CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
Luca
The First Time
It happened four months after I found her.
We were in my room. Liana had started sleeping there most nights, said she felt safer with me beside her.
We were lying in bed, her head on my chest, my fingers running through her hair.
"Luca," she said softly.
"Yeah?"
"I'm ready."
I knew what she meant. But I had to be sure.
"Ready for what?"
She lifted her head and looked at me. "For you. For this. I'm ready."
"Liana, we don't have to—"
"I know. But I want to. I want to be with you. Completely."
I searched her face, looking for any sign of doubt or fear.
There was none.
"Are you sure?" I asked.
"I'm sure."
I kissed her, slow and deep, and she melted into me.
"If it's too much," I said against her lips, "if you need me to stop—"
"I'll tell you. I promise."
I took my time. Undressing her slowly, kissing every inch of skin I revealed, making sure she knew she was safe, she was cherished, she was loved.
When I finally slid inside her, she gasped, her nails digging into my shoulders.
"Okay?" I asked, freezing.
"Yes. God, yes."
I moved slowly, carefully, watching her face for any sign of distress.
But there was none. Just pleasure. Just trust.
Afterward, we lay tangled together, her head on my chest, my arms around her.
"I love you," I said.
It was the first time I'd said it out loud.
She lifted her head and smiled. "I love you too."
And I knew, in that moment, that everything we'd been through had been worth it.
Because we'd found each other.
And we were never letting go.