Trudy laughed. “Stranger things have happened. Why are the young ones always so cynical?” she chuckled. “Listen, I’d better be off. I think my taxi has come early.”
I sighed. I still wasn’t happy that she was on her own. “Okay. Please take care of yourself, and get in touch the minute you can.”
“Of course, my dear. Just tell me one thing before I leave. Are you happy? Is he treating you well?”
I smiled for my Aunt Trudy. I would tell her anything if it meant she could go on and get the help she needed. I wanted her to leave thinking there was nothing she needed to worry about.
“I’m very happy. Luca’s treating me very well.”
“Good. I can go away a happy woman then. Take care now, and I’ll be in touch.”
“Okay, Trudy. Love you.”
“Love you, too, sweetheart. You know you’re like the daughter I never had.”
She ended the call just as a single tear slipped down my face. I would have been immensely proud to call Trudy my mother. She was more of a mother to me than my actual mother was … by a long shot.
Gathering momentum, I picked the article up and began to read.
In the early hours of Saturday morning, a tip-off at the local police station led to the arrests of Brandon Taylor and David Harper, also known as “Brett” and “Daniel.” They were found inside the flat they shared. Both men were badly beaten and bruised, and they were in possession of a vast array of drugs as well as photographs of several different women.
It would seem that both Mr. Taylor and Mr. Harper had been drugging and raping women on a regular basis, striking and subduing their victims at various clubs and pubs around town. Twenty distressing photos of women were found—none of whom have been identified by the police as of yet. Police are appealing to these girls to come forward with any information they may have.
I was mortified—not only by this, but also by my own behaviour. Luca hadn’t hired those men at all. This Antonio must have lied to me for some reason. A reason I had yet to discover. Getting straight to my feet, I went in search of Luca. I knew he wanted to speak with me, and I was surprised he hadn’t come looking.
Nearing the bottom of the stairs, I spotted Tony walking past. “Tony, where’s Luca?”
“Oh, good morning, Miss Murphy. He’s in the other office I believe—on the phone.”
I smiled to myself. At least he wasn’t trying to take over my office. “Can you give him a message?”
“Sure, but you can go and see him yourself if you want.”
I shook my head. “No, no. He has to come to me. Tell him that he had better be in my room within the next ten minutes or he’ll be sorry.”
Tony smiled a big, heart-warming smile. He then gave me a wink. “With pleasure, Miss Murphy.”
Grabbing Tony’s arm, I gave him a gentle squeeze. “Thanks.”
“Don’t mention it.”
I turned and was up the stairs and in my room within thirty seconds. I was pumped. Pumped from the euphoria of knowing Luca wasn’t the arsehole I thought he was. Pumped about the fact that he really did like me the way he said he did. Pumped because I wanted him now more than ever.
I was going to seduce my Luca Belatoni, and he was going to have a goddamned fight on his hands if he tried to stop me.
Nine minutes and thirty-eight seconds later, there was a knock on my door. I had to smile at that. He complied with my demand, but he had to make sure he did so on his terms and at the exact last minute. I doubted that would ever change.
I called for Luca to come in, and as he did, I could tell he was expecting a fight. I could tell he was expecting a slap or a punch or even the screaming he thought he may deserve. What he certainly didn’t expect was for me to run to him and throw myself into his arms.
He caught me, though. I knew he would. I wrapped my arms around his neck and pulled him to my lips. “Luca,” I breathed.
“Clara, we need to talk. I need to explain.”
“No need to talk. Not now. Make love to me, Luca Belatoni.”
Luca growled into my mouth and quickly placed me on the bed. “You’re not angry with me?”
I shook my head and with a breathless voice I said, “No. I want you. I want to feel you inside me.”
Luca pulled his hand up to my panties and ripped them causing a heated groan from me. “Then say it,” he demanded as he plunged his fingers inside me.
I moaned and threw my head back. “Luca,” I whispered.
Kissing and moaning some more, we managed to rid ourselves of more clothes before he was back on top of me with his fingers by my clit. His bronzed body was just oozing to be touched and caressed. He was like a perfect sculpture of a man. Absolutely beautiful.