14. Luca
14
LUCA
I 've never been a morning person. Hell, I barely qualify as human before my third energy drink. But that morning, I woke up before dawn, her voice echoing in my head. That soft way she'd said my name right before I'd walked out of my bedroom.
My bedroom .
Where she was currently sleeping in my bed, probably wrapped in my sheets that would now smell like her. That thought wasn't helping my attempts at being a gentleman.
Every time I closed my eyes, I saw her—the way she'd reached for me during that moment of raw honesty, how perfectly she'd fit in my arms. Wasn't just about her looks, though God knows that was messing with my head enough. It was how she'd looked at my place, like it meant something. How she understood what mattered without me having to explain. The way she could carry her own darkness and still reach out to touch mine.
A soft sound from my bedroom made my pulse jump. I'd spent years perfecting the art of deflecting anything real with a smart- ass comment, keeping people laughing so they never looked too close. Yet here I was, completely disarmed by a woman who saw through my bullshit over a bowl of midnight cereal and didn't look away.
"You're screwed, Barone," I muttered, crushing the empty can.
A gorgeous woman, I could've handled. But Pearl? She was something else entirely—razor-sharp mind behind those killer eyes, strength that had nothing to do with muscle, and a heart that made me want things I'd sworn off years ago.
The memory of her body pressed against mine sent heat through my veins. The trust in her eyes when she'd looked up at me, the way her breath had caught...
A soft thud from my bedroom broke through my spiraling thoughts. I hesitated, listening. Another muffled sound, followed by what might have been cursing.
I found myself at the doorway before I could think better of it. Pearl was perched on the edge of my bed, her silk pajamas wrinkled from sleep, trying to untangle her hair with her fingers. She'd knocked over a book from the nightstand, probably what I'd heard.
"Sorry," she said, not looking particularly sorry. "I was trying not to wake you."
"Bold of you to assume I slept." The words came out harder than intended. She was still wearing my jacket from last night, the leather too big on her frame. Something primal stirred in my chest at the sight.
She stilled, fingers caught in her hair, and met my eyes. The morning light caught the gold in them, making them almost glow. "Did you get any rest at all?"
"Kind of hard to sleep when..." I moved closer, drawn in despite myself. "When all I could think about was..."
Her hand dropped from her hair. "Was what?"
Instead of answering, I reached out, brushing a strand of hair from her face. She leaned into the touch, and that small movement undid me completely.
"You."
The words came out easier than I thought. Pearl leveled a small smile, one that tore open my heart.
"You too, then," she admitted, the barefaced need apparent in her words. I reached forward, gently caressing my fingers against her shoulder.
"Last night when…we were talking. It felt nice. Like I was able to show a part of myself to you. It's rare for me to do so when…"
"When the demons are all around you."
I looked up, all thoughts dissipating. "Yes. God, I know we've only just met, but even so, whenever I'm around you, I just…."
"You're thinking too hard again," Pearl said, gently resting her forehead against mine. I lingered, already lost in the touch.
I knew this. Thinking was all I did. It kept my feelings at bay. I pulled back, resting my hand against her cheek all the way down towards her shoulder. The soft skin energized my fingers with every caress.
"That's what happens when you smile at me like that," I forced out, the ache growing. I needed her. I craved her. She had this side of her, this innocence that forced itself past every wall I put out.
Pearl closed the distance. Our breaths commingled as I felt her pulse thudding against my fingertips.
"Then stop thinking."
Her words goaded me as if challenging all of the barriers I'd put up. My lips brushed against hers, igniting the raw, pure need. She kissed me back expectantly as I felt her heart pound at the same speed as mine.
Lightheartedness, an airy sensation. My fingers gently pressed her back towards the bed. I joined her atop the mattress, my kiss remaining soft and tender. I wished to record this moment and hold onto it.
A soft mewl escaped her, allowing me access. Tender kisses were exchanged, and as I poked my tongue inside, she eagerly accepted the touch. Her lips broke me, and my hands tensed against her shoulders. Restraint. I attempted to show such a thing, but as I kissed her, my resolve slipped.
