Chapter 6 - taste of cinnamon
The morning after the attack, the master suite of the estate was filled with a quiet, protective warmth. The main bedroom was enormous, featuring a grand king-sized bed, high ceilings, a stone fireplace, and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the misty gardens.
Sophia woke up tangled in soft silk sheets. Sitting in a heavy armchair near the crackling fireplace was Luca. He had been awake all night, sitting watch over her with his sleek sidearm resting on the side table beside him.
Seeing her stir, Luca immediately sat up, his guarded expression softening. "How are you feeling?"
Sophia sat up, pushing her dark brown hair back from her face. She looked at the giant man who had stayed awake all night just to keep her safe. "I'm okay. Thanks to you."
She slid out of bed, her pale-yellow dress slightly rumpled, and walked right up to his chair. Without hesitation, she sat gently on the wide armrest of his chair, placing a soft hand on his broad shoulder. Luca stiffened slightly in surprise at her physical closeness, but he didn't move away.
"You don't have to carry the whole world on your shoulders, Luca," Sophia whispered softly. "I know you think people only see you as a weapon... but I don't."
Luca looked up into her warm eyes, his rugged face showing a vulnerability he had hidden for decades. "All my life, Sophia... people looked at my height, my strength, my family name, and they felt fear. Women ran from me. Rivals tried to put bullets in me. You're the first person who ever looked at me and offered a smile."
Sophia smiled gently, leaning down to press a soft, sweet kiss against his cheek. "That's because I make cakes, Luca. I know how to spot something sweet underneath a hard exterior."
A genuine, rare smile touched Luca's lips, transforming his harsh features into something captivatingly handsome.
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A knock at the door interrupted them. Elena walked into the suite, holding a tray of coffee. Her champagne elegance was as pristine as ever, but her dark eyes looked tired.
"Marco found Arthur Bennett's trail," Elena announced, setting the tray on the table. "He didn't flee the country, Luca. He's hiding in a safe house downtown... and he just reached out to the Bellandi boss to arrange a meeting."
