Chapter 35

Marabella’s POV

I silently and gracefully slid into Luca’s lap, not wanting to find out what his punishment would be for disobeying him or where he might distribute it. “Good girl”, he muttered into my ear. Goosebumps spread down my arms and legs. Only visible on my shoulder though, where my shirt hangs off. “Have a seat, Gibson”, My husband ordered lowly, gesturing to the seat across from the desk. Sergio came to stand next to the desk, with his arms crossed. However, Rex and Cal stood guard by the door.

“So tell me, Gibson. Why would you stupidly send a 16-year-old into battle?”, Luca asked calmly. “I wasn’t really thinking, sir. The kid said he wanted to move up in the ranks. When this mission came along, I figured it would be a good way for him to do so. You know, aid in the return of your brother, Gibson explained.

He kept rubbing the back of his neck, avoiding eye contact and showing signs of distress. “You’re lying”, I called him out. His eyes snapped to mine. The rage that burned inside of them was overwhelming. I subconsciously gripped Luca’s hand that rested on my thigh. Luca growled, “Eyes over here, buddy. How about you try telling the fucking truth?” Gibson’s jaw clenched, the muscles working in overdrive. “I don’t know what you are talking about. I am telling the truth”, he gritted out.

“The sentence for sending a kid into battle is death. Do you think I am not below torture? You obviously have something you are hiding”, Luca’s voice was so dangerously low, that it chilled my bones, even though I knew that he would never hurt me. Gibson held a stern face.This book has many missing chapters and scenes if you’re not reading it on [* . Luca chuckled darkly. “Sergio”, Luca nodded. Sergio grabbed the back of Gibson’s neck and slammed his head into the desk so hard that it knocked him unconscious. I jumped slightly, and felt Luca tighten his hold on me.

“Take him downstairs”, Luca said, patting my thigh for me to stand. Cal and Rex worked together to carry Gibson from the room. Luca stood and entwined our fingers, leading me from the little office, back into the Grande hall. All of the soldatos still stood in place, waiting. Luca walked us back to the headspot, as Rex and Cal paraded an unconscious Gibson down the middle of them and down a staircase that was positioned at the front.

“I hope you gentlemen come to an understanding today. It is forbidden to send children into battle, no matter the reason. Let this be all your last warning. Don’t fucking do it”, Luca demanded. His voice held an authority that made the room bend at his command. “Yes, boss”, the soldatos said in unison. “You are dismissed”, Luca disbanded them. The room broke apart, with scattered murmurs amongst them.

Luca turned towards me, and reached up to tuck a strand of hair behind my ear. “I’m going to send you back to the house to choose your dress and get ready. Which, people will be there to help you with that”, Luca explained. “But-“, “I know, we haven’t had time to practice. But, you’ll do great. I know you will”, he interrupted, cupping my cheeks. I poked my lower lip out in a pout, making Luca chuckle softly. “Bambina, I don’t want to take you down there. It is going to get ugly. And you are too beautiful for that”, he explained gently.

I wanted to protest, but at the same time, my stomach twisted at his tone and words. Also, I wanted to shower before tonight. I nodded, agreeing that I would go back to the house. “Good girl”, Luca uttered, placing a soft kiss on my lips. Luca gestured for Rex to take me home, when he came up the stairs. I followed Rex out to his car.

I jumped in the front seat, making Rex panic slightly and shake his head. “What Rex? It’s right the fuck there. Get in, let’s go”, I said. Rex shook his head again, then his body was being moved out of the way by an extremely upset Luca. “I don’t think so”, Luca grunted, pulling me from the car by my bicep. “Luca, what the hell is the issue?’, I asked, a little bit upset by his reaction.

“The issue is, the only person you ride in the front seat with is me. Anyone else? They are your chauffeur, you ride in the back seat”, Luca growled. He opened the backdoor of the car. “That is MY rule for you, piccola. Get in”, he said deeply. I grumbled under my breath as I climbed into the backseat. Luca grabbed the seatbelt to strap me in. “You can be prissy all you want, as long as you do what I told you too”, Luca muttered.

When he leaned back in to kiss me, I accepted his kiss. Why? Because even if I’m angry or upset, I’m not going to pass up an opportunity to kiss my husband. I never know when the fuck I might lose him. Luca closed my door and patted the roof, signaling for Rex to drive.

As we drove away, I turned in my seat to see Luca stand on the sidewalk, watching us until we were no longer in sight. I turned back around in my seat with a frown, guilt and frustration filling me. I immediately pulled out my phone to text Luca before he got started.

M: Why was it such a big deal, Luca? It’s bothering me.

Luca’s reply was almost instant.

L: You are MY passenger princess. No one elses, little one. That’s why

I sat there for a second processing what he said. That is actually really freaking sweet. My heart filled with admiration for the man.

M: Aww, that’s so sweet. I’ll see you when you get home. Please be safe

L: I will bambina. Pick the best dress for me, piccola. I want to drool over you tonight. 😉

My face turned a crimson red. The car pulled to a stop at the front of the main house. I quickly replied to Luca before exiting the vehicle.

M: I will ;)b