POV: KATHERINA
Soft nuzzling on my neck woke me from my deep slumber. My body was warm and cozy, and when I tried to move, they tightened around me.
I smiled with my eyes closed as I felt Luca’s fingers tracing my navel.
“Luca,” I called out softly.
“Hm?” he hummed in response, his nose brushing my cheek.
“Stop doing that,” I said softly and pushed his face, but he turned my face to look at him.
He looked beautiful, and my heart fluttered, looking at the desire and affection in his eyes that were directed to me.
“I love you,” he said.
“I love you too.”
I lifted my head up, brushing my nose on his before pressing my lips to his. I felt a hand cup my neck as he pushed me down and kissed me softly.
I heard a knock on my door, but I decided to ignore it and continued kissing him. The knocks increased, and I could hear voices I couldn’t quite decipher.
“Ignore it,” Luca mumbled and went down to my neck, kissing all the while.
My hand rubbed his bare back as he licked my neck.
“Luca,” I moaned his name.
“Katherina?” came a woman’s voice.
“I never knew you could mimic voices,” I chuckled.
“What?” said Luca and stopped to look at me.
Both of us looked confused at each other.
“Katherina,” the voice came again with a knock on the door.
“Mom? Oh shit!” I mumbled under my breath and pushed Luca off me.
I forgot that I’m in a hotel with my family!
“Katherina!” Mom’s worried voice came loudly this time.
“Yes, Mom!” I screamed back as I threw Luca's clothes at him.
He wasted no time in slipping into them.
“Goodness, what took you so long to reply?” she asked.
“I-I was in the bathroom!”
I removed my nightdress and put on a proper dress. All the while, Luca smirked at me as he watched me get dressed up. I glared at him.
“Open the door. Are you ready? We’ll be leaving in half an hour,” she said.
“Yes, Mom, I’m ready,” I said as I combed my tangled hair.
“Open the door, honey.”
“I’ll come out, Mom.”
“No, open the door. I need to talk to my daughter.”
My eyes widened, and I felt fear rip my heart out. Luca casually wrapped his arms around my waist and looked at me in the mirror.
“You need to go now.” I wiggled free from his arms and opened the window he’d come in last night.
Instead of going all Spiderman like last night, he stood with his arms crossed in front and an eyebrow raised.
“What? Go on, jump,” I said and looked down.
Oh. I almost forgot we’re on the sixth floor.
“You came in last night from here! Of course you know how to get down!” I argued.
He just rolled his eyes at me.
Damn, that was hot!
“Do I look like a teenage fuck buddy who climbs up to his girlfriend’s window and stays up all night fucking her brains out and escapes in the morning before her dad can chase him off with a stick?”
“Well…you-you did climb up my window last night!” I reasoned out.
“Katherina.” My mother’s voice was all I could hear now.
“Luca, just leave, now!” I cried out in desperation.
“No,” he shook his head like a cute boy.
“Luca―”
“Come on. We’ll get the door together,” he said and turned around, walking toward the door.
“No, no, no!” I said as quietly as possible and placed both my hands on his chest.
I looked at him, worried, but he gave me a reassuring smile. He removed my hands from his chest and turned me around to the door.
I opened the door slowly. Mother’s eyes fell upon Luca, and she almost fainted.
“D-Damien.” My mother’s voice trembled, her eyes not leaving Luca.
“Mom―”
“Mrs. Blackwood, good morning.” Luca's voice was merry.
My head turned 180 degrees. His eyes were twinkling with happiness, and the wide smile on his face was pure.
“Damien!” My mother screamed this time and went away.
“What is it, honey?” Dad came into view.
When he looked at Luca, he was surprised at first, and then his eyes turned hard, and his nose flared.
“You!” he stormed toward us.
“Yep, me. Luca,” Luca replied and came in front of me.
Dad, without any further talk, landed his fist on his jaw.
“Dad, no!” I tried to hold my father back, but he was strong.
Luca stood like a concrete wall that had just been kissed.
“Damien, no!” Mom helped me to hold back Dad.
“How did you get in here? GET OUT!” Dad screamed.
“I just came here to talk to you,” Luca said calmly.
“I don’t want to listen to anything you have to say! Fucking get out!” Dad screamed.
“Dad, please listen to him,” I requested.
“No!” He glared at me.
“Son, hear the boy out,” Grams said from the doorway.
“Call the cops, Mama!” Dad retorted, “How did you get in?” Dad asked
“I climbed up to her window last night,” he said sheepishly, slipping his hands into his pockets.
“Katherina?” Dad turned to me in disbelief.
“I let him in, Dad. I didn’t oppose your decision. I respected it and agreed to come with you. I would have run away with him when he came last night―”
“Katherina!” Mom bellowed.
“But I didn’t. I really want you to hear him out, just this time. Please.”
Dad huffed in annoyance and looked at Luca.
“You’ve got five minutes,” he said and walked to the main room.
As Luca followed, my sister hid behind Grams in fear. It was evident she remembered him. After all, he took her by the neck and swung her in the air like she weighed nothing.
