Chapter 21

Two years ago

Luca stood in the doorway of Daisy's room leaned up against the frame as his eyes rested on her sleeping face. He held his breath and waited for her to exhale to make sure each beat of his heart was the same as her. Their chest rose and fell at the same time, synchronizing their breathing.

The empty spot beside Daisy on the bed had never looked better. Luca could picture himself laying his head down on the pillow beside her curled hand and gazing at her until she blushed in her sleep. The tug inside his chest was stronger than any tide he had ever experienced. Luca wished he could share her dreams. All of his were frightening.

As the early morning light slowly drove out the darkness, Luca felt his phone vibrate in his pocket. He pulled it out and immediately accepted the call.

"Good morning," he said quietly as he turned away and closed Daisy's door.

"You're up," Don, Luca's attorney, sounded surprised.

"Sleep is a luxury," Luca said, walking towards the office in the hotel suite.

"Well, you're about to lose some more," Don muttered.

"Why?" Luca asked, his chest tightening and his head instantly kicking into tension mode.

"I received your father's newly revised will," Don sighed. "Last night actually."

"Did you sleep?" Luca asked.

"No," Don laughed. "Sleep is a luxury, Luca."

"That's all I need to know," Luca said. "How bad is it? What's the damage?"

"It's...." Don hesitated as if looking for a better way to deliver the blow. "It's bad."

"Cutting of Gia? Demanding my mother's jewelry back from her?"

"Worse," Don said.

Luca's hand tightened around his phone, "What is it?"

"You and Gia no longer have any access to your offshore bank accounts," Don said. "Effective immediately."

"What?" Luca shook his head, the words sounding strange past the ringing in his ear.

"You can keep the accounts you have in America, but all of your other accounts have been seized," Don explained. "All of your rights have been revoked from the family business and you have been ordered by the courts in Italy to hand over all dock business to your father."

"You can't be serious," Luca said, his jaw clenching.

"No, I wish," Don sighed once more. "I've been up all night reading it."

"Can we fight this in court?"

"Only if you and Gia were unintentionally omitted from your father's will," Don said. "But from the angry words of his bulldog lawyers, this was very personal and very intentional."

"Have you spoken to Roger? How much does Gia have in her account?"

"Not enough to be airlifted out of New York City," Don said. "The last transaction in her account was to pay for her upcoming school year and extra allowance. If she takes the year off....I say she'll be good for a few months."

"What about my Cuban accounts?"

"That's still good," Don said. "Together you will be fine for the next few years. It won't be a life of luxury but it'll be a comfortable life."

"No," Luca shook his head. "That's not what he's doing."

"What do you mean?"

"Have Roger run the numbers for the security," Luca said. "How long can we keep the men?"

"Well that..." Don cleared his throat.

"You already did the math, didn't you?"

"Because I know the way that you think, Luca," Don said.

"How long?"

"A year."

"Fuckin' Christ," Luca closed his eyes and pinched his bridge of his nose. "That's his plan. Bleed us dry."

"He's going to wait until you can't pay for security anymore," Don said.

"I'll fly back to Del Mare," Luca said. "I need to meet with the Patriarcas about this."

"I don't think that will help," Don said. "Legally, Angelo is squeaky clean from his side."

"What?"

"I mean....according to the will, he's not doing anything outrageous," Don said. "He did kick you two off but he added clauses."

"What are you talking about?"

"If you go to the Patriarcas, Angelo will just argue that you two can get your inheritance back if you follow the clauses that he put in place," Don explained. "It doesn't help that he's an asshole and his demands are twisted."

"What does he want?" Luca asked. "What are the clauses?"

"They're ridiculous," Don said. "Brace yourself."

"Just read them," Luca said impatiently.

"Alright," Don sighed. "For Gia to get her inheritance back, she must marry a man of Angelo's choosing."

"Not happening," Luca said immediately.

"Figured."

"Next."

"Next is you," Don paused. "For you to get your inheritance back, you must marry."

Luca felt the knots in his stomach double and tighten. The throbbing pain behind his eyes made it impossible to focus as he glared at the small paper weight on the desk.

"That's all?" Luca asked.

"I wish," Don snorted. "You must marry and produce an heir."

"Let me guess," Luca's eyes narrowed. "He wants a male heir."

"Actually," Don's voice wandered as he looked at the papers again. "They didn't explicitly state that in the will...you could get away with a daughter."

"I'm not having a daughter," Luca said through his teeth. "I'm not having any children."

"And Angelo knows that!" Don said. "He knows where you stand on marriage and children. He did this on purpose. He's not stupid."

"Of course, he's not stupid," Luca rolled his eyes. "His clauses are not feasible. Gia is not going to marry some abusive thug of his choice and I am not going to ruin some poor girl's life by making her become my wife."

