werewolf /mafia romance

The night we found home

# CHAPTER 18

# PART ONE: "THE NIGHT WE FOUND HOME"

The door clicked shut behind us.

Silence.

Not the awkward kind.

The kind that feels like peace.

After the chaos of the delivery.

After the blood.

After the fear.

After I thought I was going to lose him.

We were home.

Finally.

Luca was walking in front of me.

His back was to me.

Shirt sleeves rolled up.

Bandage peeking out from under his collar.

He didn’t turn around.

For a long time.

I stood there.

In the middle of the living room.

Still in the same dress I wore to the hospital.

Still smelling like antiseptic and fear.

LUCA: You’re shaking.

ARIA: I’m not.

LUCA: Don’t lie to me.

His voice was low.

Tired.

But it still did things to me.

Things it always did.

He turned.

Slowly.

And god.

The look on his face.

His jaw was tight.

His eyes were dark.

Not with anger.

With something heavier.

Relief.

And terror.

That he almost lost me.

LUCA: Come here.

Two words.

That’s all it took.

My legs moved before my brain did.

I crossed the room.

And threw myself into him.

He caught me.

One arm around my waist.

The other hand in my hair.

Holding me like I was the only real thing in the world.

LUCA [whisper]: I thought—

ARIA: Don’t.

LUCA: I have to.

I thought I was going to lose you.

His voice broke.

The Alpha.

The CEO.

The man who never breaks.

Breaking.

For me.

ARIA: You didn’t.

I’m here.

Feel me.

I pulled back just enough to put his hand on my cheek.

On my neck.

On my heart.

ARIA: I’m alive.

Because of you.

LUCA: Because of you.

You picked up that gun.

You stood in front of me.

ARIA: And I would do it again.

His eyes searched mine.

Like he was making sure I was real.

Like he was memorizing every inch of me.

To make sure nothing was missing.

LUCA: You’re hurt.

ARIA: I’m fine.

LUCA: You’re lying.

Again.

He pulled up the sleeve of my dress.

There.

A bruise.

Purple.

Ugly.

His thumb brushed over it.

So gentle.

It hurt more than the bruise.

LUCA: Who did this?

ARIA: It doesn’t matter.

LUCA: It matters to me.

He bent down.

And kissed it.

Soft.

Reverent.

Like he was apologizing for every bad thing that ever happened to me.

ARIA: Luca—

LUCA: Shhh.

Let me.

He led me to the couch.

Sat down.

And pulled me onto his lap.

I should’ve protested.

His shoulder.

The bandage.

The doctor said "no strain".

But I didn’t.

Because for the first time in weeks,

I felt safe.

LUCA: Talk to me.

ARIA: About what?

LUCA: About anything.

About nothing.

Just talk.

So I know you’re okay.

So I started talking.

About stupid things.

About the hospital food.

About how the nurse had bad perfume.

About how I hated the way the chairs felt.

And he listened.

To every word.

His hand drawing circles on my back.

His lips in my hair.

LUCA: You’re rambling.

ARIA: You told me to talk.

LUCA: I like it.

Your voice.

It’s the only thing that makes this real.

He tilted my chin up.

And kissed me.

Not like before.

Not desperate.

Not angry.

Not hungry.

Soft.

Slow.

Like he had all the time in the world.

Like he was learning me all over again.

His lips moved against mine.

Telling me things words couldn’t.

"I’m here."

"I’m not leaving."

"You’re mine."

I kissed him back.

With everything I had.

With the fear.

With the relief.

With the love that scared me.

When we pulled apart,

we were both breathing hard.

LUCA: Stay.

ARIA: I’m not going anywhere.

LUCA: No.

Stay tonight.

In my bed.

With me.

No s*x.

No pressure.

Just... stay.

How could I say no to that?

He stood.

Careful.

And carried me upstairs.

My arms around his neck.

My face in his chest.

Listening to his heartbeat.

Steady.

Strong.

Alive.

He laid me down on the bed.

The big bed.

The one that always smelled like him.

Like cedar and danger and home.

