Chapter 49: refuge

**Savannah**

Luciano's arms are like a seatbelt. Months ago his embrace were chains to me. Now, they are my solace from the fray. He hides me in his body, envelopes me in his warmth.

If you were to walk into our bedroom, you wouldn't even know I was there.

His kisses were shackles, now they are keys. He doesn't try to make love to me, he seems content just to hold me. I'm glad. I still don't feel normal.

I doubt I ever will. In fact, I never did

Luciano moved us from the Estate to one of his other, smaller houses. Just us two. Everything I wished for, everything I clung to in that dank cell, they're here; he's here.

"Gattina," His voice rumbles from his chest, deep and gentle. "Are you hungry?"

I shake my head, sinking my nails into his skin. Him cooking would require him leaving me.

Besides, the adrenaline has worn off, he's feeling the brunt of those bullets he took months ago, but never gave time for his body to fully recover.

A low moan seeps from him. For some reason, he loves the sensation of my nails in his flesh. His nose nudges mine, pecking my lips.

"You must eat. Our bambina is going to strong like her Papá."

I look up at him, quirking a brow. "We're having a boy."

"Girl."

My eyes narrow. "Boy."

"Girl."

It's a boy.

"Come, you have to eat. Let's go into the kitchen, sí?"

Stretching his arms, I admire the muscles decorated with tattoos.

Mine.

His arms are huge, he's huge period. But then, he used to get up a walk in the morning, go to the gym, eat healthy.

He doesn't leave the house, but he still does exercise, eat healthy.

I hate all of those things.

I just wanna watch movies, read books and eat food.

Luciano regards my appraisal, brown eyes twinkling with amusement. "Are you satisfied with your purchase, wife?"

Pretending to look him over and shrug. "Eh, you aite. Coulda done better."

He plucks my forehead. "Don't lie, I'm the most gorgeous thing you've ever seen."

"Ego much?"

He offers his hand to me and of course, I take it. Luciano helps me out of bed, and swoops me up into his arms my legs wrapping around his waist.

I'm like a baby koala.

"Lucy, I wanna watch Moana."

His strong, steady hand rest on my back, as he shoots me a look.

"If you make me watch another Disney movie, I will scream. Then I shoot the TV."

"Alright, it was a good movie! Leave me alone, pazzo donna."

"Ha!"

I dance around his stupid giant self, because I was right. Again.

"Oh sit down. And don't blame my daughter for this. You've been watching Disney movies since the day I met you."

"Was not!"

"Can I watch the Little Mermaid?" He mocks me, fluttering his thick long lashes.

Ugh I hate him for that. What does he need them for?

"Shut up, Luciano."

He flicks my forehead again, and I make a face, throwing a pillow at him.

"Gimme kiss."

I cross my arms and huff. Leaning over the chair, the cross I gifted him rests over his left pec.

"C'mon, baby. One kiss?"

"Mad at you."

"I'll make Tiramisu."

I turn around and attack his face with kisses. "I love you, I love you, I love you, fix me food."

Laughing he kisses my lips softly. "I feel used."

I nod. "As you should. You should know, I married you for your body, and I stayed for your food."

Unable to resist, he flicks my forehead again(that shit hurts), glaring at me softly.

"I'm just a piece of meat to you, aren't I?"

"Yup. And you'll cook it."

"I love you too."

"You said you loving fixing me Tiramisu? Oh thank you honey!"

I hear him grumbling to himself saying why did I get married?

I scoff. Cause I'm hot? Duh.

Things are easing into a new normal, and if I'm honest, I like it.