Chapter 68 HOME AGAIN
••Luciana••
“Yes, I just arrived home.” I said into the phone, my voice muffled from the excitement. Roman had called to ask if I had made it back yet.
I was just pulling into the Moretti compound with Damian, the familiar smell of Sicily greeting me.
“Bye, Rom.” I ended the call, unable to keep the smile from my face.
Antonio was standing in the entrance, clearly waiting for me, his arms folded across his chest.
“He knows I’m coming too?” I glanced over at Damian, still adjusting to the idea of being back.
I’m asking dumb questions. If Damian knew, he would have definitely told Antonio.
“Don’t worry too much, Luci. I only told him you were coming home. Didn’t say anything about your husband’s drama, so no worries about you getting bombarded with questions.” Damian grinned at me.
I exhaled in relief, “Bless you.”
“Welcome home, sister!” Antonio’s booming voice made me smile as he walked towards me and gave me a tight hug, and a kiss in my cheek.
“Ew, no.” I dramatically wiped my cheek where he kissed me.
“Better be careful, she belongs to another man now.” Damian smirked, his eyebrows raised playfully.
Antonio shot him the “fuck you” sign, and I rolled my eyes at both of them. These assholes.
“Where’s father?” I asked, hoping to avoid any more teasing.
“His office. He’s in a meeting,” Antonio replied.
“Are you guys not supposed to be there?” I raised an eyebrow.
“Our sister’s homecoming is more important.” Antonio shrugged, a playful grin crossing his face.
“Aww, when did you start becoming sweet?” I teased, nudging him as we walked into the house.
We made our way to my room. It looked just as I left it, neat and welcoming. The familiar scent of my childhood room greeted me, and I jumped onto the bed, stretching out on my back and staring up at the ceiling.
Antonio and Damian followed me in and lay on either side, the three of us lying there in silence for a while.
“What are we staring at?” Antonio finally broke the silence, making me laugh.
“I miss home,” I said softly, squeezing their hands. “I miss you assholes.”
It was true. No matter how much time had passed, this place, these people, felt like home.
The moment was interrupted by Damian. “So, what’s the plan for Christmas?” he asked, as usual, his curiosity piqued.
“Lots of fun,” I cheered, trying to push aside the heavy feelings I had about leaving again.
The next few days passed in a blur of fun, laughter, and of course, plenty of drinking. We went out to clubs, got drunk, woke up with massive hangovers, and partied more.
We even went on ice cream dates, just like the old times. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d felt this carefree, and for the first time in a while, I wasn’t worried about anything.
But now, with just two days until the New Year, I had consumed more alcohol in the last few days than I had all year. I wasn’t sure if I was proud or ashamed of that.
I had begged Damian not to tell Antonio about Roman yet. Antonio hated him even more than I did, and he felt like Roman had stolen me away from him. Every time I was alone with Damian, he’d give me lessons on...well, sex. How to give different styles, what to do in different situations. He even sent me links to watch videos.
It was all way too much, and I didn’t appreciate how he didn’t care that I was still shy about it.
We were on our way out to grab food and more drinks for our movie night. Antonio stayed behind because our father was expecting guests. They were meeting to discuss new deals.
“You still haven’t told me how your first kiss was?” Damian asked out of the blue.
“It was nothing,” I shrugged, trying to brush it off.
“Oh, I know it’s not nothing. You are already blushing because I'm asking about it."
“Every girl’s first kiss is special,” I said, hoping he’d leave it at that. “And I’m not blushing.”
“Hmmm, I see what it is,” he said, nodding as though he was piecing together a puzzle.
“When it happens, just relax, and let yourself enjoy it. That way, it won’t be so painful,” Damian continued, oblivious to my embarrassment.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” I laughed nervously.
He chuckled. “Please fill me in when it happens. Your tutor needs a review.”
“Details?” My eyes widened in horror. “I can never give you details!” I shouted, horrified by the very thought.
“Oh, relax.” Damian laughed. “Make sure to watch those videos though.”
“I won’t!” I protested.
Later that day, Roman called. He called every day since I’d gotten home. He wanted to know if I’d had a good time with my family. I could hear his voice over the phone, and even though I was with my family, I felt a rush of excitement in my chest. I missed him more than I’d like to admit.
I was leaving for Moscow soon to be back for New Year's Eve, even though I felt sad about leaving Antonio and Damian again, I couldn’t deny that I missed Roman. I needed to return to my husband’s house.
It was odd. I barely saw my father except during meals, but there was something about being home that brought me peace.
When I woke up the next morning, I found Damian and Antonio sprawled on the bed next to me. We’d all fallen asleep during the movie last night. Bottles of wine were in the floor, and popcorn scattered everywhere. My head throbbed from the alcohol, but I knew it was time to leave.
The thought of seeing Roman again excited me, and that realization hit harder than expected. It felt right, even though it scared me at the same time.