He climbed in beside me.

On top of the covers.

Fully clothed.

And pulled me into his arms.

LUCA: Sleep.

ARIA: I can’t.

LUCA: Try.

I’ll be here when you wake up.

And he was.

All night.

He didn’t let go.

Not once.

Even when he shifted in his sleep.

Even when his shoulder must’ve hurt.

His arm stayed around me.

Like if he let go,

I’d disappear.

---

[SCENE 2: 6:00 AM - MORNING]

I woke up to sunlight.

And to him watching me.

LUCA: Morning.

ARIA: Morning.

We just looked at each other.

For minutes.

No words.

Because what do you say

after you almost died

and then found your way back to each other?

LUCA: You slept.

ARIA: For the first time in days.

LUCA: Good.

He brushed my hair back.

LUCA: You look peaceful.

ARIA: I feel peaceful.

For the first time.

He smiled.

That rare, real smile.

That only I get to see.

LUCA: Come on.

Let’s eat.

---

[SCENE 3: 7:00 AM - KITCHEN]

He made breakfast.

Burned the toast.

On purpose probably.

To make me laugh.

And it worked.

I was sitting on the counter.

Swinging my legs.

Watching him move around the kitchen.

Domestic.

Normal.

Us.

LUCA: Stop staring.

ARIA: Can’t help it.

You’re beautiful when you’re domestic.

He threw a piece of toast at me.

LUCA: Eat.

ARIA: Yes, sir.

He came over.

Stood between my legs.

And fed me a bite.

LUCA: Better?

ARIA: Much.

And then he kissed me.

Tasting like coffee and burnt toast.

And love.

---

[SCENE 4: 10:00 AM - THE TALK]

We were on the balcony.

Coffee in hand.

City below us.

Quiet.

ARIA: What happens now?

LUCA: Now?

ARIA: With us.

With everything.

He set his cup down.

And took my hand.

LUCA: Now we live.

ARIA: Just like that?

LUCA: Just like that.

No more contracts.

No more deals.

No more almost losing you.

He brought my hand to his lips.

LUCA: Now I wake up next to you.

Now I fight for you.

Now I love you.

Out loud.

Every day.

My eyes filled.

ARIA: That sounds...

LUCA: What?

ARIA: Like home.

LUCA: It is.

You are.

---

[SCENE 5: 3:00 PM - THE MEMORY]

We were cleaning.

The house.

After everything.

It needed it.

I found his shirt.

The one he wore the night of the delivery.

There was still a stain.

I froze.

Luca saw me.

Came over.

LUCA: Hey.

ARIA: This is from that night.

LUCA: I know.

ARIA: I thought I lost you.

LUCA: I know.

ARIA: Don’t ever scare me like that again.

LUCA: I won’t.

He took the shirt from me.

Threw it away.

LUCA: No more reminders.

Just us.

From now on.

---

[SCENE 6: 8:00 PM - NIGHT]

Dinner was simple.

Pasta.

Wine.

Candles.

Not because it was special.

But because it was ordinary.

And ordinary felt like a miracle.

LUCA: Dance with me.

ARIA: There’s no music.

LUCA: I’ll hum.

And he did.

Low.

Off-key.

Perfect.

He held me.

Swung me around the kitchen.

Like we were the only two people in the world.

Because we were.

---

[SCENE 7: 11:00 PM - BEDROOM]

Back in bed.

Same as last night.

But different.

Because the fear was gone.

LUCA: You okay?

ARIA: I’m more than okay.

LUCA: Good.

He pulled me closer.

His face in my neck.

LUCA: I love you.

ARIA: I love you too.

Three words.

That changed everything.

We fell asleep like that.

Entangled.

Safe.

Home.

And for the first time in a long time,

there were no nightmares.

Just dreams.

Of us.

Of forever.

[END OF CHAPTER 18 - PART ONES

# CHAPTER 18

# PART TWO: "UNDER YOUR SKIN"

The morning light was different today.

Softer.

Warmer.

Like the world finally decided we deserved peace.

