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Fear of Luca and the way he s she’d never wanted to feel at all Vulnerable Wanting, dear lord Wanting to give a part of herself to him, rather than closet it away

His hips swayed against hers and she longed to rest her cheek against the fabric of his dinner jacket His hand slid up her back, leaving a warm trail in its wake This then, hat it felt like to feel cherished

Breath caught in her throat She’d felt safe once before only to have it go very wrong As much as her heart told her she was safe with Luca, she couldn’t be sure Couldn’t take that risk She couldn’t survive it again

It was very good he was a short-term complication

The music ended and Luca pulled away “Let’s walk”

“But Gina…”

“Gina has gone to bed”

His voice aroose bumps erupted on her skin She jerked her head to look back at their table, but he was right It was empty, save for the remnants of their dessert

He took her hand and led her to the balcony doors As they stepped outside, the cool autumn air assaulted them and Mari welcomed it It would clear her head This was crazy

The music was muted as Luca shut the doors behind theainst the sandstone and looking down over the valley Theriver

“Why did Gina leave? I thought she was enjoying herself”

Luca’s voice caht we could use some time alone”

Everything in her dropped to her feet

“Luca, I don’t think this is a good idea” The words caled, shaky

“I know it’s not”

She turned her head at his response Having hi He was standing a few feet behind her, so tall and strong with the façade of the hotel behind him

“Then what are we doing?”

“I brought you out here because…” He paused

“Because…” Her voice was a whisper

He turned away, abruptly “I’m sorry, Mari It was a mistake”