Fallon & Luca

by Soraya Naomi

  Quite intoxicated. “Yes, we were actually up early.” He’s silent, as if he’s waiting for me to keep going, so I add, “We woke up and came here for breakfast.”

  Luca’s demeanor slightly relaxes. This guy makes me feel both comfortable and uncomfortable simultaneously.

  “Did you have a good time at the bar after we left?” All I want to know is if he hooked up with someone.

  A crooked smile follows. “I actually left right after you. I’m not a clubber. A friend of mine dragged me there.” As he leans forward in a slow, controlled manner, his cologne reaches me and I recognize the citrus scent, just as divine as I remember. “Although I am glad I went last night. I was lucky enough to see you five times in one evening.” He leans back and stretches his long legs.

  The wooden tables are small and round, so it’s impossible to not touch the person sitting across from you. His legs entrap mine, making me heatedly aware of the point of contact.

  I shift in my seat, inadvertently bumping against him, and while my entire body is slowly igniting, he doesn’t react at all. “Five? I think we saw each other four times.” I distinctly recall seeing him when I still had on my red lipstick, when I bumped into him, when he got me away from Nick, and lastly, at the exit.

  “No, no, Fallon.” Luca traces his cup with his fingers and changes his posture, trapping me tighter in his legs and presenting every movement of his body in such a skillful manner that he has me hypnotized. “I saw you at the entrance. I saw you with your red lipstick; when you flirted with me.” He doesn’t even attempt to mask his grin.

  And he’s direct – please don’t remind me of that moment.

  “I saw you when you couldn’t get away from some guy fast enough and you accidentally copped a feel of me.” He raises his eyebrows suggestively. Evidently, he’s enjoying mentioning that little fact to me. “I had the pleasure of having you up-close and personal to get you away from that same guy. And I watched you swaying on the dance floor with your friend.”

  There goes my futile attempt to hide my smile, but my phone that’s been lying on the table interrupts us, and we both glance at my screen. I’m surprised when I see Danny’s name appear. Danny was my first serious boyfriend. We dated for two years when I was seventeen, and we’ve barely had any contact since we broke up, so I let it ring and shift my gaze back to Luca.

  “I actually saw you six times,” he adds while brushing his legs ever so lightly against mine. “Let’s not forget I put you into a cab.”

  I’m slowly starting to perspire from the innocent touch of our bodies, but the intimacy doesn’t seem to be registering with him. Either that or he’s extremely smooth, because I can’t identify the meaning of his expression.

  I lean in closer just to have our lower bodies connect more and feel his warmth seeping through his clothes. “Lucky you,” I tease but notice a guy standing in front of the window keeping an eye on us. “Is that a friend of yours?” I point toward the guy. I’m not positive if it’s the same friend that was with him at the club.

  Narrowing his eyes slightly, he sighs. “Yes, he’s waiting for me. I should go. It was lovely seeing you again, Fallon.” He tucks a loose strand of hair behind my ear before he rises.

  Again, such an intimate gesture that doesn’t make me feel uncomfortable. With his coat back on, Luca bends and places a featherlight kiss on the inside of my hand.

  I close my hand, sealing his kiss in my palm. His chivalrous behavior is setting the butterflies free in my stomach. For the third time, I’m stunned by him.

  When he exits the shop, his friend doesn’t seem to be happy with him, but Luca keeps his focus on me until they disappear around the corner.

  ***

  Once I arrive back home to our two-bedroom apartment, I throw my keys and purse on the table and drop down on the cream couch next to Teagan. I decorated the entire place with light colors, including cream curtains and white accent pieces, that complement the birch hardwood floors.

  She turns off the television and grabs a magazine from the coffee table. “Someone was shot, found dead, near the club we went to last night.”

  I distantly acknowledge her news as I remove my jacket.

  Teagan opens her magazine, and without looking up, she asks, “And?”

  “And what?”

  “What did Luca say?”

  “Not much. He left right after you,” I inform. We see each other, flirt, and then nothing.

  She turns the pages in rapid succession. “That guy, I would do. Just saying.”

