“I guess that depends on how you feel once you hear what I have to say.”
I nod. “Okay.”
“I think we’re all aware of what my plan was when I brought you here. I was going to do what I was trained to do. The same thing I’ve done a dozen other times before. But there’s something different about you, Dove. Something that has me questioning myself for the first time.”
Henri snorts. “Cousin, this is going to take all night if you don’t get to the fucking point.”
“I’m fucking trying.”
I’ve never seen him this agitated. Without thinking, I stand and go to him.
“Luca, you can tell me.”
His gaze settles on me. “I’d like to start over. With you. Give you a chance to get to know the real me. But I know you have feelings for Henri, too.”
“And Maurice,” I say. I want them to know that he’s part of this, too, at least for me.
“And Maurice.” He rubs his thumb over his bottom lip. “How would you feel about staying here as a guest as we get to know each other?”
“What about the whole killing me thing?”
“You have my word that I will not kill you.”
“And if this doesn’t work out between us?”
A pained expression flashes across his face. “Then I will let you go, Dove. You have my word.”
“What about Chip and Belle?”
He smirks down at me. “I think you should consider looking into law school when this is over. You have a natural knack for debating and negotiating.”
“I might do that. Now, what happens to them?”
“They are at one of my homes out of the city, just like you asked. I’ve arranged for you to see them when you’re ready, though I hope you give our new agreement some time before you go.” At my questioning look, he says, “They’re not going to want to let you go once they see you. I can’t say that I blame them.”
“What happens if it works here, with the four of us? Will my brother and sister be welcomed to live with us?”
“Yes.”
I exhale. “Well, Beast, I think we have a new agreement then. Shall we kiss on it?”
His eyes widen in surprise before he gives me a devious smile. “I think that sounds like the perfect way to seal this deal.”
Lowering his head, he captures my face with his hands and brushes his lips against mine. The kiss starts out soft, but soon turns deep. That’s just how everything with Luca seems to go, not that I mind. We kiss until I feel dizzy. When he pulls back, we share a smile.
Henri says, “It’s only fair that I seal this deal, too.”
“Of course.”
He comes to me, kissing me softly. Again, I’m struck at the difference in their kisses. I laugh when he nibbles on my lip.
“I like the playful side of you.”
“Good.”
Turning, I meet Maurice’s gaze. He’s watching me with an anguished look on his face that breaks my heart.
“Maurice, I meant what I said. I want to get to know you, too.”