Make sure you read chapter 23 first! This is a double update🖤

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When Luca's cab pulls up outside my house, I feel my phone buzz in my pocket telling me that the Uber is at its destination. I grab a tea towel and scrub my hands onto the fabric and give the food cooking on the stove a once over. A small knock echoes into the house and I rush to the door to find Luca staring back at me with a beaming smile but tired eyes.

"Hey," he says.

"Hey," I offer him a smile as he steps in.

He glances around the hall even though he's been here before. Most likely didn't take in the decor because of how much he decided to rush that morning to get to work. I'm not sure he even registered where he was.

"Wow," he inhales and turns to me with big excited eyes. "It smells delicious in here."

I shut the door behind him and walk us through to the kitchen. "I hope you like duck."

Luca's face flames a little and then he places his bag on the floor, running a hand down the back of his head as if he's embarrassed. "I've never tried duck before actually." He admits.

My eyebrows raise but I lower them quicker. "It's delicious," I say as I walk to the stove where the white beans are cooking in a creamy sauce with plenty of herbs. "You'll love it."

"Okay, I trust your judgement," he chuckles lightly.

I glance at him out of the corner of my eye, he glances down at his clothes and a flash of discomfort flashes on his face. "What's the matter?" I ask.

He shakes his head. "I've just been in these clothes all day, I should have gone home first. I feel disgusting being here in your house like this."

"Don't be," I step closer and find his eyes. Showing to him that I don't care. But when that discomfort doesn't disappear. "Let me give you some clothes to get changed into."

Luca's expression widens into surprise. "Really?"

"Of course," I say and beckon him to follow me upstairs.

"Your clothes won't fit me," he laughs again. "You're a giant compared to me."

I glance back over my shoulder and flash him a grin. "We're all the same height lying down." I murmur. Luca's smile falters and he stares at me in shock.

Shamelessly flirting is inevitable now.

When we reach my room I dig out a t-shirt and a pair of old tracksuit bottoms that might fit him, he'll have to tighten the string around his waist. "Thank you," he says gratefully.

"You can shower first if you want?"

Luca is nodding before I even finish my question. "Please." He says desperately.

My hand raises and I cup the side of his face for a few seconds, my thumb running across his cheek. "You know where it is," I whisper, holding those blue eyes hostage.

His lips part but nothing comes out, then I study his throat as it tenses. "Y-Yes."

I head downstairs a few minutes later and check on the food. It's cooking nicely, the smells of the herbs filling the air and making my stomach rumble aggressively. I hope Luca is hungry. I hope he enjoys it.

My head turns towards the fridge and I take out a chilled bottle of white wine and two glasses. I crack the lid and pour two generous glasses for dinner, a nice hearty meal isn't anything without some wine.

I check on the duck and drain the vegetables before plating up. I heard the shower shut off a few minutes ago so Luca should be down any minute. Once the plates are full and glasses are poured, I place them on the table. My eyes glance at the candle in the middle and I light it.

Luca walks through the kitchen door, cheeks flushed pink and damp hair. I stand still for a moment to analyse him in my clothes. He's right, the bottoms are almost falling off his hips but he's tied them to him as best as possible. Even the t-shirt is hanging off his frame but he looks comfortable.

Ugh. Comfy in my house? Yes, please.

"Everything okay?" I ask as he approaches the table.

"Mmm," he hums, his eyes looking tired from the way his lids are starting to hang gently.

I gesture to the table. "Dinner is served."

A smile crawls its way onto his face as he pulls out the chair and takes a seat. "It looks really yummy," he says. "Posh but yummy."

"Posh," I chuckle. "I just took the recipe from online. It's nothing special."

He peeks those pretty eyes at me. "It is special," he says. "Thank you. I'm just relieved there aren't a thousand knives and forks to choose from."

As I sip on my wine, I choke back a laugh. Luca's eyes twinkle with amusement for himself and I'm glad that he can joke about it. "Didn't want to overwhelm you with my silverware collection."

"You have one of those?"

I'm grinning at him now. "No."

Luca rolls his eyes and I love the sight of it. "Damn it," he grumbles playfully. "I was excited to see it."

He picks up his only knife and fork and begins to dig into the meal. I watch him carve the duck apart before placing a piece in his mouth and chewing. He glances down at first and then meets my gaze. "Wow," he exhales. "That is divine."

"Yeah?"

"Mmm," he nods and goes back for seconds.

I don't know why but watching him eat pleases me. He prides himself in working so hard that I know he doesn't eat lunch at the cafe like he should be doing. Seeing him enjoy his food makes my heart settle a little.

"You live alone?" Luca asks as he leans back in his chair a little.

I quirk a brow. "Who did you expect me to live with?"

He rolls his lips together before shrugging. "Your imaginary wife, I presume."

"Ahhhh yes," I narrow my eyes at him. "The wife I never wanted."

Luca's cheeks bleed with a blush. He shoves more food into his mouth before reaching for his wine glass and taking a generous sip. "I wasn't sure," he says when his mouth is empty. "You're a very private man."

I hum at his words. "Am I?" He nods slowly. "Luca, I hope you know that if you want to know something, then I'll tell you. I'm not a secretive person, if I trust you, then I'll tell you what I want to know. Which I do, I do trust you."

He's drinking his wine again, I notice that his chest is moving a little quicker than before. "You trust me?"

