by SJ Molloy
Lucca’s Lust
Lucca’s Words
Book three
‘The Luminara Series’
By
SJ Molloy
Published by SJ Molloy
ISBN Ebook – 978-0-989987-4-3
ISBN Print version – 0989987949 (Paperback)
Editor – Maxann Dobson - The Polished Pen - www.polished-pen.com
Developmental editor – James Ramsey - The Polished Pen - www.polished-pen.com
Cover Art, design and graphics – Design Divaz – www.designdivaz.com
Interior design – Lucinda Campbell - www.design.lkcampbell.com
Copyright © 2014 SJ Molloy
Creation title and content: Lucca’s Lust
Book three in The Luminara Series.
By SJ Molloy
All rights reserved to SJ Molloy.
This work: Any words, phrases, excerpts, graphics, logo, characters, story, plot, and branding may not be replicated, copied, printed, distributed or transmitted in any way without consent. This includes photocopying, recording, reprinting, and by any other mechanical, digital, or electronic method without written permission granted by the author. Excerpts and graphics may be used for review and promotional purposes for certain non-commercial use permitted by copyright law, only if consent is given by S.J. Molloy. For permission requests, write to the author, addressed “Request of copyright approval” at [email protected].
The characters and events, scenes, phrasing, and plot portrayed in this book are fictitious. Any similarities to real persons, living or dead, are coincidental and not purposely intended by the author. This is the work based solely on the imagination of the author and does not interpret or replicate any real life living scenarios or settings. Facebook and any other online social media networking is not affiliated with the novel and bonus chapters.
SJ Molloy is in no way affiliated with any brands, songs, musicians, artists, hotels, restaurants, or designers mentioned in this book.
This book was written in Lucca’s point of view as a reading companion to support the Luminara Series, to further develop the plot and give reasoning behind Lucca Caruso’s behaviour, thoughts, and actions.
The book was written after Lussuria: book one and L’amore: book two, and prior to publish of Luminoso: book four.
It has been carefully developed and scripted into the plot and storyline of Luminoso: book four to keep continuity. Therefore, it is recommended that Lussuria and L’amore are read first to understand the plot, backstory, characters, and progression of the story.
Foreword: A note from the author
Originally when I planned the Luminara series I intended to write the first four books from Lexi’s point of view which will tell Lucca and Lexi’s story. The schedule of the books has now changed quite significantly because I was inundated with requests from readers and bloggers asking for Lucca’s Caruso’s point of view. I decided to give it a go.
I need to give special thanks to Rebecca. This book would not have been possible if it was not for the encouragement, patience, support, and enthusiasm from her. Rebecca, is an amazing book reviewer and blogger who has shown continued support and interest in this series from the first publish of Lussuria. Rebecca originally asked for Lucca Caruso’s first character interview to be published on her blog due to lots of interest from readers asking for it.
I had already started writing and developing Luminoso, but due to personal circumstances I had to have some time off this year. I thought writing Lucca’s point of view would be refreshing, a challenge and a good way to get me back into a routine with writing the series and break things up a little. And I was not wrong. I have had the most amazing time and experience writing this book.
One thing led to another. I found new inspiration and had numerous unravelling ideas going on in my mind with regards to the plot. I decided, along with my editors, to once again develop my writing and carefully incorporate Lucca’s interview into the plot of Luminoso, which will now be book four in the series.
Once I started writing this, I could not stop. Based on positive feedback, it was then I decided to rewrite the majority of Lussuria in Lucca Caruos’s words.
I always aimed to be exceptionally transparent from the initial onset and publish of Lussuria by mentioning that this would be an epic and intense series but subject to change at any given time. It is important to me to give you as much depth, flow, and structure as possible. I want to ensure that my readers understand the reasoning behind Lucca’s actions, his past, and his thoughts, and a book in his words covers this nicely.
By popular demand and by filling in the gaps, I have given you all insight into Lucca’s life and mind. I knew it would take a full-length novel to furnish my readers with depth, enough awareness, and details in his words to give you a vision of life through Lucca’s eyes. A journey into his heart, mind, and soul.
I then carefully put a lot of consideration into adding advance chapters from Luminoso at the end, again in Lucca’s words to give my readers some clues, and ideas on where the plot is going. There will be lots of twists and turns, so I would like to leave you with some thought provoking chapters.
The planned schedule of the books in this series can be found here: http://www.sjmolloy.com/books/
I hope you enjoy reading as much as I have enjoyed writing this book.
Welcome to Lucca’s Lust. Lucca’s first point of view.
His lust.
His love.
His light.