I woke up first.

To his arm around me.

Heavy.

Possessive.

Safe.

Luca was still asleep.

Face buried in my neck.

Breathing me in.

I didn’t move.

Didn’t dare to.

Because if I did, this moment might break.

His hand was on my waist.

Under my shirt.

Skin on skin.

Like he needed to feel me to believe I was real.

LUCA [mumbled]: You’re awake.

ARIA: How did you know?

LUCA: Your heart.

It’s beating differently.

He tightened his hold.

LUCA: Morning.

ARIA: Morning.

He didn’t let go.

Instead he pulled me closer.

Until there was no space between us.

LUCA: I had a dream.

ARIA: What about?

LUCA: You.

Running.

And I couldn’t catch you.

His voice was rough.

Still full of sleep.

Still full of fear from yesterday.

ARIA: I’m not running.

Not anymore.

I turned in his arms.

To face him.

His eyes were open now.

Dark.

Intense.

Looking at me like I was the answer to every question he ever had.

LUCA: Come here.

He kissed me.

Not soft this time.

Not careful.

Hungry.

Desperate.

Like he’d been holding back all night

and couldn’t hold back anymore.

His hand went to my hair.

Fisted it.

Tilting my head so he could kiss me deeper.

I gasped into his mouth.

And he swallowed the sound.

Like he owned it.

Like he owned me.

LUCA: God, Aria.

I need you.

Three words.

That undid me.

My hands were on his chest.

On his bandage.

Careful.

But I needed to touch him too.

To make sure he was real.

To make sure he was mine.

LUCA: Don’t stop.

ARIA: Your shoulder—

LUCA: f**k my shoulder.

I need you.

And who was I to argue?

He rolled over.

Careful of his injury.

But still on top of me.

Caging me in.

His weight.

His heat.

Him.

LUCA: Look at me.

I did.

His eyes were burning.

Golden fire.

Possession.

Love.

Need.

LUCA: You’re mine.

ARIA: I’m yours.

LUCA: Say it again.

ARIA: I’m yours, Luca.

All of me.

That was it.

That broke him.

He kissed down my neck.

Slow.

Torturous.

Leaving marks I knew I’d wear like jewelry.

LUCA: Mine.

Kiss.

Mine.

Kiss.

Mine.

ARIA: Yes.

Yes I’m yours.

His hands were everywhere.

Under my shirt.

On my skin.

Memorizing.

Claiming.

Every touch said "I found you".

Every kiss said "I’m not losing you".

LUCA: I love you.

ARIA: I love you too.

And then there were no more words.

Just us.

Just skin.

Just the way he whispered my name

like a prayer.

Like a promise.

Like a curse.

Slow.

So slow.

Like he wanted to memorize every second.

Like he wanted to make sure I felt every single part of him.

His lips on mine.

His hands in my hair.

His voice in my ear.

"God you’re beautiful"

"You’re perfect"

"You’re mine"

I arched into him.

Needing more.

Needing all of him.

LUCA: I’ve got you.

I’ve got you baby.

He moved with me.

In sync.

Like we were made for this.

Like we were made for each other.

And when it was over,

when we were both shaking and breathless,

he didn’t move away.

He stayed.

Inside me.

Above me.

Holding me.

LUCA: Stay with me.

ARIA: I’m not going anywhere.

He buried his face in my neck.

And just breathed.

LUCA: That was...

ARIA: I know.

We laid there.

For a long time.

Tangeld.

Sweaty.

Sated.

His fingers drawing patterns on my back.

LUCA: Do you feel it?

ARIA: What?

LUCA: This.

Us.

Like this is how it was always supposed to be.

ARIA: Yeah.

I feel it.

He kissed my shoulder.

Soft.

Lingering.

LUCA: I’m never letting you go.

ARIA: Don’t.

---

[SCENE 2: SHOWER]

An hour later.

We were in the shower.

He insisted.

Said I needed it.

Said we both did.

Steam.

Hot water.

His hands washing me.

Gentle.

Reverent.

LUCA: Turn around.

