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Chapter 23 (Lou-Lou)
“This is an unexpected surprise,” DeLuca says while looking across the table.
I'll say...what the hell is he doing here? Why is he making this so much harder than it has to be?
I'm barely keeping it together as it is.
Five minutes after I walked in the door DeLuca started dragging me up to his bedroom, telling me how much he missed me and how important I was to him.
Despite how nice he was being, I almost started dry heaving but then Marlene a
It took everything I had to stop my jaw from hitting the floor.
DeLuca was so thrown off he forgot about me entirely. Then Marlene a
Now, almost an hour later— we're all sitting at the kitchen table like one big fucked up dysfunctional family while Marlene serves us di
I couldn't say a word to Ricardo while DeLuca was on the phone because Marlene kept casting suspicious glances at the both of us...and given the fact that she wants DeLuca—she'd be all too happy to share those suspicions with him.
“Well, you're back from Italy,” Ricardo says. “I was starting to miss our di
DeLuca lifts an eyebrow. “You never seemed to care for them much before.”
“Things change,” Ricardo says curtly. “Sometimes you never realize how much you miss and love something until it's gone.”
Marlene's eyebrows shoot up and DeLuca gives him an odd look.
And me? I'm about ready to rip my heart out so I don't have to feel everything he's doing to it.
Ricardo's going to be the death of me...I'm certain of it.
I used to think Ricardo was smart...genius even...but there's no doubt in my mind that he's downright stupid.
DeLuca shakes his head, his expression hard, but I don't miss the look that crossed his face briefly.
It was a look of hope...hope that his son was being genuine.
My stomach knots because if DeLuca's hopes ever got dashed...who knows what he would do.
And since Ricardo's not thinking clearly at the moment...that means it's up to me to make sure that doesn't happen.
I reach across the table for DeLuca's hand and give it a squeeze. “I missed you, mio amore.”
He kisses my hand and I can feel Ricardo's eyes burning into me.
Marlene looks at me and smiles. “Wine?”
“No, I'm good. Thanks.”
That's when DeLuca gives me a strange look and Ricardo's eyes soften.
Before I know what's happening, DeLuca's tugging on my hand and pulling me into his lap.
It's so reminiscent of the last di
“I love you, Bambina,” he says. “You're the best thing that ever happened to me.”
Marlene cough's and Ricardo's jaw tics.
I'd be lying if I said I didn't notice the change in DeLuca's behavior ever since he went to Italy.
Something strange is definitely going on. But whatever it is...it's keeping me alive for the time being so I'm not about to question it.
DeLuca clears his throat. “And I hope you'll forgive me for having to go back to Italy again so soon.”
I'm too stu
Ricardo sits up straight and I don't miss the hint of uneasiness in his expression. “I wasn't aware you were going back. Can I ask why?”
DeLuca takes a sip of his wine and stares Ricardo down. “There's a problem with the DeLuca family council. None of us can come to an agreement regarding a very important decision that needs to be made.”
Ricardo makes a face. “What kind of decision?”
DeLuca lifts a finger and his eyes darken. “You know I'm not at liberty to discuss DeLuca business with those who have no desire to take their rightful place and become part of the family, son.”
His smile turns evil and chills creep up my spine. “But rest assured...I'm searching for alternative means to take care of the problem.”
Ricardo takes a sip of water and stares him down. “Good. I hope it works out for you, Babbo.”
DeLuca focuses his gaze back on me. “Would you mind going back to the city for a few more months? I'd love to take you to Italy with me... but it's more important for the time being that you stay here.”
Ricardo swallows hard, the uneasiness across his face only getting worse.
However, I'm too distracted by DeLuca's statement. I'm so afraid I've misheard him. I have to clarify. “Months?”
I can't help how eager my voice sounds but DeLuca doesn't seem to notice.
“Yes, I don't have a definitive time frame but I'll let you know when I do.”
I smile, until his hand starts grazing my thigh and he whispers, “But don't worry Bambina...you'll be staying here with me for the next few days.”
My stomach recoils when his fingers make their way underneath my dress and he nuzzles my neck. “And I have no plans for us to leave the bedroom.”
I can't help but cast a glance at Ricardo. He's clutching his knife in one hand and shooting daggers at his father.
Thank god, DeLuca's head is turned and he's so focused on me because there's no way DeLuca would miss the murderous look on Ricardo's face right now.
Then we'd both be fucked.
“You need to leave,” I mouth in Ricardo's direction.
My heart stutters in my chest when he meets my gaze and shakes his head. The look in his eyes is downright primitive.
And hotter than the Sahara in the summer.
He looks down at his watch and takes a deep breath.
I have no idea why he's looking at his watch but I can't think about it further because DeLuca starts skimming the edges of my panties and I feel sick.
“Bruno,” I say trying to push his hand away. “We have company.”
“I don't give a fuck,” DeLuca growls. “You belong to me, remember? I can do whatever I damn well please to you.”
“Well, I for one would appreciate if you didn't paw your girlfriend in front of me,” Ricardo interjects. “We are at the di
DeLuca lifts his head from my neck and removes his hand from underneath my dress.
He shoots Ricardo an irritated glance. “How are things at the club?”
Ricardo twirls his pasta around his fork. “Fine.”
“Tyrone and Jackson?”
“Fine.”
DeLuca nudges me off his lap and stands up. “Well, in that case, I'm cutting this visit short. You're welcome to finish your meal. But I am going to spend some quality time with my Bambina.”
He turns to face me. “I'll meet you upstairs in a few minutes, Lucia
I smile and try to hide the panic across my face as I start heading toward the staircase.
I can't bear to look at Ricardo right now.
Especially knowing what I'm going to be forced to do with his father in the next few minutes.
“Come on, Babbo,” I hear Ricardo say. “Sit down and have a drink with me. Let's talk business.”
“Are there any problems with Jackson or Tyrone?”
“Well...no,” Ricardo starts to say.
“Any problems down at the club that I should be aware of?”
“No.”
“Then business has already been discussed,” DeLuca hisses. “I'll call you in a few days.”
I enter the bedroom and I brace myself.
I hear DeLuca enter the bedroom behind me and he wastes no time making his way over to me and tearing off my dress.