Pearl pulled back. "This is one way to wake up."
"It is. Might make me a morning person."
Pearl giggled. The sound, while innocent, filled me with raw desire. I pressed her to the sheets, hands splayed at her sides. Her blonde curls laid across each side, making her look even brighter. A light that was present in the darkness.
But could she hold my darkness? I didn't know, didn't know if it was even right to want her to. I sighed, resting my hands against those tender cheeks. "You're beautiful, Pearl. I…I haven't felt this real in years."
"Then let me help you become real," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. I leaned against her neck and gently peppered it with kisses.
"You might just open me up and help me accept these parts of me," I said.
Our eyes locked. Pearl reached for my face. Fingers traced the plane of my cheeks all the way down to my jawline. "I want to. Luca, you've been so sweet and generous. Managing to make me smile. With how things have been, I haven't had many of those moments."
These words cut deep. A mixture of anger and desperation rushed through me. "I like doing that. Seeing you smile, it…it gives me life."
Pearl grinned. "And I like hearing that. You're different from the rest—lighthearted. You seem to know how to brighten up my day."
"That's because I have to. I've fought so much, and it's been so hard?—"
"Then stop worrying. For now, let's just focus on each other."
The words prompted another deep kiss from me. She moaned against my lips. My hands made quick work of the leather jacket, tossing it to the ground. Lips followed, gently licking and nibbling on the soft flesh. As my lips caressed her, I felt her heartbeat.
"That tickles," Pearl giggled. I looked up, mesmerized by the sound.
"God, the way you laugh…"
"You like it?"
"I adore it," I replied, sliding in to savor those lips once again. My hands trailed down towards her breasts. My fingers danced against the edge of her nipples, peaking through the garment. So raw, so divine….it called to me, begging for more.
I slid my hands back up and gently peeled the nightgown part way off her shoulder, revealing a round breast. The perked, hardened nipple greeted me. Pearl sighed as my fingers pressed against the sides of her nipple, but her voice slowly grew to a moan.
Every sound captivated me. All thoughts disappeared as I took in her beauty. My lips traveled downwards, taking the first hint of her nipple against my lips. Soft and inviting, she clutched the sheets, eyes wide as can be.
"I love hearing your sounds. They're beautiful. Just like you."
Gorgeous. Simply gorgeous. I continued to feel my restraint slipping. But then, as I pulled away, Pearl gave chase, climbing on top of me in the disheveled garment.
"Pearl, what are you?—"
Eager hands worked my sweatpants, pulling them down far enough to reveal the base of my cock. She paused as her fingers gently touched it, drawing groans out of me.
"This your way of shutting me up?" I managed to ask.
"Maybe it is. Is it working?"
Her fingers stroked me for a moment: at first, tender; then, more deliberate. She slowly inched my pants downwards, revealing my length. I hissed, the arousal all I could think about.
"I think it is," I gasped. "Have your fun."
Her fingers gently touched the base and moved towards the shaft. Her touch ignited me. Words became a challenge. All I felt was the raw desire.
Pearl's fingers were so soft. The delicate touch differed from other women, including Sophia. She was like a gentle breeze, driving all the old, sad thoughts away.
"What's the matter?" she said, smiling. "Don't have any words for me?"
"No," I grunted. "I have nothing."
She gently pushed her lips against my cock, taking it about halfway down. The warm, wet cavern was enough to drive me wild. Fuck.
I reached for those soft curls. My fingers gripped them with a firm but gentle grasp. Pearl eagerly worked me, savoring everything. The heat was becoming molten.
I wasn't gonna last. I needed her—needed Pearl. Before I finished, I pulled her off my cock, stroking myself.
"You leave me speechless. A rarity for a guy like me."
She smirked. "It's my charm. Then again, the feeling is mutual."
