Chapter 43
Luciano
Dinner. God, I haven’t been this nervous in a long time. I’ve asked Molly to prepare a nice spread for the night, and yes, she’s already grilled me for what has happened and is on board for me groveling for the rest of my life. I watch as the three of them approach the staircase. I curse myself for having an elevator for situations like this. She looks beautiful, in loose black shorts and a white t shirt, her long black hair left to fall down her shoulders and back. Tony and Luca lift her under the shoulders and start to descend with her. I run up and grab the wheelchair to bring it down. Once at the bottom they gently place her back in the chair and they look at me, then each other and walk beside the wheelchair. Leaving me to push her. I nod at them in thanks. They’re helping me. It’s small and might seem insignificant to others but it means a lot to me to be able to help her.
“You look beautiful tonight, angel
“Thanks…”
Luca and Tony reach the table first and they both take a seat on one side, leaving the other side for Ariana and I.
“May 17” I ask her gesturing to the chair she will need help into.
“Come desideri.” (As you wish), she says softly and my heart stutters. Those words…she has no idea what those words mean to me. I lean down and put a hand under her thighs, the other to the small of her back and she places one arm around my neck as I lift her to the chair. I miss the contact and soon as I move away. I take notice of how her milky skin is rougher now with all of the cuts, but she still felt so perfect in my arm for those few seconds. Her sweet vanilla sent invaded my senses and I’m lost in my thoughts as Luca clears his throat.
“So, princess…” she looks at him, so lovingly. She used to look at me that same way.
“Hmm?”
“My Nonna is sick princess, I’m going to have to leave for a few days, maybe a week.”
She pales
les slightly and looks at Tony.
*l be here still, but that will mean that I’ll need to relieve him of his duties here while he’s gone.” he says to her.
“Is she okay?” she asks, looking back at Luca.
“Hopefully she will be. She is getting there in her age now and it’s a simple chest infection, but it my sister who has been caring for her needs to get back to work so I’m going to make sure someone is there for her. Is that okay?”
“Of course. It’s very sweet of you. I wish I could come and help you, but… she looks down at her legs and raises her hands, “you know.“.
Molly brings out dinner and kisses Ariana on the forehead. Kneeling before her and taking a moment to ask her how she is before retreating back to the kitchen. Luca and Tony both him me a look and then motion to Ariana’s plate before her. Giving me a silent command. My palms are so Sweaty. I wipe them on my pants and reach over for her knife and fork. She flinches and closes her eyes and I instantly withdraw my hands and place them back in my lap. Fuck.
“I’m so sorry, angel… I look at Tony and Luca who are now ignoring me and eating their own food with their eyes down. Bastards. Fuck. I clear my throat.
“May 17”
She nods silently this time, and I move slowly this time as I move my chair closer to hers and reach for her knife and fork.
