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We exit the bookstore and get back into Niko’s car, his driver taking us to the airport.
“Why not just call?” Niko asks as I reread the note.
“Because this is romantic.” I shake my head. “You should try it sometime. I bet Elena would love it.” I scribble a note on the back of the paper Luca left for me. Then I snap a picture of it.
“What are you doing?” Niko asks.
“I’m leaving a note.” I could call or text, but this seems more romantic. I hit send and then cross my fingers that we make it to the airport in time.
27
LUCA
Itake a deep breath, my heart pounding as I stand on the tarmac, waiting for any sign of Aria. I check my watch. In a moment, I’ll have to board the plane if we’re to leave on time. I’m torn about returning to Italy so quickly. But the call from Bruno telling me some of Sabini’s men attacked one of my clubs means I’m needed home. A part of me wants to say fuck it and just stay in New York. Another part of me knows that doing so might put more strain on all of us. Aria is clear that she doesn’t belong to me or Niko. So, she needs to make her choice again. I recall her annoyance at me as I left and wonder if I’ve played this all wrong.
Why can’t Niko see my love for her? My meeting with Niko had been tense, as I damn near pleaded with him to give us his blessing. Instead, he toyed with his gun, as if that would scare me away. Perhaps others would be scared. He’s Il Soldato della Morte, after all. But I know that if he killed me, he'd also kill Aria’s love for him. I knew he knew it too.
But then Bruno’s call came in and I was forced to make plans to return home. I second guess my decision to leave Aria a note instead of calling her directly. At the time, I wanted to remind her of the sweet romance we have. But as I wait, my watch ticking closer to six, I think I should have called. Or maybe she’s changed her mind. Maybe she's tired of all this drama and angst.
Suddenly, my phone buzzes with a notification. It's a text from Aria, and my breath catches in my throat. I quickly open it, my eyes scanning a photo of a note.
I’m coming.
Relief floods through me, and a smile tugs at my lips. She's coming. She still wants to be with me.
The pilot approaches, informing me that we need to depart soon. I nod, my gaze fixed on the private entrance to the airport. Seconds feel like hours as I stand there, praying that she'll make it in time. I could postpone the flight, although the pilot already told me a delay could mean not leaving until tomorrow. I really need to get home to stop Sabini’s men from burning my business to the ground.
A car zooms in, flying toward the plane and screeching to a halt nearby. Immediately, I’m on high alert at the aggressive approach. I wonder if Aria's note is a ruse. Maybe Niko sent it and this is an ambush, after all.
Instinctively, I reach for my gun, prepared for whatever he might bring.
The back passenger door opens and Aria jumps out, rushing to me. I release my gun just as she flings herself into my arms. I wrap my arms around her, holding her tightly. Her familiar scent and the warmth of her body instantly calms the anxiety I felt moments ago. I let out a shaky breath, relief washing over me.
I see Niko exit the car and move toward us. Again, I tense for what might happen. Niko's expression is unreadable, and I brace myself for the worst.
"Luca," Niko says, his voice level.
I glance down at Aria, searching her face for any sign of fear or distress. But she only looks up at me with hopeful eyes, her grip on me tightening. Sensing her reassurance, I nod and turn my attention to Niko.
"Niko.”
He studies me. “Take care of my sister.”
“I’m not a child,” she complains.
I nod, knowing that by agreeing to take care of her when she doesn’t want a caretaker would annoy her, but I want to acknowledge what Niko wants from me.
“Niko realizes what an overbearing, controlling asshole he’s been.”
My lips twitch upward. “Is that so?”
Niko grinds his teeth. “I want her to be happy. If that’s with you, then… I give my blessing.”
I'm speechless, my mind racing to process this unexpected turn of events. Aria beams up at me, her eyes shining with joy, and I can't help but pull her closer, holding her tight.
"Thank you, Niko," I say, my voice thick with emotion.
Niko nods, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. I glance down at Aria, my chest filled with emotion. I decide there is no time like the present.