Dad sat on the couch and looked at him. Luca slipped into the seat opposite him, the table a barrier between them.
The silence that prevailed was awkward. Dad remained to stare at Luca, and Luca kept running his fingers through his hair.
I knew this was something new to him, and he had no idea how to start.
I went closer and placed my hand on his shoulder. He looked at me, and I gave a smile that said, “You fuck this up, and I will cut your dick off.”
Clearly getting the meaning from my smile, he turned toward Dad with determination.
That’s my Luca.
“Sir or Mr. Blackwood or Damien or—”
“Daddy,” Ara mumbled softly.
I quickly covered my mouth with my hand before I could laugh out loud. I saw my mother staring at her beloved daughter. Her face was red as a tomato.
“Ah, yes, Daddy or Dad or whatever you prefer—”
“Mr. Blackwood,” Dad grunted.
“Right. Right, Mr. Blackwood. So, Mr. Blackwood, I-I don’t know exactly where to start,” he blurted out.
“Luca!” I hissed in anger, my hand squeezing his shoulder.
“Hey, I’m sorry. It’s not like I’m experienced in talking to a girl’s father.” He looked at me innocently.
“Yeah, right. You’re only experienced in killing,” Dad said loud and clear.
Oh no…
Luca’s expression changed from humor to seriousness within a fraction of a second. Dad didn’t let his guard down but stared at Luca with the same intensity.
The atmosphere was seriously tense. Both of them ended up in a staring contest, and I knew they were going to rip each other’s heads off.
“You’re right, sir. I’m experienced only in killing. All my life, I’ve seen blood, fear, and death. A man like me shouldn’t be here,” Luca said softly.
“Luca.” I bent down to him, but he pushed my hand from his shoulder and stood up.
“No, Katherina, your father’s right,” he said to me and turned toward Dad.
“I didn’t have a dad who would sit and help his son through his worst troubles. I had a rough life. My mother was my everything until my father took her away from me.
“I was taken by a bad man and was brought up as a bad man. I don’t deserve your daughter. I don’t deserve this family. I don’t deserve any of this.”
“Fortunately or unfortunately, fate brought us together. I hurt your daughter so much. She went through hell with me, and I honestly don’t know how we both fell into the world of love.
“There was a time when I was not worried about my life. But now, when I see your daughter, all I can think about is not getting killed and living with her till eternity.”
Dad looked astonished, but he was struggling to believe him.
“Your world is not safe for her,” he said.
“I’m ready to leave all my past behind and start anew with her. All I ask is one last chance. I promise you that no harm will come to her.
“My past will never be a reason for her pain, and I will protect her with my life. I will treat her as she deserves to be treated. All I ask is for one chance.” Luca finished and waited for my dad.
I wiped away the tear that slipped from my eye and watched Dad. He looked at me, then at Luca, and back to me.
Mother walked toward Dad and started to rub her hand on his shoulder, and I knew I had her vote.
“Talking big is not going to work. This is life, not a dream. You’ve only caused trouble for her and for us. This will not work out. Get out of your fucking fairyland,” Dad said.
Luca chuckled at his comment before replying.
“Your daughter is the one who showed me fairyland. No offense.”
“You don’t deserve my daughter.”
“I know.”
“My daughter deserves a man who is much better than you.”
“I know.”
“And I can’t risk my family again.”
“I know.”
“I don’t want you anywhere near my daughter,” he said.
“Dad,” I spoke out, but Luca motioned me to be quiet.
“I know, sir,” Luca replied.
“Why don’t you leave my daughter?”
“I love her. She loves me. If she asks me to leave, then I’ll go and never return. I promise you that.” Luca’s words were final.
“Katherina, ask him to leave and never interfere in your life,” Dad ordered me.
I looked dumbfounded at him.
“You don’t get a say in that, son,” Grams spoke for the first time.
“Mom―”
She cut him off. “Let her decide.”
“He is a terrible man!” Dad bellowed.
“Put yourself in his shoes and think about it,” Grams said.
“I’m not him, and I never will be,” Dad glared at Luca before turning to me. “Katherina, you heard me.”
“Dad, I can’t do that.”
Before Dad could burst out, I spoke.
“Dad, give him a chance. I was with him right from the beginning. I remember every terrible thing he’s done to me. I remember it all. It was hell, Dad. Living with him was hell.
“He was a monster who had no heart. I remember the pain. I remember his cruelty. I remember everything he did to me. But in spite of it, I fell in love with him. I don’t know how, Dad.
“I saw his true self, and it was beautiful. The moment he removed his mask, I saw a different person. I know you love me, and I know you want the best for me.
“But what if I tell you my best is nothing but him? Trust me, he’s not what the world says.” I gulped up my anxiety and watched Dad.
He was furious, I knew. He was not happy with my decision, and yet I saw him giving in. He looked at Luca.
“You better prove yourself.”
With that said, Dad stormed to his room with Mom behind him. We stood unmoved with Grams and Ara looking at Luca.