  I ignore her comment. “I actually want to continue our conversation from earlier. How long until you leave?”

  Teagan follows me when I go into the small, contemporary kitchen to start the electric kettle. She hands me two mugs and my favorite tea: Earl Grey.

  “I’m going to accept the offer tomorrow,” she answers. “My boss told me that if I do accept, they’ll arrange all the documentation quickly and want me on a plane to London asap.”

  After pouring the water and then placing the teabags into the cups, I stand opposite my friend. “How long?” I emphasize.

  “Within two weeks,” she mutters, turning away from me to throw the teabags into the sink.

  “Two weeks?” I shriek while I get the bags from the sink and toss them into the trashcan. “That’s so soon! Although I’m not going to miss cleaning up after your butt. Just throw the bags in the trash when you’re finished. It’s not that difficult.”

  “Yes, Mom,” Teagan replies, rolling her eyes. “Tomorrow I’ll know more, okay? I’ll fill you in about everything, I promise. Let’s watch movies and order in tonight. I might be feeling a little hung over.”

  As we take our teas back to the couch, Teagan lies down and I cover her with a blanket. “I was wondering how long it would take for you to admit it.” I laugh and get my phone from my purse, and when I see the missed call from Danny, I update Teagan. “Guess who called me today...Danny.”

  Her head whips around. “When? What did he want?”

  “I don’t know. I didn’t answer; I was with Luca.” I’m hesitant to return his call because I have nothing to say to him. We didn’t have a bad break-up. I just rarely think of him. “If it’s something important, I’m sure he’ll call again. I’m not interested in calling him back.”

  “Good. That guy was so boring. Most boring first boyfriend award goes to Danny.”

  “He wasn’t boring,” I defend while sitting down on the couch. “Just not memorable.” My phone chimes in, and I see my mom’s name flashing across the screen.

  Teagan quietly laughs. “It’s the same, you weirdo.”

  “Shut it,” I mouth to her before answering my phone. “Hi, Mom.”

  “Hi, sweetheart. Your father and I are planning a vacation, but I didn’t know when you were going to come visit us.”

  “Where are you going?”

  “Your father found a six-week round trip from Australia to North Asia. It’s a cruise from Sydney to Japan and China.”

  My parents travel at least twice a year, so I’m not surprised that they’re already searching for somewhere else to go after just returning from Mexico. “That sounds wonderful. I haven’t made any plans to visit. You guys can book the trip. I’ll come either before or after your vacation.”

  My father is mumbling in the background. “Okay, sweetie. I’ll call you later. We’re going to check when the best time to visit Australia is.”

  “Bye, Mom.”

  With the knowledge that Teagan will be leaving soon and no plans for the rest of the day, she and I enjoy the remainder of our lazy Sunday by hanging out on the couch and watching movies together.

  CHAPTER 4

  Fallon

  Exactly two weeks later, Teagan’s legal documentation is ready, and I’m standing at O’Hare International Airport, reluctant to let my best friend go.

  “You call me any time you want to talk, day or night.” I take Teagan’s hand in mine.

  “I will, promi
se. I’ll call you when I land. I’m excited and scared at the same time.”

  “That’s good. It’ll keep you sharp the first few days. Don’t ever doubt yourself. You’re chasing your dreams. You’re seizing opportunities, living the life.”

  “Stop it. You’re going to make me cry.” She peers around at the hundreds of people, all going to different places in the world.

  When I notice her teary eyes, I squeeze her hand reassuringly. “You have to stand in line. And don’t forget to get some treats to eat on the plane.”

  She winks with a sad, yet hopeful, smile. “I’m on it.”

  We hug it out one more time before Teagan collects her carry-on bag and walks through customs, blowing me a kiss. Amused, I catch it and wave. She motions for me to go away, so I mock salute her and turn to go home. Alone.

  I take a cab back to the Loop, but instead of going to the condo, I seek out the coffee shop around the corner to treat myself to a pastry. It’s probably busy this Saturday afternoon; I hope they still have warm muffins.

