Twenty
“I’m picking Luca up.” I reached for the handle on the driver’s side, but Frankie batted my hand away.
“No. You’re going to let us bring him to you.”
With the adrenaline of yet another nightmare pumping through my veins, I glared up at the tattooed asshole who'd become the little brother I never asked for. “Get your hand off my fucking car before I chop it clean off.”
He rolled his eyes and took a step back. “You know what? Go ahead. Drive to the jail. Just know you will have an entire convoy with you.”
“That’s a big 10-4, little buddy.”
“Fuck off.” He chuckled, walking to one of the many black vehicles parked on our street.
Positively giddy, I hopped into the car and started the defrost. The early December cold snap was annoying but wouldn’t crush the joy radiating through me.
It had taken nearly a month of bullshit and processing, but Luca was finally being released. Bennington had done everything in his power to keep him locked up, hating the fact that the Moretti boss was slipping from his hold.
I backed out of the driveway, shaking my head as five blacked-out SUVs pulled out behind me. My amusement turned into gratitude when I saw the crowd of reporters surrounding the gates of the jail. Whoever was in front of me didn’t hesitate to drive right through them, clearing the way for me. I parked, and my phone rang.
“Stay in the car. We’ll bring Luca to you.” Frankie hung up before I could even respond.
I’m embarrassed to say that I was relieved to not have to trot out in front of the flashing lights and cacophony of unintelligible questions.
I turned up the radio to drown out the hum of the crowd.
“Luca Moretti will be released today. No word yet on whether the CEO of Moretti Properties will press charges. His attorney Fern Robison has cited gross negligence by lead detective John Bennington and a pattern of harassment of Moretti and his wife as possible complaints.”
Changing the station, I sang along to nineties pop hits, gazing at the door, waiting to catch the first glimpse of Luca emerging from jail.
The door finally opened, and Tommy and Frankie walked out, followed by Luca. The crowd erupted into a mess of shouting and flashing lights. I glanced their way, wondering how the reporters talking into cameras would be understood over the yelling.
The men rushed down the stairs, more soldiers joining and flanking them until Luca was at the passenger side of my SUV. He ripped the door open and jumped inside.
I squealed, leaning across the center console and throwing my arms around his neck. “You’re out. You’re actually out.” Burying my nose in his neck, I finally relaxed.
His arms wrapped around me, pulling me closer. My hip knocked a nearly empty coffee cup onto the floorboard by his feet. He jerked but didn’t let go. “Thank you.” Leaning back, he cupped my cheek and gave me a watery smile. “You made this happen, and I can’t believe how lucky I am to have you.”
“I would do anything for you.”
“And I never thought I’d find that.” He cleared his throat, tracing my bottom lip with his thumb. “Let’s go home.”
I wrapped a hand around the back of his neck and pulled him closer. “Give me a kiss.”
He gave me a quick peck.
“That was weak.” I pouted.
Luca slid his fingers into my hair, gripping it at the root, creating a delicious sting. Tilting my face up, he looked me in the eye before nipping my bottom lip. His tongue brushed against the punished skin before his mouth slanted over mine. The pressure was exquisite as he molded his lips to fit perfectly.
I twisted my fingers in the hair at the nape of his neck as I tried to get closer. Luca groaned and unbuttoned the top of my coat. Pulling back, I fumbled with the rest of the buttons, eager to have his hands on me. I leaned back too far, my ass hitting the horn and scaring the absolute shit out of me. My hand flew to my chest as I looked all around.
Luca threw his head back with a laugh. “Let’s get home before we give the press something more interesting to report on.”
I huffed out a breath, blowing the hair from my forehead. “Fine. But your ass is mine the minute we walk in that door. I’ll shoot anyone who tries to rope you into any business.”
Luca smiled and took my hand, kissing my knuckles. “I’m at your mercy.”
“As you should be.” I settled back in the driver’s seat and put on my seatbelt. “Do you mind if I turn down the heat? I’m hot all of a sudden.”