Warm sunlight hit my skin, pouring in through wall to wall open windows. I stretched, reaching out for Luca only to find his side of the bed empty. Sitting up, I took in the gorgeous master bedroom that was ours for the weekend.

Tied back sheer curtains draped over the corners of the bed. A small sitting area was adjacent to the bed and patio windows. Heavy cream colored draperies were pinned back revealing the breathtaking view of the harbor and the main city of Avalon.

Light tinkling of dishes coming from the patio piqued my interest. I rose from bed, slipped on my robe and ventured barefoot out the open glass doors. Spanish tiles warmed by the sun hit the soles of my feet. Large planters of colorful flowers dotted the patio. A built in barbeque filled up a corner and a cast iron legged table with seats for six faced the ocean front view. I wiggled my toes, aching with curiosity to feel the water's temperature and the sand beneath my feet.

Luca stood with his back to me, one arm resting on the stone railing and the other bent. Slowly it raised upward toward his face. I smirked realizing he must be having his morning espresso. The strong aroma hit my nostrils. Bold like the drinker. It made me realize that it was the first morning in weeks a smell or thought of food didn't make my stomach turn. A wave of relief washed over me like the water below us patting the sand. It really must have been stress over the wedding running smoothly.

After he finished his sip, I snaked my arms around Luca's waist once I crossed the patio. His free hand lifted to lay atop mine as I pressed my lips between his shoulder blades. The warmth and softness of his skin comforted me. This was real. We were here, we were married and would escape this life soon to live one of peace. Then Luca's comment from last night entered my mind. I'd have to ask him about it at some point.

"What did you have planned for today?" I murmured against the linen fabric of his shirt, resting my cheek on his shoulder blade.

A soft hum rumbled through his chest. Luca set his cup down then turned in my arms, gazing down at me with a devious smirk on his lips.

"For one thing," his lips grazed my forehead. "I want to keep you naked in bed all day."

"Mmm, I wouldn't fight you."

"But..."

I leaned back to meet his eyes, quirking an eyebrow. "But?"

"But," Luca's hands, warmed by the sun and cup of espresso glided down my sides. "We have reservations."

His head dipped, lips finding the crook of my neck. My eyes rolled closed, body heating with want. Last night had been amazing. I had no protests to continuing through the day time. "Reservations?"

"Mhmm," Luca hummed. Feather soft kisses traced my collarbone. "The dolphin tour leaves at nine. We have zip-lining at one after a picnic lunch atop the mountain."

"Zip-lining?" I all but squealed, leaning away from his attentions. "You want me to scream my head off and embarrass myself?"

Luca grinned, pulling me tight to his front again. "I'll have you screaming quite satisfactorily later tonight."

My cheeks heated by a thrill of excitement rushed down my spine. "Any other plans for the daytime hours?"

"Snorkeling then dinner at the casino."

"What a lovely day you have planned for us." Leaning up on my tip toes, I kissed his lips then stepped back. "I'll go get dressed."

"If you must," Luca retoreted. I could hear his smirk.

****

Our day so far had been fantastic. We saw dolphins off the side of our boat, Luca screamed louder than I did zip-lining and snorkeling was an experience unlike any other I had ever had. The sights in the crystal clear water were breathtaking.

Now we were dressed to the nines walking arm in arm into the famous casino. Luca was drool worthy as always in a tux and I wore the dress and shoes from the previous day.

People filled the room. Chatter, cheers and laughter hit my ears. The smell of alcohol and cigars hit my nose churning my stomach. Luca must have noticed because he turned to me.

"Are you alright?"

I nodded, slipping my fingers between his. "The smell is a bit much."

"Let's walk around. The architecture of this building is famously beautiful."

Luca led us out a side door where the fresh ocean breeze clear my senses instantly. It was soothing and smelled like home. Like Luca's beach home that soon would become our haven.

"This place," I smiled, matching Luca's slow paced steps on the veranda hallway. "It truly is an escape."

"Yes," He hummed in response. "Your father felt we would enjoy this getaway spot every so often."

"My father?" I turned my eyes toward Luca, brows furrowing.

He nodded, eyes fixed on the darkening sky over the ocean. "This home was a wedding gift from him. He thought we would need a break from this life. He was right. Next time, we bring Carina."

"She will love the snorkeling," I chuckled.

"Yes, she will-"

Luca's phone ringing from his pocket interrupted our peaceful conversation. He exhaled through his nose while staring at the caller ID, lips pursed together when his eyes flicked up toward me.

"Yeah." Dark browns dipped forming deep scowl wrinkles on his forehead. "When?" Not knowing what else to do, I stroked his arm with the hand stuffed in his pocket. I recognized his immediate mafia mode. "Did you get any information?" Something happened. Luca's muscles were stiff, the vein on the side of his neck swelled in rhythm with his pulse. "Is she safe?"

"Carina?" I mouthed, fingers curling into his arm. Luca nodded.

"OK. If we can get cleared, we will leave tonight." He ended the call, pocketing his phone. "I am so sorry, Gattina."

"Is Carina safe?"

"Yes. For now. Tensions have risen and a threat sent directly to our family."

I swallowed, heart racing in my chest. "From who?"

Luca's jaw clenched. "An old friend."

No. "No, no, no!" I protested on a whisper. "Th-that is not possible. Luca, I sh-," voice lowering, a wrapped my arms around his waist. "I shot him."

"I know, Gattina." he kissed the top of my head, arms wrapping around my now trembling frame.

"When will we be free, Luca?"

He sighed heavily, cheek resting on my head. "Soon, piccola. Soon, I promise. Things are spiraling very quickly. We must get home."

It's short, unedited but done.  More action coming soon.

The steamy kind?

Or the drama kind?

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Happy Wednesday!!

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