“You’re special, Dove. I knew that the moment I saw you. I think Luca sees it, too.”
“I’m not special. Luca said that your grandfather taught you how to look for people like me. People who were broken, but who would run when you gave chase. The prey to your predator.”
“That much is true. Do you remember the day we met?”
“Of course I do.”
“You were startled by something. When I approached the door, I could feel the fear rolling off you. It called to me, but there was also something more.” He smiles. “When I saw the state you were in the next day, it hit me you were different. A predator doesn’t care if the prey is hurt. I cared. I still care. If I were a betting man, I’d say Luca cares, too.”
“So, what happens now?”
He says, “That part is sadly up to Luca. But I think that you’re getting through to him. Something no one else has ever done before.”
“I saw the cut on his side. He said someone was coming after him and the Di Bello Family. Does it have something to do with that?”
“He told you that?” He whistles. “Wow. I’m speechless.”
My cheeks warm and he pats my thigh.
“This is good, Dove. Promising, really.”
“I’m going to take your word for it.”
He smiles, and I lean into him. God, I’ve missed him. We spend the next few hours talking about any and everything. He makes sure we’re touching at all times, whether it be a hand on my leg or an arm around my shoulder.
“Why do they call you the Brute?”
He snorts. “Grandfather and his sense of humor. He used to say Mo was the Brains, which is true. Luca and his temperament made him the Beast. And I, the willfully strong grandson who wouldn’t bow to his every whim, was called the Brute. I don’t think he meant it in a good way, but I’d like to think I’ve made it work for me.”
“I’d say you have.”
“I’m sorry you had to see me like that. The chase…” he shakes his head. “I shouldn’t have taken you in the field like a fucking animal.”
My cheeks feel warm. “Does it make me a bad person if I admit that I liked seeing that side of you?”
His gaze searches mine. “Really? You’re not just saying that to make me feel better?”
“I truly mean it. There’s something in your blood that makes you like the chase. Well, I’m the same because I enjoy being chased.” I cup his cheek. “And I’m so glad you were my first.”
Leaning forward, his lips brush against mine. It’s startling how different his kiss feels after kissing Luca for all this time. The thing that surprises me the most is how I wonder what Maurice’s kiss would feel like.
Henri pulls back with a sigh. “I should find Luca. See what he’s got on his mind.”
“Will you be back?”
“I’m going to try my best.”
He leaves me sitting in the room. My eyes water and I swipe at them. Before I have too long to feel sorry for myself, the door opens, and Maurice enters.
“Come on, birdie. Luca has a surprise planned for you.”
“For me?”
He nods excitedly.
“Where is Luca now?”
“He’s with Ri. I’m glad he asked Ri over.”