"Bambola," he murmured, easing one hand to her wrist. "I'm just trying to cover you."
She shook her head against the pillow, eyes filling without spilling over. "Don't leave me."
"Now, why the hell would I do that?" Luca asked.
"Because your life would be much better if my dad never asked you for a favour."
"My life is much better, thank you very much," he said. "Would you let me go?" He raised a brow, trying for humour, trying to give her a familiar version of himself to hold onto.
Vee only looked at him with heavy, unfocused eyes. "You think so," she whispered, "but it isn't."
"Babe…" Luca exhaled slowly, forcing his hand to relax. "Can we discuss this in the morning?"
She shifted suddenly, pulling herself up just enough to press a light kiss to his mouth. His eyes narrowed slightly.
He pulled back a fraction. "Have you been smoking?"
"Maybe."
Luca shut his eyes. "Goddammit," he swore.
The anger flashed back. "What in the hell are you doing?"