  The shop actually isn’t crowded and my spot by the window’s free. After ordering my usual – muffin and Earl Grey tea – at the counter, I proceed to the table. I want to delay going home to my empty apartment for as long as possible, so I get my e-reader out of my purse because this is the perfect time for my romance novel. Nothing enlightens my life more than reading about fictional love in all its drama and beauty. Sometimes the simple things in life can bring me unimaginable joy.

  The waitress comes over with my order, but I’m already consumed by my book. Without glancing away from my e-reader, I reach for my tea but pull back abruptly when I touch a hand. And I look up into powerful green eyes that have been popping up in my thoughts for the past two weeks. Sitting across from me, touching my teacup, is Luca.

  I rest my fist on my chest and expel a loud breath. “You scared me.” Tension in the lines of his profile make me wonder if he’s upset.

  “What has you so highly oblivious to your surroundings, Fallon?”

  I was exaggerating when I said he scared me, although he did frighten me a little, but I’m also pleased to see him again. I point to my reader. “A novel.”

  He tilts his head to the side. “I saw. You’ve been engrossed in that book for ten minutes. I couldn’t get your attention.”

  Just as I remember, he exudes this raw, intense charm. His hair is slightly in disarray, which only adds to his masculine good looks. When he leans his muscular body closer to hand me my tea, I’m aware of his every move; the gentle touch of our hands causes the tiny hairs along my arms to rise.

  “Let me greet you properly. Hey, Fallon. I’ve been hoping to run into you again, and I believe my luck has changed for the positive.” Luca rubs his hand leisurely over his mouth, hiding his smile in a sensual motion. Crossing his long legs in front of him, he then holds up my phone in his hand.

  Shocked, I scan the table and realize that he took my phone before I noticed he was there. I was so immersed in my novel that I didn’t even see it happen. I charge forward to grab it from him, but he’s quicker and pulls back, eyeing me with both brows raised.

  “You need to be more mindful of your surroundings, Fallon. If I had dishonorable intentions, I could’ve stolen it.” He begins to type – his number, I presume and hope – into my phone.

  “I think you’re the only person who has any interest in it.” I lean forward to check what he’s typing. “What are you doing?” Unless he’s entering his information, I want it back now.

  His gaze shoots up to mine for a second, surprised, before he continues handling my device. “You never know who might be interested in your belongings. And since I was stupid enough to forget to ask for your number, I’m now programming my number in here.”

  “Do add all your info. All your social media, birthday...” I ramble, inquiring about his age without actually asking as I switch off my e-reader, storing it in my purse.

  “I don’t have social media – I have an aversion to it,” he replies.

  “How can you have an aversion to social media?”

  “It’s too much hassle, so I never bothered to create any accounts. Well, personal accounts.”

  “There are still people without a social media account?! Who would’ve thought?” I muse.

  “And I’m twenty-nine, by the way.” He lifts my phone to his ear and announces, “I’m calling myself.”

  “By all means.” I motion my hand toward him, but he isn’t waiting for approval.

  I thought he’d be twenty-seven or twenty-eight. Although he did seem older when I first looked up and was met by darker eyes that gave him a disconcerted edge instead of his vivid green ones.

  As I take a bite of my muffin, which is deliciously buttery, a moan escapes me. Yet I freeze when I note that he’s sitting eerily still.

  “Please stop moaning,” Luca speaks quietly.

  Smiling, I take another tasty bite. “But you have no idea how good this is.”

  “I’m getting the idea.”

  And finally, his legs entrap mine just like the first time we met here. I’ve been secretly waiting for him to touch me.

  “Here, take a bite and tell me that’s not good,” I dare him, presenting my muffin.

  To my astonishment, he leans forward, grabs my wrist, and takes a bite, keeping his long fingers secured around my wrist and his eyes fixated on me while he chews unhurriedly. Now it’s his turn to moan.

  “Good, right?” I wait expectantly for his answer.

  “You do know good food,” he concedes.

