Chapter 005
1026 Words
Chapter 005
Luca’s POV
I feel like everything is weighing down on me. With Alessandra, every decision I make and every statement I make weighs more than the last. I feel as if I'm walking a tightrope, and the smallest mistake could send me tumbling into an uncontrollable storm.
Despite knowing and feeling this, I can't let go. I can't get her off my mind.
I promised myself that I would stay away. I promised myself that I wouldn't engage with her in this way. However, it becomes increasingly difficult to resist the attraction the more time I spend with her.
This was not the intended outcome. She was merely a tool, something I needed to control to prevail in this conflict between the Lycans and the Mafia. Now, though? I have no idea what I'm doing anymore.
Every time I gaze at her, my heart races and my mind drifts. I want her as my own, not only as a component of the plan. She serves as a steadfast anchor as everything else fades away.
As I observe her, the room is filled with long shadows from the setting light. She stares at the map, trying to understand the strange world she's in. She doesn't belong with people like us, and she doesn't belong here. However, she fits in more and more as she gains knowledge.
I say, gentler than I meant to, "You don't have to understand all of the details right now."
Her eyes are enquiring and piercing as she stares up at me. "So what do I have to comprehend?"
I pause. "You must realise that this episode is about more than simply the Lycans or the Mafia. It concerns you. It concerns how they will treat you.
Her brow furrows as though she's deep in thought as she reclines in her chair. I sense the distance between us as I watch her and consider closing it, but I'm not sure if I should.
Her voice is so little and disoriented that she whispers, "I don't belong here." "I don't understand why this is all taking place."
I take a step in her direction, my hand aching to touch her, but I resist. "You're more at home here than you realised."
Her eyes are wide with dread and confusion as she looks at me. "What makes you so concerned?"
The question strikes me more forcefully than it ought to. I've always focused on the mission and the wider picture. However, my focus shifts when it comes to her.
My honest response is, "I don't know." Perhaps it's because I can't bear to witness your demise in this world. Perhaps because I'm not prepared to part from you.
She looks at me, trying to take in what I've said, and then there's a moment, an awkward silence. The connection we have with each other is perilous. I sense a change in myself the longer she stares at me.
She gets up abruptly and paces the room as though she can't remain motionless for another moment. "Luca, I don't require your protection. I don't require your assistance. All I want to do is leave.
My chest becomes constricted. You are unable to depart. Whether you like it or not, you are involved in this.
She pauses, shoulders rigid, back to me. "So what? Do you believe I have no options? Do you think I am just a tool in your plan?
I take a few steps closer to her, gently grasp her arm, and turn her to face me. She recoils, but I hold on. However, that's not the main issue. I simply
I am unable to complete the statement. I cannot let go of the words. What exactly am I trying to convey?
I can see the turmoil in her eyes as her gaze softens just a little. I know she wants to trust me, but she's afraid.
She mumbles, "I would rather not be involved in this war." "All I want is to be like myself. All I want is to be myself.
But isn't that the problem? She has never been ordinary. This realm has drawn her in, whether she likes it or not. I can't shield her from it, no matter how much I'd like to.
Like the quiet before a storm, the moment lingers. I then draw her to me in a fit of annoyance and want. My lips meet hers in a quick, frantic kiss that's as much about asserting my claim to her as it is about letting her know that I won't let go.
After a brief period of stiffness, she melts into me. First tentative; then, with a fierceness equal to mine, her lips glide against mine. She pushes me away with her hands on my chest, but I hold on.
I own this. Right now. This kiss. In a way I never imagined; I'm claiming her body and spirit.
Abruptly, though, she pulls away, struggling to breathe. She has trembling hands. "I can't," she mumbles. "I'm not interested in this."
Her words hit me hard, making me hesitate for a moment. I want to tell her that we both need this, but I can't. I can't make her do anything.
"So, what would you like?" My voice sounds raw as I enquire.
She takes a step back, dread and confusion shining in her eyes. "I'm not sure. None of this makes sense to me anymore.
Feeling the weight of her words, I swallow hard. I've never been adept at letting others make their own decisions and giving them space. However, this? This isn't the same.
She is unique.
I try to touch her, but she pulls away and whispers, "I need time," her voice trembling.
Although I don't want to, I nod despite my heart sinking. Silently, I say, "I'll give you some time."
Then she leaves, and I stand there feeling more hurt than I have in a long time because of her absence.
I watch her leave, knowing that this argument, this tug between us, isn't over yet.
Shall I release her? Or will I do everything it takes to defend her?
- Writer