"Then think of some other way to hide from your father," Don said. "Because as soon as your bank accounts run dry, he will come for you both."

_____________________

"Marry someone of his choice?" Carla's eyes darkened with anger as she listened to her nephew. "Are you fuckin' kidding me? My piece of shit ex-husband wasn't enough of a lesson for him?"

"It's never happening," Luca said. "That's why he proposed such ludicrous ideas."

"Have you spoken to Roger?"

Luca nodded his head. He took a sip of his dark coffee before letting the hot liquid run down his throat and into his empty stomach. Since speaking to Don, Luca had not been able to do anything else besides think of how to figure of Angelo. His thoughts raced along with his heart from the caffeine in his system keeping him functioning.

"What did he say?" Carla asked.

"We have about a year," Luca said. "Maybe a year and a half if we stretch it."

"What about the real estate business?" Carla asked. "That's all under your name."

"It's in New York," Luca reminded her. "As soon as we go back, we're dead meat in that city."

"There must be something!" Carla said with frustration. "Can we go to Giovani?"

"You know he won't get involved in family matters."

"What about Armani?"

Luca shook his head, "No one will want to go up against dad. This problem doesn't involve them."

"What the fuck is there left to do then?"

Luca's nails picked the small white label on his coffee cup as Carla sat in front of him rubbing her forehead. The clean hospital smell tickled his nose as the sounds of the machines beeping reminded him time was still passing.

"There is one idea..." Luca began slowly.

"Which is?" Carla asked.

"Daisy," Luca looked up.

"Daisy?" Carla arched her brow.

Luca nodded, "She's pregnant."

"Yes, I know that," Carla clicked her tongue.

"According to the will, I can get all my assets back if I marry and produce an heir," Luca continued to peel the sticker, speaking this thoughts for the first time.

"That would make Maria's day," Carla muttered, rolling her eyes. "I'm still not seeing how Daisy is an idea."

"What if I marry her...." the way Luca's chest tightened and his pulse rose was not normal. If he was hooked up to the machines, all the alarms would be going off.

"Marry Daisy?" Carla's brows furrowed. "No, absolutely not. Do not get her mixed up in all this."

"It works," Luca said. "I can say I kept our relationship a secret. She's pregnant, we have a Silvano heir, I get my inheritance back, everyone is safe."

"It's too risky," Carla shook her head. "You don't think Angelo will blow his fuse? He's banking on you not marrying."

"He can't fight it," Luca said.

"What about DNA tests?" Carla asked. "The baby is not yours."

"It's a piece of paper," Luca rolled his eyes. "We can make counterfeit currency, Zia. A simple lab result won't be rocket science."

"What about Daisy?"

"What about her?" Luca arched his brow.

"She won't agree to this."

"You leave that up to me," Luca said. "I'll convince her."

"How?" Carla asked. "Don't hurt her, Luca."

"I'm not going to hurt her!" Luca said, shocked by his aunt's assumptions.

"She'll never agree to this," Carla said. "She doesn't believe in marriage."

"Even better," Luca said. "She won't have any expectations from me."

"This is wrong," Carla said.

"What if she agrees?"

"You're talking about playing with her child's life!" Carla said. "What will she tell her baby? That you're the father?"

"Better than tell them their real father didn't want anything to do with them," Luca said.

"Luca, you have no idea what you're talking about," Carla argued. "You can't create a family for money. A child's life will be involved. Are you even ready to take on that kind of responsibility? Being a father?"

"I'm giving the kid my name," Luca said defensibly. "They will have everything they could ever want. They'll be born with a silver spoon in their mouth."

"You're buying an heir," Carla said. "And a wife."

"I want to speak to Daisy about it."

"No," Carla refused. "Absolutely not."

"I'm trying to protect this family!" Luca's frustration flared. "Daisy is sensible. Let me talk to her. If she says no, then fine. I'll think of something else. But if she says yes, then we have everything we need."

"It's too risky."

"You leave that up to me."

"Luca, think this th-"

"Dr. Silvano?"

Luca looked over Carla's shoulder as one of the nurses stepped out of Gia's room and waited.

"One of you can go see her," the woman smiled. "She's still a bit groggy from the medication but she's waking up."

"Thank you," Carla nodded. She turned to look at Luca and nudged with her head.

"Are you sure?" Luca asked.

"Yes," Carla said, taking a step aside.

Luca took one last sip of his coffee before tossing it into the trash and turning towards the room. He followed the nurse inside and stepped up beside the bed where his sister laid with tubes, wires and patches all over her.

Gia's hair was dirty and tangled. Her skin was bruised and scratched. Her lips were dry as paper from the air conditioning and the lack of water in her system. Luca felt bits of his heart wilt at the sight of her. She appeared as broken as a crushed butterfly in his mother's garden. It pained him to see his little sister in such conditions.