SJ x
Table of Contents
Dedication
Part One: Lussuria ~ Lucca’s Words
Prologue
Chapter 1: Chance Encounters
Chapter 2: Breath-Stealer
Chapter 3: Feel, Fate and Forever
Chapter 4: Fallen
Chapter 5: Lesson One: Us
Chapter 6: Unadulterated Lust
Chapter 7: My Angel
Chapter 8: Dolcissimo
Chapter 9: Fiery
Chapter 10: Enthralled
Chapter 11: Solace
Chapter 12: First Proper Date
Chapter 13: Home Is Where the Heart Is
Chapter 14: Pens, Paper, and Words
Chapter 15: New Love
Chapter 16: Darkness
Chapter 17: My Something Special
Chapter 18: She Is Mine
Chapter 19: New Life
Chapter 20: I Have Her
Chapter 21: My Gift Of The Day
Chapter 22: Providence
Epilogue
Part Two: Lucca’s Therapy ~ Advance reading material from Luminoso in Lucca’s words
Chapter 1: Fixer
Chapter 2: Baby, I Am Scared
Chapter 3: Scandal
Chapter 4: All Of Me
Part Three: Lucca’s Interview ~ Extended Bonus Chapter
A note
Glossary of characters
Acknowledgements
About the author
Share & Review
Author Links
Coming Soon
Love is the emblem of eternity; it confounds all notion of time; effaces all memory of a beginning, all fear of an end. ~ Anne Louise Germaine de Staël-Holstein (1766-1817)
At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us. ~ Albert Schweitzer (1875-1965)
Lust is a gift. It’s the desire for souls so beautiful.
Love is a gift. It’s the lust for souls deep within.
Light is a gift. It’s the love for both souls illuminating. ~ SJ Molloy
; Dedicated to
Mum & Dad
“Rene & Norms”
This year, God decided it was time for you both to go to sleep together. Always together. He knew you were suffering, and so he decided to show you a loving light. He answered your prayers.
There is not a day that goes by that I don’t think of you both. I laugh and I cry, I smile and then I laugh some more, and that is what helps me accept that you are in a better place.
A place so bright and peaceful, that it is more than you ever hoped or dreamed of.
Only a few short months ago, you were both able to finally breathe with relief when you closed your eyes. You breathed because you were free of pain. You breathed because you were given new life, and you breathed because you finally got to be with Fraser.
When you opened your eyes and exhaled, your world was bright and beautiful again.
At peace and with one another again. The way it always has been and is meant to be.
Inseparable love. Forgiving love. Devastating love.
Forever love.
I believe in love stories. I believe in all-consuming love stories. I believe in heart-wrenching … heart-warming love stories. I believe in soul-searching love stories. I believe in tragic love stories. I believe in honest and hopeless love stories. Love stories so deep, emotional, and meaningful that your life is not complete without your love giving you their air to breathe.
To breathe together.
I believe in love stories, but most of all … I believe in yours.
I miss you to the moon and back. I hope you kiss in the sun, dance in the rain, skip in the light, and smile under the stars.
I love you, and I hope I make you both proud. Give Fraser a big kiss from me.
Forever in my heart.
Sara-Jara xx
Part one: Lussuria ~ Lucca’s Words
Prologue
“Suzanne, what date do the new physiotherapists start in the clinic upstairs?” I ask my PA Suzanne, shifting restlessly in my chair in the conference suite of my club.
Placing my hand on my lower back, I apply pressure. Fuck, it is painful. I obviously twisted it when I was out on my run last night, or maybe it was the extra weight I added onto the bar for my upper body conditioning.
“I’m sure they start this week. Ronan mentioned it at the staff meeting yesterday. Although, I saw one of the girls going in this morning. She must be unpacking; their boxes were delivered yesterday.” She switches off the projector and closes down her laptop.
The board begins to gather up their notes to vacate the conference suite. I approach Ronan, my current Club di Energia manager, before they leave. “Ronan, when do the new physios begin?”
He pauses, scratching his temple deep in thought.
For fuck’s sake! This is what I am dealing with. Simple fucking question. Ticktock.
Ronan manages this club for me and at times that worries me. A good, likable guy, great with the members and staff, excellent people skills … but assertive and pragmatic?
No. I have to say, he is very much on probation.
Always a page behind, he is hesitant and I am not sure he truly fits the bill here. Miraculously, he met his targets again last month. I need to wait until he under performs to get him out.
“Um … erm … this week, I’m sure,” he answers with uncertainty, holding his black leather folder against his chest.
“This week? Do you know which day?” Sarcasm laces my voice, eyebrows rising in slight disbelief.
“I’ll find out for you. I can give you the guy’s number … name’s Mark but he’s not in today. It’s only his colleague unpacking I believe. Mark’s coming in to see me tomorrow,” he adds, flustered.
“Yes, get his number for me, please. Email the reports when you have them and go over the budget for the new launches with Kirsty. I will be contacting you about the renovation work to studio three, and I will have some contractors from Osurac look at it. In the meantime, keep them out of that studio. The last thing I need is a health and safety claim.” I shake my head before popping two painkillers and swallowing them.
