- LUCA
The moment Aria’s heel clipped the edge of that step, my heart didn’t just skip—it stopped.
I saw her life flash before my eyes, or at least the part where she broke an ankle and spent the next six weeks grounding me for it.
I caught her, but she didn’t just regain her balance. She collapsed back onto the carpeted stair, huffing like a cornered cat.
"I’m done," she muttered, rubbing her foot. "I am officially done. This gown is a cage, these shoes are weapons, and I should be at home with a laptop, not playing dress-up for your corporate buddies."
"You aren't done," I said, my voice low. I didn't wait for an invite. I swept one arm under her knees and the other behind her back, hoisting her into the air.
"Luca! Put me down! You’re going to wrinkle the silk!"
"