  This time, the intimacy of our interaction does register with him. Slowly, he releases my wrist from his hold but not my stare. This man is becoming even more dashing, alluring me with his debonair composure. I’m simply intoxicated by him. The smirk pulling at his lips betrays that he senses it too. There’s an attraction simmering beneath the surface like I’ve never felt before. It’s burning inside me.

  Unfortunately, Luca is the first to look away at the snow outside whitening the streets of the Loop. So I finish my muffin and drink my tea. The lack of conversation feels remarkably relaxed, and we’re both obviously not searching to fill the silence with meaningless talk.

  When I sip my tea, he asks, “Another one?”

  “No, thanks. I should go home.”

  Luca cocks his head and mentions suddenly, “I do believe we’ve established that we’re going to have an unconventional relationship.”

  He uses the word relationship fleetingly and without flinching. This guy is constantly in control of his movements, and it’s challenging to determine whether he’s pleased or not about our relationship.

  “Why unconventional?”

  “Because you went to third base the first time we met, before we ever had a date. We’re doing things backward.” Now he’s evidently pleased, because a wide grin is being directed at me.

  “Is this a date?”

  “Yes,” he answers resolutely. “But I will take you out on a proper date, Fallon.”

  I wait for him to continue, but the actual asking me out on a date doesn’t happen, so I repeat, “Okay. Well, I’m going home.”

  Before I have time to open my wallet, Luca has already settled the check and is holding out my coat for me to put on. “Are you here often?”

  “I am.” I don’t elaborate as I turn my back to him and slide my arms into my coat. Let him call me for a date. “Bye, Luca.” I offer him my sweetest sidelong smile and take a step to leave, but he halts me with both hands on my shoulders, pulling me back against his well-toned chest, and I get a smirk in return.

  Bending his head, he grazes the shell of my ear with his lips. “I’ll see you soon, Fallon.” And he glides his hands down my arms before releasing me.

  A pleasant shiver runs up my spine while I take the two-minute walk to my condo with a smile plastered on my face.

  Once I’m home and faced with a lonely apartment, I sigh, missing Teagan’s presence already, so I check the
time on my phone. In a couple of hours, Teagan will be landing.

  CHAPTER 5

  Luca

  I watch Fallon leave the coffee shop confidently. It’s refreshing to be around a woman who doesn’t throw herself at me. She’s fucking sexy without even knowing it. She’s becoming impossible to resist, and a throbbing down below is pushing me to have her.

  The last time I was here, Adriano ominously waiting in front of the coffee shop blew my game. I needed to talk to her alone but couldn’t with him here, so I left. And now, his unease is growing because he’s sensing that my interest in her is more than professional. But my friend and Capo is in Crystal Lake today, which has given me time to visit Fallon while he’s not around.

  I came in with one goal: get to her phone. Mission accomplished. I didn’t even need to talk to her, because she made it too easy for me to access it. As I observed Fallon reading her book, she was unaware of me, so I snatched the phone from the table, searched for information on it, and found one thing of importance that confirmed my suspicion.

  I could’ve discreetly put the phone back in its original place since Fallon was lost in that e-reader. Yet, instead, I sat there for ten minutes, studying her. How she constantly brushes back her hair behind her ear. How she refuses to stop reading for even a second. How the side of her sexy mouth turns up just a little when she reads something comical. How her face flushes as she – I assume – reads something sensual.

  One guy passed her, gawking at her beautiful downturned face while she was oblivious. And he was walking up to Fallon when I decided to make my presence known to her, so I shot him a look, telling him to fuck off, and he scurried away.

  My musings are interrupted when one of my phones vibrates in my pocket. “Yes.”

  “I need you here. Leggia wants to talk to the underboss or the boss. James won’t come,” Adriano informs me.

  Which means that I must go as I’m the underboss of our organization, the Chicago Syndicate. We’re the Chicagoan Cosa Nostra, the mafia. We rule all the drug traffic in this city and the state. The Chicago Syndicate has four high ranks: one – the Capo crimine/ boss, James; two – the underboss, me; three – the head Capo/captain, Adriano; and four – the Consigliere/counselor/lawyer, Salvatore.