Total pages in book: 82
Estimated words: 73655 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 368(@200wpm)___ 295(@250wpm)___ 246(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 73655 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 368(@200wpm)___ 295(@250wpm)___ 246(@300wpm)
I promised her a day of normality outside the apartment. Instead, I took her to watch me cut a man's tongue in two. Mario and Thiago have gone to search Valentino's apartment for info. I'm certain there'll be skeletons hidden in his closet.
Luna rolls over, her moan loud enough for me to hear, and loud enough for my cock to take notice. I don't know how long I stand at her bedside, but when her lashes flutter and she opens her eyes, a gasp of surprise tumbles from her plump lips.
"What are you doing?" Luna questions as she scoots up against the headboard. Her eyes are wide now, and I can tell she's tired from the way they're slightly sleepy as she attempts to focus on me.
"I was just watching you," I tell her honestly. This strange relationship of ours hasn't started off in the best way. And though I still hate her father, and her uncle, there's something about Luna I cannot despise.
"You know that's considered creepy," she informs me, her lips pouting in frustration as she crosses her legs, and for a long moment, I'm hit with the fact that she's only eighteen, going on nineteen. She's so fucking young, and yet, most days, I forget.
"Consider me your creepy fiancé." I shrug as if it's nothing, but as the words free themselves from my mouth, it's the first time I feel as if I'm coming to terms with the fact that she's mine and I'm hers.
Luna stares at me for a long time before she smiles. "I didn't think I would be able to admit that to myself, let alone anyone else." Her youth shines through her words. The gentle light from the moon hanging outside her window, as if watchful that she's safe, illuminates her.
Angelic.
It's the only word I can use to describe her as she sits on her bed, her knees now pulled up against her chest, and her arms wrapped around her legs. Luna rests her chin on her knees, as her wide eyes regard me.
"Have you ever felt lonely in this life?" she asks then, natural curiosity shimmering in her gaze and my chest tightens, twisting with something I can't quite put my finger on.
I consider her question for a long while. Mario has been my best friend, but even so, he's always had his own life. Growing up, I was alone a lot. With my father focused on the family, I was left to my own devices, which led me to the path I'm on now. And then I look at Luna and gift her the most honest response I can, "All the time."
"Me too." Her voice is a whisper, a pained murmur of admission. I didn't expect us to connect in any way. Since the moment I first saw her dancing on stage, to the moment I signed the fucking contract, I convinced myself Luna was a young, innocent girl who will only get in my way.
But looking at her now, I realize there's fragility in her strength, and heartache she's had to bear which matches my own. Not only growing up in a Mafia family, but losing parents, being alone in this world, and not being able to admit it to anyone.
My father taught me that telling anyone what you're feeling is a weakness. So, instead of admitting my pain, I buried it down deep, until there was nothing but a harsh, cold heartless man. That is what I am now. And I know it.
Luna deserves more.
She deserves better.
"I'm sorry my uncle killed your parents," she mumbles, her eyes downcast, her mouth twisted at the corners. "I know what it's like to find your father like that, and I wouldn't wish it on anyone," she tells me. "Not even my worst enemy." With that, she looks up and meets my inquisitive stare.
That's exactly what I am to her—an enemy.
"I don't blame you for wanting to escape this," I tell her. "I wanted out as well, but now that we're here, I think..." Shaking my head, I push to my feet. I can't do this with her, not right now. I'm still reeling from what Valentino said, my mind isn't clear enough to dig deep with Luna tonight.
I turn for the door, needing to make my escape.
"Do you always do that when things get tough?" she throws at my back before I reach her bedroom door. Her words have me stilling all movement.
"Do what?" I keep my voice even, calm, but my blood is warming with need to make her pay for something, for anything.
"Run away from feeling something." Every inch of my body tenses, before I slowly turn on my heel. When Luna notices my stance, she shifts on the bed before getting to her feet, and I realize she wants to run. I've always allowed anger to spark me first, and this time it's no different. I move swiftly, too quick for her.