She gathered herself before hovering over me. The nightdress hid her body. I quickly tore off the other strap and grasped the middle garment, pulling it off her body. Pearl grabbed my shirt and tugged it off me. Her hands touched my pecs, light fingers trembling with need.
So close. I glanced up at her. Raw need replaced all my usual deflections and restraints.
"Pearl…are you sure about this?" I asked, my hands against her hips. She just needed to say the word.
"I've never been surer of anything," Pearl replied with firm resolve.
I looked away. It had been so long since I felt this much affection. She might stay with me for a long time, and then…
"Don't be so soft on me now," Pearl interjected, silencing all thoughts.
I looked up at her. There was nothing to say. I'd worry about the implications later. I lightly kissed her lips, getting one more taste.
"You have no idea what you do to me."
"Then show me," she gently commanded, resting her hand on my shoulder. "Take me."
She slid on down, warm pussy smothering me. I threw my head back, moaning with pleasure. I let her take control, allowing the rhythm to be slow at first. I gently thrust up against her body, earning a gasp of delight.
"Little surprise," I whispered.
"Yes, but I have one as well."
Angling her hips, she lowered her body faster. Using my shoulders as leverage, she picked up the pace. I had no words, no response. I groaned but then closed the gap, sharing tender kisses.
This was like heaven. Hell, it might just be heaven. Pearl rode her hips faster, pumping up and down. I was lost. All I thought about was her.
Pearl knew how to move her body. It was amazing listening to her moans of arousal. After a few more thrusts, I reached down and gently touched her between her legs, rubbing her clit. Our mouths crushed together with wild abandon, desire, and need; all that transpired between both of us.
A couple of thrusts later, Pearl dug her nails into my chest, curving her back as she came, her walls holding me firmly in her hot wetness. She milked me out as I grabbed against her, both of us climaxing hard.
Neither of us moved, even after the high of our orgasm dissipated. Pearl eventually moved off me and lay on the bed. Her blue eyes met mine, tender, wanting. My mind reeled as I recalled our passion.
Normally, I'd feel bad. Sophia's death still haunted me. But for the moment I stared into her pools of blue, my darkest thoughts silenced.
I got off the bed, ready to leave, but then Pearl grabbed my hand.
"Just stay with me."
I didn't need to be told twice. We cuddled together. Pearl snuggled up to me, sweet as could be. A few moments later, she adjusted herself. I imagined she wanted to face me, but instead, she sat up.
"Lay down."
"Why?"
"Let me make you feel good."
I grew curious, but then, her fingers gently kneaded my shoulders. Even though they were soft, the knots disappeared. A sigh of approval escaped me.
"That feels good. I didn't know you had that magical touch."
"There's a lot you don't know about me."
I turned to face her. "I'll get to learn more then."
I closed my eyes, allowing the moment of respite before we went to the kitchen together to enjoy a pot of coffee.
My phone buzzed against the counter. Of course. Giuliano's timing was legendary.
"Coast is clear," he said, not bothering with hello. "Time to come back."
I looked at Pearl, her lips still swollen from my kisses, hair a mess that was entirely my fault. My fingers itched to make it worse. "Right. Yeah. Traffic might be hell, though." My voice was still rough. "Could take a while."
"Vittorio's men are still searching the east side," Giuliano said quietly. "Be careful. Take the back roads."
Pearl's fingers traced along my collarbone, short-circuiting my brain. "Always am, boss."
He grunted and hung up.
Pearl's hand stilled over my heart, and, for a moment, neither of us moved. The weight of reality settling back in. Vittorio was still out there, and what he'd do if he found out about this... about us...
"So," I managed, trying to ignore how much I wanted to tell the whole world to go to hell and keep her here, safe in this bubble we'd created. "Ready to rejoin civilization?"
Her lips curved in a smile that hit me right in the gut. "Depends. How bad is that traffic you mentioned?"
Christ. That look in her eyes was going to be the death of me. And for the first time in years, I was ready to go down in flames.