anything that screams Joan!!! Mafia mum!!!
I finally found jewelleries I felt matched Olga and Joan's personalities so I got them, I didn't really know what to get the chef so, I just got a silver jewellery set for her.
Remaining dear darling husband now. I love gifting people, I just hope this personality of mine doesn't fade with being a mafia boss's woman.
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Luca’s POV
Her childish excitement was endearing, though she tried to hide it behind a facade of indifference. Watching Natalie’s eyes light up as she explored the city was more entertaining than he’d anticipated.
She was unlike anyone I’d ever known—challenging, defiant, and yet oddly vulnerable. I found himself captivated by her in ways I hadn’t expected, and that realization unsettled me.
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Our final stop of the day was one of my business ventures, a sprawling restaurant with a view of the city. I led her through the elegant space, explaining its history and operations.
“You own this?” Natalie asked, her voice tinged with awe.
“Among other things,” I said casually.
As we stood on the terrace, overlooking the city below, I turned to her and thought to mention a plan that has been lingering in my head for a while. “I have plans to set up a hospital in your name. You’ll oversee it once it’s ready.”
Natalie stared at me, stunned. “You’re kidding.”
“I don’t joke about business.”
“But... why?”
“You’re a doctor. It makes sense.”
Natalie laughed softly, shaking her head. “At this rate, you’ll fall in love with me.”
Her words hung in the air, and I froze. She seemed to realize her words instantly, her eyes widening in regret.
“I didn’t mean—”
“Let’s go,” I said curtly, cutting her off. I didn't have time to mix emotions with business now, there was no need to complicate things
The rest of the evening passed in silence, the tension between us heavier than before, I knew it was my fault this time.
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Natalie’s POV
Back at the hotel, I just couldn’t shake the awkwardness of my earlier comment. I hadn’t meant to say it out loudly, but now I couldn’t stop replaying Luca’s reaction in my mind. Is loving me really that big of a crime?
As I prepared for bed, I glanced at him. He seemed distant, his expression unreadable.
“Goodnight,” I said softly, slipping under the covers.
Luca didn’t respond, and I felt a pang of disappointment.
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Luca’s POV
Long after Natalie had fallen asleep, I sat by the window, staring out at the city lights. Her words echoed in my mind, stirring emotions I didn’t want to confront.
Falling in love wasn’t part of the plan. But as I watched her sleep, peaceful and unaware, I couldn’t deny the pull she had on me.
For the first time in years, I felt uncertain—and it terrified me. I have to keep my emotions in check, I have a mission I tend to accomplish. I can't mess it up.
- Writer