I did.

And he washed my back.

Every inch.

Like he was washing away the bad memories.

ARIA: Luca...

LUCA: Hmm?

ARIA: Thank you.

He turned me around.

And kissed me.

Under the water.

LUCA: Don’t thank me.

Just stay.

---

[SCENE 3: BREAKFAST IN BED]

He carried me to bed.

Wrapped me in a blanket.

And brought me breakfast.

Pancakes.

Berries.

Coffee.

LUCA: Open.

He fed me.

Like I was something precious.

Like I was glass.

ARIA: You don’t have to do this.

LUCA: I want to.

Let me take care of you.

And he did.

All morning.

---

[SCENE 4: AFTERNOON - THE CONFESSION]

We were lying in bed.

Naked.

Under the covers.

Talking.

ARIA: Can I ask you something?

LUCA: Anything.

ARIA: When did you fall in love with me?

He went quiet.

For a long time.

LUCA: The first time you yelled at me.

ARIA: What?

LUCA: In my office.

You called me an arrogant bastard.

And I thought...

"God she’s not scared of me."

"She sees me."

ARIA: And when did you know?

LUCA: When you picked up that gun.

For me.

His voice broke.

LUCA: That’s when I knew I’d burn the world down for you.

I cried.

He wiped my tears.

And kissed me.

Soft.

Sweet.

Forever.

---

[SCENE 5: EVENING - POSSESSIVE]

We went out.

Just to dinner.

Just the two of us.

And every man looked at me.

And every time,

Luca’s hand found mine.

Or my waist.

Or my back.

Claiming me.

One guy smiled at me.

Luca growled.

LUCA: Mine.

ARIA: I know.

And he kissed me.

Right there.

In the restaurant.

Hard.

Possessive.

To prove a point.

When we got home,

he didn’t stop.

---

[SCENE 6: NIGHT - THE SECOND TIME]

This time was different.

Faster.

Harder.

More desperate.

Like we were making up for lost time.

Like we were proving we were alive.

LUCA: Look at me.

ARIA: I am.

LUCA: Don’t look away.

I didn’t.

I watched him.

As he fell apart.

As I fell apart.

Together.

After.

He held me.

Tight.

LUCA: You’re under my skin now.

ARIA: Good.

Stay there.

---

[SCENE 7: MIDNIGHT]

I woke up to him watching me.

ARIA: What?

LUCA: Nothing.

Just looking at you.

ARIA: Why?

LUCA: Because I can.

Because you’re here.

Because you’re mine.

He kissed my forehead.

LUCA: Sleep.

I’ll be here when you wake up.

And I did.

Knowing he meant it.

[END OF CHAPTER 18 - PART TWO]

# CHAPTER 18

# PART THREE: "YOURS TO KEEP"

Three days.

Three days of nothing but us.

No phone calls.

No business.

No danger.

Just Luca.

And me.

And this house that finally felt like home.

It was 2:00 AM.

And I couldn’t sleep.

Not because of nightmares.

Because of him.

He was sleeping next to me.

One arm thrown over my waist.

Face buried in my hair.

Breathing slow.

Steady.

Alive.

I traced his scars with my finger.

The one on his shoulder.

Fresh.

From saving me.

LUCA [mumbled]: Stop that.

ARIA: Stop what?

LUCA: Thinking so loud.

ARIA: How do you know I’m thinking?

LUCA: Because your heart is racing.

He pulled me closer.

LUCA: What’s wrong?

ARIA: Nothing.

I just...

I like this.

Us.

Like this.

He kissed my shoulder.

LUCA: Me too.

Now sleep.

But I didn’t.

Because I was too busy memorizing him.

---

[SCENE 2: 7:00 AM - MORNING KITCHEN]

The smell of coffee woke me up.

I walked downstairs.

And stopped.

Luca.

In sweatpants.

No shirt.

Bandage still on.

Cooking.

My CEO.

My Alpha.

In an apron.

ARIA: What are you doing?

LUCA: Making you breakfast.

ARIA: You can cook?

