Luca

4 - Soon, baby girl

Luca

“Papa told me that my wifely duty would be to have children and take care of my husband and our home.” Sofia continues. “There will be no time for work or fun. Not to mention, he doesn’t care if my husband cheats on me or beats the crap out of me every day. Once we’re married, as long as I behave, put up with it, and keep my mouth shut, then Papa won’t kill me,” Sofia’s eyes widen, and she slams her hand over her mouth as though she’s said too much. She probably thinks I will now tell Romano all that she’s said – I won’t.

That bastard doesn’t give a damn about his daughter as long as he gets what he wants from my father; that much is obvious. First, I feel disbelief—how can a father act like this? Then, resignation settles in. I’m not surprised that Romano treats Sofia the way he does. Even the threats to kill her don’t shock me anymore. Men like Romano are all too common within families like ours.

My siblings and I were lucky with our father. Dad might be a ruthless Don, but he’s a good father and husband. He’s never threatened Dray or me, never raised a hand to us. Just looking at Sofia, I know Romano is far worse.

How could any man hurt his own daughter?

I know it happens, but it’s wrong. That jerkoff can’t even see what’s coming for him. But mark my words, he’ll die in the worst way!

“You don’t need to worry, Sofia,” I tell her. “I’m not going to say anything to your father.” She nods slightly. “I don't cheat, Sofia, and I do not hurt women. I would never hit you, so you don’t need to worry about that. I can’t tell you that I’ll never be angry because that would be a lie. I do lose my temper sometimes, but I do not lash out.” Her big brown eyes watch me in wonder. “We may not know each other yet, but I’m taking this marriage seriously. You will not be a salve to me, and if you want to work, then I have no problem with that. Just as long as your bodyguard is with you.”

“Do you mean that?” She asks softly.

I nod, voice gentle. “The last thing I want is for you to be afraid of me, Sofia." I hesitate, searching her face before continuing, "It doesn’t matter that this is an arranged marriage; the fact is that you will be my wife, and that means something to me.”

Sofia’s face breaks out in an infectious smile before she throws herself at me. Her arms tighten around my waist as she giggles. I waste no time sliding my arms around her and holding her close to me. Sofia rests her head on my chest, and I kiss the top of her head before resting my cheek there.

She smells so good, and she fits in my arms like she was born to be there. Confusion and protectiveness crash over me—I don’t understand what I’m feeling. This has never happened to me before. But I have never wanted to protect anyone as much as I want to protect Sofia. She’s special, I can feel it.

What the hell is wrong with me? The shift from indifference to protectiveness unsettles me.

“I'm glad it was you.” Her voice is low, but I heard her well enough. “I have nothing against your brother, but…”

“The stories about him frightened you?” I ask, feeling Sofia nod against me. I reach out, wanting to comfort her. “I can understand that, Sofia.” Empathy rises in my voice. “I won’t lie to you. Dray is not always the easiest of men to get along with.” My expression grows more serious. “He wasn’t the right man for you. I can’t say that he would never have harmed you.” A quiet tension enters my words. “My brother is unpredictable.”

“Was I supposed to marry Dray?” Sofia asks quietly.

I won’t lie to the girl because it would be pointless. Sofia will only find out sooner or later, so it may as well come from me. My honesty is mixed with concern for how she’ll take the truth.

“Yes. I won’t lie, my father had chosen Dray as your husband.”

“Why did you take his place?”

“Because you deserve to be cherished, Sofia. Regardless of anything else, you don’t deserve to be hurt. Dray wouldn’t beat you, but you wouldn’t have had a good life with him. I didn’t want you to be unhappy. I only hope to make you happy.”

“I have a feeling that you will.” She whispers, her voice wavering. “Luca, I know it’s my duty to please you on our wedding night.” Her hands lock around my back as if she’s scared to let go. Her breath is shaky. “But I'm afraid.”

“What are you afraid of, Sofia?”

She pulls away from me, and anxiety knots my stomach. I pray to God that she doesn’t notice the shift in my pants. Holding her the way I was sent all the blood to my coc.k! Damn, that could be very dangerous to my sanity.

“Please don’t make me say it.” She bites her lower lip while looking down at her feet. Christ, she looks so young and innocent right now.

Wait, surely, she’s not... “Sofia, are you a virgin?”

After a few seconds of silence, Sofia tells me, “I was never allowed to date. My father kept a close eye on me; he still does. If I’m not at the store with my bodyguard, then I have to be home. I don’t have any friends, so I have nowhere to go.”

She’s basically a prisoner. As realization dawns, concern builds—it's clicking that my father knows more about Roberto Romano than he let on. Dad never acts without reason. I hope he wanted to help Sofia.

“Have you ever been kissed?” The blush in her cheeks is all the answer I need.

I take a step closer, my hand cupping her cheek. Her eyes land on my mouth, and I smirk. Sofia wants me to kiss her, and I want to kiss her as much as I need my next breath.

I slide my thumb over her plump lower lip. Her eyes widen, uncertainty flickering across her face. “Do you want me to kiss you, Sofia?” Her breathing grows harsher, mirroring the tension rising between us. I wait for an answer, but before she can give it, my name is being called in the distance.

My brother comes to the door and tells me that our father is demanding to see me right now. His timing couldn’t be worse!

“Now, Luca!” Dray snaps and walks away.

I lean into Sofia, my mouth against her ear—excitement and longing surge between us. “Soon, baby girl. Very soon, I'll make you mine in every way possible. I'll make you so happy that you’ll never want to leave. I’ll give you everything you’ve ever dreamed of... Until then...” I kiss Sofia’s cheek and lead her back inside to her father.

Now to face the wrath of Don Draven Vidal.