"Yes," I say as I rest my own wine glass against my lips before having a taste. "You let me into your world, you gave me your trust first. But a lot of people have come in and out of my life, seen what my father has, what I've earned and try to take me for granted."

Luca's brows crease. "I'd neve–"

"I know, Luca," I reassure him. "I can tell the fakes from genuine people. It's obvious. You haven't once brought up my money, asked how much I earn, asked anything about my father and his business."

He blinks once. "I would never have the audacity to do that. I don't care about your money. Obviously I care about how you've helped us with your money but I'd never want to take anything we can't give back. You know that we are planning on giving you back every penny, right? Becau–'

"Luca," I slide my hand over the table and grab his. "Breathe."

I listen as he takes a breath but he's looking at me like he still has to prove himself. His heart might as well be thumping outside of his chest and I don't want him to start second guessing himself.

"I don't expect anything back from you," I say, running my thumb over his knuckles. "I am the one who came to you. The business will thrive but I don't expect anything else."

"But you're literally losing money," he leans forward. "You know my mum won't allow it? She's already started putting money away as a little pay-check for you because she feels so guilty."

That hits me right in the chest. Good people. Good fucking people.

"Then I guess I need to have a word with your mother," I say with a small smile.

"Declan–"

I point to his half eaten plate. "Eat, please."

He blinks and sighs before taking his fork and eating again. "Don't think you're getting away with this."

"Then sue me." I lean forward.

Luca's eyes narrow. "Don't play dirty."

My chest vibrates. "Oh we can play dirty."

His eyes dilate in my direction before he lowers his gaze to his food and starts eating again. There is a permanent smile on my face whilst we finish our meals and devour the most delicious white wine.

Luca stands up and takes the plates. "Thank you for dinner, it was delicious. Safe to say duck is my new favourite."

I stand and follow him as he walks towards the sink to rinse the plates off. "You're welcome," I say deeply as I step behind him. "You're always welcome."

A small gasp falls from his lips as he feels the close proximity between us. He turns his head slowly to find me placing the empty wine glasses on the side beside him. I stare down at those pink, plump lips.

Before I even think about what I'm doing, I grip his jaw with my hand and pin him to the counter and press my lips to his. He hums in surprise as I broaden his mouth open to stroke my tongue against his.

His back slams into the counter with a thud and I snake my hand down his spine to cup the spot he just bashed, without parting from his delicious tasting lips.

Luca sighs as I grip his jaw tighter, my hand sliding down to his throat slightly. I can feel his pulse against the pad of my fingers and it sends my blood thrashing through my veins. His hands slide from my arm to my chest, fisting my shirt.

This time his tongue slides into my mouth and I'm pleasantly surprised because I like seeing him take the lead. Although in the bedroom, he won't get a say in what goes down because I will dominate every inch of his body into blissful pleasure.

"Wait–" Luca presses his hand to my chest, forcing our lips apart.

We're both breathing like marathon runners and I memorise the taste of him, flicking my eyes down to those lips of dreams. "What?"

"Is this going too fast?" He scrunches his face together as if he's trying to convince himself.

I cup the back of his head and let it rest in my palm. "You sucked me off the other day, Luca."

His eyes spring wide, skin darkening with heat. A laugh filters into the air. "Yeah... I guess I did."

When I search his face for more answers I nod. I don't want to pressure him into making this move faster. In fact, I'm enjoying where we're at. Adoring each other's company and showing each other that this is moving in the right direction with small–or rather huge gestures. I'll never forget that blowjob.

"Okay," I breathe slowly. "Let's take our time."

Luca nods and offers me a small smile. "I don't want you to regret any of this."

My brows crease at his words. "None of this would be a regret with you."

He takes a slow shuddering breath. "Okay."

The tone of his voice makes me think he doesn't believe my words but I decide not to press. We don't need to focus on it right now. Slow is good, slow is certain. That way we're both comfortable and that's all I want, Luca to be comfortable.

"Let's go watch a movie," I suggest as I pull away.

"Sure," he says as he follows me through to the living room. "Your house is beautiful. I never really acknowledged it before but it's lovely."

We settle in the living room, a place that he didn't see when he stayed. "Thanks," I nod. "I did everything myself. The house came with furniture but I wanted to make everything my own so I donated it and decorated it how I wanted it."

Luca's mouth curls as he takes in the decor, the art and plants that are dotted around. "You have taste and style," he exhales. "It's so warm and clean. I like the modern touches but it's not clinical, you know? It really feels like a home."

A home I'm very proud of.

We sit down on the sofa opposite my flat screen TV. I pick a movie that we both agree on before settling into the pillows. I spot Luca's hand laying flat but his eyes are focused on the screen. His concentration face makes me smile, it's so adorable.

I can't hold back any longer, I slide my hand over the sofa and grip his fingers gently. He glances down at the action, lashes brushing his cheek. "Is this too fast?" I ask as he looks me in the eye.

Luca's lips part and he shakes his head. "No."

"Good." I say before tightening my hand around them.

His fingers are soft, warm and everything I need right now. Everything else can wait.

This is the moment and judging by the ghost of a smile on Luca's mouth, he knows it too.

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Author's Note

Woooooo. Happy double update!!

I just love their fluff🥹🥹🥹 they are the purest ever

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Declan being all bossy makes me fold lol🫠

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