“How are you going to make sure that your past won’t follow you?” Grams asked Luca after a moment.
Luca looked at me before replying.
“I’ll take her away from here.”
“Where?” Grams moved forward.
“I don’t know. I’ve not yet decided. But somewhere far away, where no one can find us,” Luca said confidently.
“You are known all over the world. You can’t stay in a city with cops and crowds. Your name is enough for people to recognize you,” Grams said.
“I have my ways, Grams. Don’t worry; nothing will happen to her.”
Grams said nothing further. Ara moved closer to me with arms spread out for me to lift her up, and her eyes trained on Luca.
“What’s wrong?” I asked, carrying her to my hip.
“He’s bad,” she whispered in my ear with fearful eyes.
“You wanna talk to him?” I asked softly, and she shook her head as a no.
“He was bad to me,” she said.
“He won’t be again. I promise.”
***
After my family took the flight, we went straight to Rick’s place, and Luca left me to meet his boss. I know he meant what he told my dad, and even though I was worried, I was also excited.
I understand my Dad and his fears. I also understand the risk I’ve taken. I can already imagine the burden on Luca’s shoulders, and I don’t know how he’s going to handle it, but I have complete trust in him.
For the first time, he’s thinking about settling down in a normal human way, and I couldn’t ask for more.
When Luca arrived with Leo and Rickard that night, I quickly went to ask how it went, but he refused to tell me about the conversation he had with his boss and told me other things.
“I burned down the house I lived in.”
“What?”
“I put two of my people inside who died during the gunfight and burned the house down. With it, I burned the tunnel and the cabin my mother lived in.”
I watched him with utter horror.
“Why…why would you do that? Are you out of your mind?”
“I’m starting a new life with you, somewhere far away. The cops will believe that the two bodies are none other than me and Cruz. They will close my file, and everything ends there,” he explained.
“Wouldn’t they find out that it wasn’t you and Cruz?”
“No. They won’t. There are only bones lying there, Katherina. There’s no point in DNA tests and shit, for they don’t know my blood type nor Cruz’s.”
“Why would the cops think it’s you and Cruz? They could be anyone.”
“They know the house is mine. We’ve got some cops who work for us, and they will cover it up,” he said.
He had thought of everything.
“Why do you want them to think Cruz is dead?”
“Cruz is known by the police department. He’s the next target after me.”
“Okay. What about the talk with your boss?” I asked again carefully, staring into his eyes.
“We’ve got a four am flight to catch,” he said instead, and I gave up and went to sleep.
***
Luca woke me around three in the morning, and we got ready and left for the airport without saying goodbye to anyone.
“So, you still not going to tell me where you’re taking me?”
“Nope.”
“You’ve arranged everything in just one night?”
“What do you mean?” he asked.
“You told me we are leaving this place forever.”
“Yup. Don’t worry your head, cara. I didn’t plan everything in one night. It took me a week. Rick, Leo, Cruz, Rebecca, Ed, everyone helped me out. Everything’s taken care of. Just relax.”
The plane was ready when we reached the airport, and I slept throughout the journey till we landed.
“OK, tell me, where the hell are we?” I asked again as the car drove toward our destination.
He chuckled, pulling me closer.
“I thought you read the welcome sign in the airport.” He kissed my forehead.
“Shaftesbury. I’ve never heard of it before. So, tell me, please.” I looked out the window, taking in the beautiful surroundings.
“I’ll tell you when we get there.” He started fidgeting with his new cell phone.
I saw the chat was with Rick.
I left him to his phone and looked out the window. There was greenery everywhere. Hilltops, steep slopes, buildings situated among trees, and vast green lands.
As we went on, we passed by a theatre, clubs, restaurants, and tourist markets. Everything looked so traditional and lively that it lit up my mood like a lightbulb.
It reminded me of Amalfi so damn much.
“Luca, it’s so beautiful!” I exclaimed, looking at a beautiful estate covered with trees and flowers all around.
We began to see fewer people and buildings. We passed acres of green lands, and when the car finally came to a stop, I almost jumped out of excitement to stand in front of the beautiful house.
The house looked modern and cozy, and it was just so perfect.
The front steps leading to the door were made of white marble, and there were huge colorful stones placed at the sides with flower pots between them.
Flowers bloomed in the garden, and creepers climbed the two pillars. The rooftop above the door was half hexagonal, while the rest was triangular.
The house was painted in a light shade of cream, contrasting with the black roof.
I felt an arm wrap around my waist.
“Unlike you, I don’t know anything about decorating. I just asked Rick to find the best people to style it, and this is what came out to be. You can make any changes you want to.” He kissed my cheek.
“It’s perfect, Luca.” My voice was a mere whisper. “You bought this home?” I asked.
“I built this home. Years ago. It was just this house and the garden. In just one week, it turned out to be so beautiful. I don’t know how.”
“This is perfect, Luca.”
“I’m glad you like it.”
“I love it,” I chuckled.
“We’re home, sweetheart,” he replied.