Luca

“No.”

“Was he rough with you?”

“No, it’s…complicated and I can’t talk about it, but he’s avoiding me and I feel so mad I just want to punch his cocky, mood…bloody sexy stupid face in.”

She laughed out loud now.

“I think most women feel like that about him. Okay so he’s avoiding you, do you think that’s because he’s embarrassed about whatever it is that did or didn’t happen between the two of you?”

“Maybe. You know he brought a woman back to the house the night after?”

“No!”

“Yeah, classy move huh?”

“What happened? Did he…?”

“No.” I smirked. “I walked past them in that black lacy nightie you got me and she walked out. Accused him of playing games and using her to get at me.”

“I think she’s right. Nice move by the way. Showing him you won’t take his shit and rubbing his nose in it with your sexy night wear.” She winked at me and I couldn’t help but giggle.

“He deserved it. He’s an asshole.”

“Do you want my advice?” Gina asked.

“It can’t hurt, but I can’t guarantee I’ll use it. I kinda live by my own rules.”

“I can see that. Well Chloe men never grow up, they just get bigger muscles and become more stubborn. Luca does anyway. If you wanna know what he’s thinking you gotta ask him. If I know Luca, and I think I do, hell will freeze over before he admits he’s done anything wrong or makes the first move.”

“He made the first move that night.” I bit back, ‘and he made the first move leaving me that note’ I thought to myself.

“Well maybe I’m wrong, I mean you’ve known him a lot longer than me Chloe, so you know best but maybe just corner him and talk to him. It might surprise you what’s actually going on in that weird pretty head of his.”

“I’ll think about it.” I sighed, “Thanks for coming over Gina, you’re a good friend.” I smiled over at her and she put her hand on my shoulder and squeezed before giving me a hug.

“Anytime Chloe. I’d love to see Luca smile occasionally and I think you’re the girl to be able to do that to him. Anytime you need to chat just call me, or get one of the guys to…I know you don’t have access to a phone, but I’ll come over any time.”

“Thanks Gina.”

She lifted herself off the sand and made her way back to the house as I watched her leave then settled myself back onto the sand to watch the clouds drift by. The calm before the storm, I mused.

Chapter 18

The day of reckoning came two days later as Freddie and I lay together under a blanket on the corner sofa watching a horror movie in the dark. We had a huge bowl of salted popcorn balanced between us and we scoffed our faces between ‘hiding behind the pillow’ moments. The front door opened and we both looked over to see Luca stroll in wearing his trade mark designer suit; black this time with a grey shirt open at the neck, no tie. He took one look at us and slammed the door behind him before stalking off to his office at the front of the house.

“What crawled up his ass?” Freddie whispered.

“I don’t know but I’m going to find out.” I said throwing the blanket off me and striding purposefully to the corridor leading to Luca’s office.

“I think I’ll make myself scare. I’ll be in my room.” Freddie said jogging up the stairs to escape being caught in the crossfire.

I came to the dark wooden door and I didn’t stop to knock, I just threw the damn door open and went inside. Shutting the door behind me I stood and crossed my arms over my chest and just stared at him. He was sitting at his desk, a glass of whisky in front of him and he had both elbows resting on the desk. His hands were braced either side of his head as he stared down at the drink then over to where I stood.

“Not now Chloe, I’m not in the mood.” He growled rubbing his temples in frustration.

“Fuck you, you don’t get to dictate what I do, and I’m doing this…we are doing this now. What the fuck is wrong with you?”

He shot up out of his chair now pointing his finger at me.