LUCA: For you?

I can do anything.

He turned.

And smiled.

That smile.

That was only for me.

LUCA: Come here.

I did.

And he kissed me.

Tasted like coffee and morning.

LUCA: Eggs or pancakes?

ARIA: You.

LUCA: That’s not on the menu.

ARIA: Make it.

He laughed.

And pulled me onto the counter.

Stood between my legs.

LUCA: Greedy.

ARIA: Only for you.

He fed me a strawberry.

Then kissed the juice off my lips.

Slow.

Sweet.

Like we had all the time in the world.

---

[SCENE 3: 11:00 AM - THE GARDEN]

We were outside.

In the garden.

Blanket on the grass.

Sun on our faces.

He was reading.

I was watching him.

LUCA: Stop staring.

ARIA: Can’t.

You’re beautiful when you’re relaxed.

He put the book down.

And pulled me on top of him.

LUCA: Better?

ARIA: Much.

His hands were in my hair.

His eyes on mine.

LUCA: Tell me something.

ARIA: What?

LUCA: Something no one else knows.

I thought.

ARIA: I used to talk to the moon.

When I was lonely.

LUCA: What did you say?

ARIA: That one day someone would choose me.

For real.

Not because they had to.

His face softened.

LUCA: I choose you.

Every day.

Even on the days you drive me crazy.

Especially then.

He kissed me.

Under the sun.

And I believed him.

---

[SCENE 4: 3:00 PM - JEALOUSY]

We went to get groceries.

Just normal.

Just us.

Until this guy.

He came up to me.

Smiling.

GUY: Hey, aren’t you Aria?

ARIA: Uh, yes?

GUY: I’m Jake.

From college.

Luca went still beside me.

GUY: You look amazing.

We should catch up sometime.

Luca stepped in front of me.

LUCA: She’s busy.

GUY: Oh. Sorry man.

Didn’t know she was with someone.

LUCA: Now you do.

The guy left.

Fast.

In the car.

Silence.

ARIA: Are you mad?

LUCA: No.

ARIA: Then what?

LUCA: Possessive.

He grabbed my hand.

Brought it to his mouth.

Kissed my knuckles.

LUCA: I don’t like other men looking at you.

ARIA: They can look.

They can’t have me.

LUCA: Damn right.

He leaned over.

And kissed me.

Hard.

Marking me.

In the car.

In public.

LUCA: Mine.

ARIA: Yours.

---

[SCENE 5: 6:00 PM - SHOWER TOGETHER]

Back home.

We needed a shower.

The water was hot.

Steam everywhere.

He washed me.

Everywhere.

Slow.

Careful.

Loving.

LUCA: Turn around.

I did.

And he pressed me against the tiles.

Kissed down my spine.

LUCA: Do you know what you do to me?

ARIA: What?

LUCA: This.

He entered me.

Slow.

From behind.

One hand on my hip.

The other in my hair.

LUCA: You make me lose control.

ARIA: Good.

We moved together.

Water running over us.

His name on my lips.

Mine on his.

After.

He held me.

Under the water.

For a long time.

LUCA: I love you.

ARIA: I love you too.

---

[SCENE 6: 9:00 PM - DINNER + DANCE]

He made dinner.

Again.

Burned it again.

We laughed again.

Then he pulled me up.

LUCA: Dance.

ARIA: To what?

LUCA: To this.

And he hummed.

Low.

In my ear.

While we swayed in the kitchen.

Barefoot.

In each other’s arms.

LUCA: This is my favorite part.

ARIA: Which part?

LUCA: This.

Normal.

You.

Me.

No war.

No fear.

Just this.

I rested my head on his chest.

ARIA: Mine too.

---

[SCENE 7: 11:00 PM - BEDROOM CONFESSION]

We were in bed.

Naked.

Under the covers.

His arm around me.

ARIA: Luca?

LUCA: Hmm?

ARIA: Do you ever think about the future?

LUCA: Every day.

ARIA: And?

LUCA: And you’re in it.

All of it.

He rolled me over.

On top of him.