I am not normally this curt or impatient with my staff, but shit, if this lower back pain is not making me grouchy. There will be no workout for me tonight after work either; I feel as stiff as a fucking board right now.
“Sure, Lucca. Have a good trip. If you need anything, just call me. I’ll catch up with you when you get back.” He reaches out his hand to shake mine. Now I feel like a complete dickhead for being sharp with him.
“Thanks, Ronan, I appreciate it. Sorry for being short. I am in a bit of discomfort today. Fucking back is killing me. I think it is a trapped nerve or something,” I apologise, wincing in pain before shaking his hand.
“Why don’t you go and see if the new physio can see you today before your trip. You should get it looked at.” The brightest idea he has had all fucking day. I might just do that and nod my head at his suggestion.
“Lucca, I am heading over to Osurac head office. Have a ton of work to do. Do you still need me here?” Suzanne asks, standing next to me with her folders, laptop, and bag ready to go.
“No, we are finished here today. Thanks for your help today. I really appreciate it. Can you get Kimberley to check us in online for my flight and email my Italian contractors … look at my diary and set a date this week for me to meet with them. I want to meet Dino first and see his plans,” I say before thanking and shaking hands with the remainder of my board on their way out of the conference suite leaving just Suzanne, Ronan, and myself.
“Okay, keep your phone on and tell your family I’m asking for them. Where are you staying?” Suzanne asks, switching her phone back on.
“I will stay at my grandparents’ property as my mamma and papa’s construction work is not finished. It is chaos at their place. Marco is coming with me, but he might stay with his papa. I am not sure what he wants to do. I will check in with you in the event I go to my farmhouse.” I double-cheek kiss her before she goes. I do not know what I would do without her; she is worth her weight in gold and some.
Suzanne and Marco are both invaluable to me. Marco and I go way back. Childhood mates and have been friends ever since. He is my right-hand man in business and life, I guess. I trust him completely … like a brother. There is nothing he would not do for me, or I for him, and that gives us a good solid bond. He has my back and I have his.
Not only are Suzanne and Marco great friends, they are both the two most loyal and important employees I have. They help me make Osurac Industries successful and effectively manage anything and everything I ask of them, from a personal or business perspective. They look after me, and I look after them. Always.
“Do you know what the new physio’s name is?” I ask Ronan, turning around to ensure no one has left anything on the oval table dominating the room. Picking up my suit jacket, I decide not to put it on because twisting causes me aggravation, and the length of time we have been sitting has seized my muscles even more so than they were.
“I’ve only met with Mark and Jane … the redhead. She’s a bit ditsy from what I gathered, but impressive CV and references.” Ronan stretches, straightening his tie, then places his hand in his trousers’ pockets.
“So it is Jane that is upstairs?” Jesus Christ … details, fucking details. He is the one who claims to know every individual in here on a first name basis.
“No, it’s Mark’s business partner upstairs. The sexy brunette. I think her name is Alex or something, but I’ll be making it a priority to find out.” He quirks his lips. Unbelievable, the horndog has it bad for our newest member of staff. Poor girl will not stand a fucking chance.
Ronan is known for being a bit of a player, which is why he gets on so well with the female members; he flirts with them all. Thinks I am fucking stupid, but … I invented the word charm.
He is married so I cannot say I approve. In fact, I abhor it and do not condone it. But as long as everything is harmless, kept professional, an
d nothing goes on in my club, what he does outside of this club is up to him.
“Sexy? Hmmm, so you have the hots for this new physio … the brunette?” I ask him coyly.
“Who doesn’t? She’s a big hit with the fellas. Talk of the gym floor. I think she’s going to be very popular indeed. Quiet, but sexy as fuck. That’s all I’m saying.” he says with an impish grin and a playful wink.
It gets me thinking. It has been a while since I had a brunette. Well there is Francesca, my ex-fiancée, but I would not say she is a brunette. She is raven black, just like her mood swings sometimes. Come to think about it, all the women I have had since Fran and I split have been blondes. The last time I had a brunette was … ah fuck!
Jasmine.
A painful distant memory from my past.
Diamante. Diamonds.
Illuminato. Light.
Vivo. Alive.
Morte. Jasmine’s death.
Christ that was one of the nicest nights of my life, and one of the most traumatising and soul destroying. I have never quite got over it. Still haunts my dreams. Jasmine is the reason I am so thankful to be alive. She reminds me of light, of diamonds, of being alive … beautiful memories I will cherish. But she also reminds me of death. Tragic death and Hell … because that is where I found myself after she died.
Her life was taken right in front of my very eyes, and I could not do jack shit about it. It was one of those moments when you feel so high and happy after a period of feeling like shit, and then boom-crash-fucking-boom. You blink and become numb, cloaked in darkness. You try and help and everything ends up fucked-up anyway.
