Hush 2: Slow Burn (21 page)

chapter Thirty-nine

Q & A

Luca

Sicily

“I was hoping to get you alone,” Vincent’s raspy voice pulls me from my thoughts as I look up at the sky while standing on the back deck of yet another beautiful home that the man owns.

I have been here three days and for three days I have been away from Shannon. I feel like I am about to come out of my skin. So much has been happening.

It has been three weeks since Jasper and Michael returned with Vanessa. However, Michael went into a boiling rage when someone suggested we put Vanessa out in plain view to lure out the snake we are looking to catch. When I saw the woman and realized she is like a frightened bird, I agreed.

Knowing her background and having the information I dug up myself, that is the last thing I think we should do. Well, that is until she opened her fucking mouth. When she spoiled the entire tale things started to fall into place.

You see it is just what Uri and I had suspected along, but hadn’t said to anyone else. Our batshit crazy uncle is behind all of this fuckery. He has been the puppet master all along. Even as Uri has had an eye on him, he has been pulling strings through others to stir the pot.

Well, he has our full attention now. Vanessa doesn’t even know she had the final clue all this time. Her trusted friend that she thought to be like a father, a sweet accountant name Dale Coso, is actually none other than Roberto Donati-Zuko.

We have spent the last three days weeding out his little minions and spies. Val has even come out of retirement for this one. We needed to make this happen fast and hard. Uri was on the fence at first, but gave in when our dear uncle started to move.

You see Uri has had an eye on our dear uncle for some time now, thinking he was going to pay the man a visit just to ensure his mother’s safety. Roberto hasn’t moved from his hiding spot in almost a year. Seeing him become bold enough to make a move only pushed Uri too far.

Luca’s words to Valentina were,
“You do this my way. We do this together. There is no Black Death without the Hush.”

Valentina simply nodded with a sly smile. That woman is dangerous. I would never say it to her face, but she and her husband are crazy. I am one to talk. This trip has not been a vacation for me either.

Like I said we had to move hard and fast so I have gotten my hands dirty this time around as well. This is why I need to get back to my Shannon. I need to wrap myself in her innocence, but first thing first.

“I have been hoping for the same thing,” I turn and face Shannon’s father. “I wanted a word with you about something important.”

“You have done well, Luca. I know your father is proud of you. So am I,” the former Don says patting my cheek. “Tell me how is my Shannon?”

“As well as can be expected with all that has been thrown at her, she is actually what I want to talk to you about. I know I haven’t been the best fiancée and I was against all this in the beginning, but I have come to love your daughter deeply.

“I have also grown up in the last few months. Everything has new meaning to me. Shannon has new meaning to me. I’m ready to settle down and have a family.

“I guess what I am really trying to say is that I would like to ask you for Shannon’s hand in marriage. I want to do this like a real man, not a boy that is having his choices made for him.

“I love your daughter and I intend to propose to her the way she deserves. When things clear up, I plan to bring her back to Italy so we can have a proper wedding,” I say as I look the father of the woman I love in the eyes.

Vincent smiles broadly at me before he throws his head back and laughs. When he composes himself, he slaps me hard on the shoulder. I’m not sure what to think. I don’t think anything I said just now is funny.

“I knew you would be a good match for my little Shannon. It only needed a little time for you both to see it. I saw the way your face changed the first time you saw her. That was it for you kid, you just didn’t know it,” he laughs.

“I know it now,” I say with a grin.

“Yes, you do. It is my honor to give my daughter to you. She is a good girl and does not deserve what has happened in her life. Both my girls deserved better,” Vincent says somberly now.

“I intend to give Shannon better and I can see that Uri lays the world at Valentina’s feet. You have nothing to worry about,” I reassure him.

“Yes, but this old man has much to make up for. I will be returning to the States to be there for my girls and my grandchildren. I have never been a coward so I have to stop appearing as one,” Vincent chuckles his raspy laugh.

“I never saw you as a coward, maybe a man with a lost heart, but not a coward.”

“And I never saw you as a spoiled brat. Entitled, maybe, your cousin has placed big shoes before you, but I see you filling out your own. Welcome to my family Don Luca, my son.”

chapter forty

A New Man

Shannon

Italy

As I think over these last few weeks with Luca, it has been wonderful. Luca has been so attentive even as he has had to handle some business. I love him like this. I have almost forgotten the time he spent away from me.

Even in our sleep, he makes sure to keep me close, either spooning me or pulling me onto his chest. I am always wrapped in a cocoon of Luca. There is nowhere I would rather be.

I guess that is why the last three days have been so hard on me. I missed him so much. Since being Italy, we have fallen into such a sweet routine; it feels like we are already married.

It’s funny since we arrived Luca has only used the native language. I was embarrassed the first few days. Valentina has always been much more fluent than I have in speaking Italian. I fumbled my words so many times, but Luca has been so patient with me and helped me make the simple corrections, only teasing me lovingly a few times.

These are the things that have kept me afloat in the last three days. Especially since the journal in the nightstand keeps calling me. My palms itch each time I think about it. I’m just not brave enough to look at it without Luca around.

I spent the day with Ava prodding me about a wedding and when we can start to plan it. I know she notices the changes in my and Luca’s relationship. Luca has truly become this doting boyfriend. I still get flowers almost daily, even these last few days that he has been away.

I know Luca was due to arrive this afternoon so I was a little reluctant when Ava asked me to take a shopping trip with her this morning. When we arrived back at the house, I was suspicious of the little smile on Ava’s face. When she rushed me off to the guest house, I knew she was up to something.