LUCA: Kids.

A house.

Old.

And gray.

And still arguing about what to watch on TV.

ARIA: You want that?

LUCA: I want that with you.

My heart.

ARIA: Me too.

He kissed me.

Deep.

Promising.

LUCA: Come here.

And he loved me.

Slow this time.

Like he was making a vow.

Like he was saying "forever"

without using the word.

After.

We laid there.

Talking.

About stupid things.

About everything.

LUCA: You’re mine now.

ARIA: I’ve always been.

LUCA: Good.

Because I’m not giving you back.

He pulled me into him.

And we slept.

Entangled.

Safe.

Home.

[SCENE 8: 3:00 AM - THE WHISPER]

I woke up to his voice.

LUCA: You’re dreaming.

ARIA: What?

LUCA: You were talking in your sleep.

ARIA: What did I say?

LUCA: You said my name.

Like you missed me.

Even though I was right here.

I smiled.

ARIA: I do miss you.

Even when you’re here.

He kissed me.

Soft.

Sleepy.

LUCA: Good.

Because I miss you too.

All the time.

And we fell asleep again.

His heartbeat under my hand.

His breath in my hair.

His love all around me.

[END OF CHAPTER 18 - PART THREE]

# CHAPTER 18

# PART FOUR: "YOU HEALED ME"

It was raining.

Not hard.

Just enough to make the windows blur.

Enough to make the world feel quiet.

I was sitting by the window.

Blanket around me.

Coffee in my hands.

Watching the rain.

I didn’t hear him come in.

LUCA: You’re cold.

His voice behind me.

Low.

Warm.

Before I could answer,

his arms were around me.

Pulling me back into his chest.

His warmth wrapping around me.

ARIA: I’m okay.

LUCA: Liar.

He kissed my temple.

Soft.

Lingering.

LUCA: Talk to me.

ARIA: About what?

LUCA: About why you’re sitting here

looking like you’re miles away.

I sighed.

And leaned into him.

ARIA: I was thinking.

About before.

About how different everything is now.

His arms tightened.

LUCA: Good different?

ARIA: The best different.

He turned me in his arms.

So I was facing him.

LUCA: Look at me.

I did.

His eyes.

God his eyes.

No more walls.

No more cold.

Just me.

Just us.

LUCA: You saved me, you know.

ARIA: What?

LUCA: You.

You saved me.

I shook my head.

ARIA: You saved me.

LUCA: No.

I was dead inside, Aria.

Before you.

Walking around.

Breathing.

But dead.

His thumb brushed my cheek.

LUCA: And then you yelled at me.

In my office.

Called me a bastard.

And something in me...

woke up.

ARIA: Luca—

LUCA: Let me finish.

He took my face in his hands.

LUCA: You made me feel.

You made me angry.

You made me jealous.

You made me scared.

You made me love.

For the first time.

In years.

Tears.

I didn’t even realize I was crying.

ARIA: You did the same for me.

LUCA: How?

ARIA: You made me believe

that I was worth choosing.

Worth fighting for.

Worth loving.

He wiped my tears.

With his thumbs.

Like I was precious.

Like I was glass.

LUCA: You are.

You’re worth everything.

---

[SCENE 2: THE FIREPLACE]

He carried me to the living room.

Set me down by the fireplace.

It was warm.

Orange light flickering on his face.

He sat behind me.

Pulled me between his legs.

My back to his chest.

LUCA: Remember the first time?

ARIA: Which time?

LUCA: The first time I touched you.

ARIA: I remember.

LUCA: I was so angry.

At you.

At myself.

At the contract.

At everything.

His lips were in my hair.

LUCA: And then you looked at me.

Like you weren’t scared.

Like you saw me.

The real me.

ARIA: I did see you.

LUCA: No one ever has.

Not like that.

He kissed my neck.

Slow.

Reverent.

LUCA: Thank you.

ARIA: For what?

LUCA: For not giving up on me.

Even when I gave you every reason to.

I turned.

And kissed him.

Not hungry.

Not desperate.

Just...

