CHAPTER TWELVE
Luca
Falling
I was falling for her.
I knew it was stupid. Knew it was too fast, too complicated, too everything.
But I couldn't help it.
Every day, I watched her fight to reclaim pieces of herself. Watched her push through pain and fear and trauma that would have broken most people.
She was strong. Stronger than she knew.
And she was beautiful. Not just physically, though she was. But in the way she smiled when Ginny made her laugh. In the way she wrote in her journal every night, documenting her healing. In the way she looked at me like I was someone worth trusting.
I wanted to protect her. Wanted to give her everything she needed to heal.
But I also wanted more.
I wanted to know her. Really know her. Wanted to hear her laugh without the shadow of pain behind it. Wanted to see her smile and know it was real.
I wanted her.
And that terrified me.
Because she was vulnerable. Broken. And I was the last person who should be having these feelings.
"You're staring," Ginny said, appearing beside me.
I was standing in the doorway of the living room, watching Liana read a book on the couch.
"I'm not staring."
"You are. And it's obvious."
"What's obvious?"
"That you're in love with her."
I didn't deny it. Couldn't.
"It's too soon," I said.
"Love doesn't have a timeline."
"She's been through hell, Ginny. The last thing she needs is me complicating things."
"Or maybe you're exactly what she needs."
I looked at my sister. "What if I hurt her?"
"You won't."
"You don't know that."
"I do. Because I know you. And I know you'd rather die than hurt her."
She was right. I would.
"Just... be patient," Ginny said. "Let her heal. Let her come to you when she's ready."
"And if she's never ready?"
"Then you'll still be there for her. Because that's who you are."
She walked away, leaving me alone with my thoughts.
I looked back at Liana. She'd fallen asleep, the book open on her lap, her face peaceful.
I walked over and carefully took the book, marking her place before setting it on the table. Then I grabbed a blanket and draped it over her.
She stirred but didn't wake.
"I'm here," I whispered. "For as long as you need me."
It was a promise I intended to keep.