Only I have been very wrong this time. As I walk in the beautiful beach style guest house with all its vast windows, I am met with the warm glow of candlelight and the scent of vanilla and ocean. I place my things down and go in search of Luca.

I find him in the bathroom. A bath is running and candles are lit all over, with a naked Luca and bottle of wine awaiting me. Luca is good for a back rub any day of the week. So when I see he has the massage oils out I start to pant in anticipation for what he has in store.

I love the way his blue eyes sparkle when he looks at me. Oh God, and the way they darken just before he pounces. That is exactly what is happening right now. Luca’s eyes transform from sparkling at the sight of me to turning dark just before he crosses the room and wraps me in his arms.

I take in the glorious view as he makes his way to me. A little disappointed I don’t get to ogle him just a little more. All that tanned naked skin is calling for my fingers to travel all over it. I sink my fingers in his back and hold on like he’ll disappear if I let him go.

Luca sticks his face in my neck and inhales heavily. “Baby, you smell so good,” Luca groans into my neck.

His fingers move to the belt on the waist of my dress. He works it off swiftly and tosses it to the floor. Next, his fingers nimbly release the bottoms of my dress until it too is resting on the floor and I am standing before him in nothing but my cream colored panties and bra.

Luca steps back to look me over. Licking his lips and taking every inch of me in. I feel goosebumps rise up on my skin from just his heated stare.

“I can just imagine your belly full with my baby,” Luca says stunning me.

I haven’t thought about children with this man in so long. He made me promises a long time ago that I hadn’t been so sure I still wanted after he left. As if reading my thoughts Luca closes the distance again. He places his fingers beneath my chin and lifts my face.

“We’re going to start a family, Shannon. Not because we are expected to or because you crave someone to love and to love you back. You already have that. I love you, Shannon and we are going to make a baby from that love,” Luca says.

I literally melt right there at Luca’s feet. He just said exactly what I needed to hear. I look into his eyes and find so much sincerity there. It is not just the words. Words can always fail to live up to your expectations. It is all of this, the bath, the candles, the way he held me as I opened the box my mother left me.

Those are the things I have needed from Luca. Those are the things that will allow me to open fully to him and love him with all I have. I’m ready.

I reach behind me and unclasp my bra, letting it fall to the floor. I then hook my fingers into my panties and shimmy my way out of them, kicking them and my shoes to the side. When I straighten, I move over to the edge of the tub and dip my feet in to test it.

Luca has even created the perfect temperature for the water. This is a whole new man standing before me. He moves closer as I step into the water so that he can help me in.

Only I don’t sit down in the water. Rather I gently settle onto my knees. It is a gorgeous tub, with a sleek modern design and wide enough for us both to fit inside comfortably. It also makes a good fit for what I have in mind.

I place my hands on each of his thighs and look up at him through my lashes. My mouth is already watering as his stiff shaft points right at me. I lick my lips.

“I missed you, Luca. Come let me show you how much,” I say breathlessly.

Luca gives me a wolfish grin as he moves forward. I palm his length in one hand keeping the other on his thigh. Once Luca is standing right before me on the outside of the tub, I open my mouth and take him in whole.

“Fuck, Shannon, I missed you too, Baby, so much. I couldn’t wait to get back to you,” he hisses between his teeth. “I need to get lost in you.”

“Mmm,” I hum around him.

“Yes, just like that,” He groans as I move slowly back and forth over his impressive length.

He tastes and smells delicious. I want to just bury my face here and never leave. I am mesmerized by the flex and play of his powerful thighs. I savor his delicious flavor as I roll my tongue first to the right then roll it again to the left. I am not rushing this tasty treat one bit.

Luca doesn’t seem to be in a rush either as he lets me take control. I promise you I am getting high off of sucking his dick. It is the headiest feeling I have ever felt in my life. My eyes roll back in my head as my core heats up.

Luca scoops first the left side of my hair up and then the right, fisting the heavy mess in his palms. I can feel he is about to lose the cool he has been trying to hold onto. This time, when I reach the tip I slide my tongue through his slit and that is the tipping point.

Luca growls and tightens his hand on my hair. His knees bend and his hips drop. Next thing I know, he is thrusting up into my mouth. I open wide allowing him access to take over. I reach to wrap both my hands around the backs of his thighs as I start to slip in the water a little from his vigorous thrusts.

“Yes, take it all, my beautiful girl. I want you to swallow every drop,” Luca grunts.

I smile around him because he already knows that I will. I tighten the seal of my lips and work him like a Hoover. I can feel he is close and I intend to bring him closer.

“Shannon,” he roars as his seed jets down the back of my throat. I keep sucking milking him for all he is worth. I feel the shudder that runs through him. “Damn Baby, I can’t feel my legs.”

I finally let him pop from my lips and move so I can sit in the tub and give him room to climb in. Luca slowly slides into the tub and settles his back against it before he pulls me back onto his chest. He kisses the top of my head and cocoons me in his arms.

“We’re done here. We are going home when Uri and Val arrive,” he informs me.

I find it a little odd that we would leave when they come. I thought we would all spend some time here. Then something nudges at my brain. Luca was gone for three days.

I know better than to ask, but something more has been going on. I may not have known everything about my sister’s secret life, but I am no fool as to who my family really is. It was something that evil bitch ranted about whenever she got a chance and thought someone was listening.

So I nod my head a little disappointed that I won’t be spending time with my father. I was looking forward to seeing him. I miss him so much. I know he is hurting, I just wish he would let someone other than Uncle Valentine be there for him.

“Your father is coming home,” Luca says simply to the words I have not spoken aloud.

I sigh and sag further into him. Yes, my heart is safe with this man. He has done more than I asked.