Love.

Soft.

Deep.

Like "I understand you"

and "I’m not going anywhere".

---

[SCENE 3: THE CONFESSION]

LUCA: Can I tell you something?

ARIA: Always.

LUCA: I was scared.

ARIA: Of what?

LUCA: Of this.

Of us.

Of feeling this much.

He buried his face in my neck.

LUCA: Because if I felt this much

and lost you...

I don’t think I would’ve survived it.

ARIA: You won’t lose me.

LUCA: Promise me.

ARIA: I promise.

He pulled back.

Looked at me.

LUCA: Say it again.

ARIA: I’m not going anywhere.

I’m yours.

LUCA: Say the other thing.

ARIA: I love you.

LUCA: Louder.

ARIA: I LOVE YOU, LUCA.

He smiled.

That real smile.

The one that reached his eyes.

LUCA: I love you too.

More than I thought was possible.

---

[SCENE 4: THE HEALING]

He laid me down.

On the rug.

In front of the fire.

No rushing.

No urgency.

Just...

care.

His hands on me.

Like he was healing me.

With every touch.

LUCA: Is this okay?

ARIA: Yes.

LUCA: Tell me if it hurts.

ARIA: It doesn’t.

It feels like coming home.

He moved slowly.

Like he had all the time in the world.

Like this was sacred.

His eyes never left mine.

LUCA: You’re so beautiful.

ARIA: You’re the beautiful one.

LUCA: No.

You are.

Inside.

Outside.

Everything.

When he kissed me,

it felt like healing.

Like forgiveness.

Like "we made it".

And when we came together,

it wasn’t just bodies.

It was souls.

Entwined.

Finally at peace.

After.

He held me.

Didn’t let go.

LUCA: Better?

ARIA: So much better.

---

[SCENE 5: MIDNIGHT TALK]

It was past midnight.

We were still on the floor.

Wrapped in a blanket.

In front of the dying fire.

ARIA: What are you thinking?

LUCA: About you.

ARIA: Specifically?

LUCA: About how I used to think

love was a weakness.

ARIA: And now?

LUCA: Now I think it’s the strongest thing.

Because you make me stronger.

He kissed my forehead.

LUCA: You make me want to be better.

For you.

With you.

ARIA: You already are.

He smiled.

And pulled me closer.

LUCA: Stay with me like this.

ARIA: Forever?

LUCA: Forever.

---

[SCENE 6: 4:00 AM - THE NIGHTMARE]

I woke up screaming.

The dream.

The delivery.

The blood.

Luca was awake instantly.

LUCA: Hey.

Hey, I’m here.

I’m here baby.

He held me.

Tight.

Rocking me.

LUCA: Shhh.

It was just a dream.

You’re safe.

I’ve got you.

ARIA: I thought—

LUCA: I know.

But I’m here.

I’m not going anywhere.

He kissed my tears.

My forehead.

My cheeks.

LUCA: Breathe with me.

In...

Out...

Good girl.

Slowly,

my breathing calmed.

ARIA: I’m sorry.

LUCA: Don’t be sorry.

You don’t have to be strong

all the time.

Not with me.

He laid me down.

And laid with me.

His body a shield around mine.

LUCA: Sleep.

I’ll keep the monsters away.

And he did.

All night.

---

[SCENE 7: DAWN]

I woke up to sunrise.

And to him.

Watching me.

LUCA: Morning.

ARIA: Morning.

We didn’t talk.

We didn’t need to.

He just pulled me into him.

And held me.

Like "I’m here".

Like "You’re safe".

Like "I love you".

And I knew.

In that moment.

That this was it.

This was home.

This was him.

This was us.

LUCA: You okay?

ARIA: I’m perfect.

Because I’m with you.

He smiled.

And kissed me.

Soft.

Sweet.

Full of promise.

LUCA: Then let’s stay here.

Just a little longer.

And we did.

Wrapped in each other.

Wrapped in love.

Wrapped in the kind of peace

I never knew existed.

[END OF CHAPTER 18 - PART FOUR]