Chapter 47 CAN’T IGNORE ANYMORE
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ADELINE
The room felt stifling once again as Aurora and I froze, staring at the door that had just opened. Standing there, leaning casually against the frame, was Christian, his familiar smirk plastered across his face.
“Good job lying, sweethearts,”
he drawled, his voice laced with amusement.
Aurora’s shoulders sagged in relief, her wide eyes narrowing into an exasperated glare. “I didn’t lie,” she retorted, rolling her eyes dramatically as she crossed her arms.
I sighed in relief and closed my eyes to calm my heart knowing it was not Aaron.
Christian chuckled, his smirk deepening as he tilted his head. “Sure, you didn’t.” His tone was teasing, the kind that made it hard to tell whether he was being serious or not.
Before Aurora could fire back, Christian’s gaze shifted behind him, and My breath caught as another figure walked into the room—Luciano.
My heart raced the moment my eyes landed on him. I clenched my fists around the blanket and gulped nervously. His tall, commanding presence filled the space effortlessly, and despite my feverish state, I felt every nerve in my body come alive.
I hadn’t been ready to see him, hadn’t even been sleeping properly to avoid thinking about him. Now, there was no escape.
Luciano’s sharp eyes scanned the room briefly before they landed on me, their intensity locking me in place. His gaze was enough to make me timid and shy. I could not face him. No yet.
I averted my gaze quickly, my hands clutching the blanket tighter as if it could shield me from his attention.
Christian, oblivious to my internal turmoil, turned to me and asked,
“Adeline, are you okay?”
I blinked, my throat dry, before nodding hesitantly. “I’m fine,” I managed to whisper, though the pounding in my chest betrayed my words.
Aurora glanced at me and leaned closer, whispering softly, “Talk to him.” Her tone was gentle but firm, her words carrying the weight of encouragement I didn’t feel ready for.
Before I could protest, Aurora stood abruptly, brushing off her skirt. “Well, I think I need some fresh air,” she said breezily, though the glance she shot me spoke volumes.
With a small flip of her hair, she sauntered toward the door, pausing only to look at Christian. “Care to join me?”
Christian raised a brow, clearly amused, but didn’t argue. “Of course,” he said, shooting a knowing look in my direction. He followed Aurora out, closing the door for privacy which I did not need with Luciano, not at the moment.
The silence that followed was deafening.
I turned my head toward the wall, determined to keep my focus anywhere but on the man standing in the room. But the sound of his footsteps drew closer, and before I could stop myself, I stiffened.
Luciano sat down on the edge of the bed, his movements deliberate but unhurried. I felt the mattress shift under his weight, and then his lips pressed gently against my forehead.
“Are you okay?” he asked, his deep voice soft but filled with concern.
My heartbeat quickened, my chest tightening as I nodded again. I didn’t trust myself to speak, knowing my voice might betray the storm of emotions swirling inside me. I blinked rapidly thinking of a way to get away from him, from facing him.
Luciano eyes studied me for a moment, his sharp eyes missing nothing. For sure. He leaned closer, his hand slipping around my waist as he effortlessly pulled me onto his lap.
My eyes widened, and I gasped softly. My body tensing as my hands instinctively went to his chest to steady myself. My head snapped up to look at him, shocked by his actions.
“I know you’re ignoring me,” Luciano said, his tone calm but edged with a quiet authority that made my stomach flutter.
I blinked rapidly and my lips parted, but no words came out. I couldn’t deny it—I had been avoiding him. One of the reasons, I wanted to ignore him at the moment too knowing he’d ask me.
“What’s wrong?” he asked, his voice softer now, his dark eyes searching mine.
My throat tightened, and before I could stop myself, I wrapped my arms around his neck and buried my face in his nape. His scent filling my nostrils and taking over my mind, making me hazy.
My breaths came in short, uneven bursts as I clung to him, my emotions threatening to overwhelm me. The thought of Elena with him did not set right with me.
Luciano’s hand moved to my back, rubbing slow, soothing circles. He pressed a soft kiss to my bare shoulder, the gesture sending shivers down my spine. The feel of his lips after days made me tremble.
“Breathe,” he murmured, his lips brushing my skin.
My heart thudded loudly in my chest as I tried to calm myself. His warmth, his scent, the steady beat of his heart beneath my cheek—it was all too much.
Luciano tilted his head slightly, his lips brushing against my temple.
“Adeline,” he murmured, his voice firm but gentle. “Talk to me."
His raspy voice sent shivers down my spine and my grip on him tightened, my voice muffled as I finally spoke.
“I’m scared,” I admitted, my words barely audible.
He stilled for a moment, then pulled back just enough to look at me.
“Scared of what?” he asked, his brows furrowing in concern.
I hesitated, my eyes darting away before meeting his again.
“Scared of losing you,” I whispered, my voice breaking slightly.
Luciano’s expression softened, and his grip on me tightened. “You’re not going to lose me,” he said, his voice firm and resolute.
“I’m here, Adeline. I’m not going anywhere.”
I closed my eyes. My hold on him not loosening.
“ I am crazy for you. These past two days were so painful. Now let me give it you back. Now, I’ll make you go crazy for me for ignoring me so you can’t ignore me in the future “