"You can have a seat," the nurse said.

"Thank you," Luca turned the chair beside the bed and took a seat. He waited until the woman left the room to lean forward and slowly take Gia's hand. Her eyes fluttered and she began to lift her lashes.

""What's wrong?" Luca asked, moving his chair closer. "Does it hurt? Are you in pain?"

"What was mom's favorite color?" Gia's words slurred.

"What?" Luca asked in confusion.

"I don't think I know her favorite color," Gia said.

"She liked lavender," Luca smiled, placing his hand over Gia's. The tightness in his chest loosened up just a tad bit. "She used to keep lavenders all over the house."

"Daisy likes lavender," Gia said before trying to pick up her head. "Where is she?"

"She's at the new apartment," Luca said.

"Don't get mad," Gia licked her lips, her twig like fingers holding his hand "Daisy's having a baby."

Seeing his sister try to keep a serious face while high on medication made Luca chuckle, "Yes, I know," he said.

"She's scared," Gia said. "I'm scared."

"Daisy's going to be just fine," Luca assured her.

"I don't think she knows anything about babies."

"She'll learn," Luca shrugged. "And you will be there to help her. Carla too."

"I hope it's a girl," Gia smiled. "Maybe I'll have a girl."

"You're not having a baby," Luca shook his head and muttered, "Thank god."

"Oh right," Gia giggled. "Carla made me swallow a pill...it tasted funny."

"I bet," Luca sighed. "How are you feeling right now?"

"Sleepy," Gia said. "I want to go home."

"In a few days," Luca promised. "We'll be out of here."

"Was I flying?"

"What do you mean?"

Gia frowned, "There was this loud noise....and Carla said it was the jet."

"Yes," Luca nodded.

"Are we Del Mare?"

"No," Luca laughed. "We're in Ohio."

"Ohio?" Gia arched her brows. "Wow...I have never been to Ohio."

"I know," Luca said.

"Are you angry with me, Luca?"

"No," Luca shook his head and held Gia's hand between his. "Not at all."

"I think I got hit by a car," Gia said.

"You did," Luca frowned. "Do you remember?"

"I do," Gia frowned. "But my heart stopped."

"No," Luca reached up and pushed back some of the hair on Gia's forehead. "You have a strong heart. It was working the whole time. You just lost a lot of blood."

"Before the car," Gia said.

"What do you mean?" Luca's own heart contracted.

"I think my heart stopped when I woke up all alone in that house," Gia's bottom lip began to tremble and her eyes watered.

Like an arrow, the anger and pain shot through Luca's chest, setting everything on fire once more. His jaw clenched as he thought of Daniel. Luca hoped Daniel woke up in that hospital waiting room and watched his whole world crumble when he realized he would never see Gia ever again.

"You need to get some rest," Luca looked back at his sister and patted her hair. "Carla is coming in a few minutes, okay?"

"Where are you going?" Gia asked.

"Back to the apartment," Luca said.

"Stay here," Gia's small hands tightened around Luca's fingers.

"I'll be back," he said. "I'm just going to go pick up Daisy. She wants to come be here with you."

"Daisy's here?" Gia smiled.

"Yeah," Luca said. "I'm going to go pick her up."

"I want some of her soup."

"What soup?"

"Daisy makes lemongrass soup," Gia said. "I want soup."

"I'll ask her to make some for you. I'm sure she will be very happy too," Luca picked up his sister's hand and placed a small kiss beside the IV. "She's a good friend."

"I know," Gia's eyes began to close as the smile on her lips widened. "She's my soulmate."

"How would you feel about her staying with us?" Luca couldn't stop the small smile on his lips.

"Where else would she stay?" Gia asked.

"What if she became a part of our family?"

"She's already my family," Gia said. "I love you two."

Luca slowly nodded his head, "We love you too. Very much."

"And now she's going to have a baby," Gia cooed. "She must be freaking out. Where is she?"

"She's actually been very calm," Luca said, thinking about how gorgeous Daisy had looked that morning while having breakfast. "Gia....about the baby..."

"A baby?" Gia smiled. "You're having a baby too?"

Luca stared at the way Gia's eyes could barely stay open. He shook his head and decided it wasn't the best idea to talk to her about what he was going to do when she was not in her senses.

"Rest up," Luca patted Gia's hand once more before placing a kiss on her forehead. "I'll go get our Daisy."

___________________

Back at the new apartment, Luca hovered in the halls as Daisy began to prepare in the kitchen. He could hear her moving around, unboxing everything he had picked up for her from the supermarket as he hesitated to make his way back into the room. All the determination he had earlier while talking to Carla was suddenly very wishy washy. A few times, Luca walked in but couldn't bring himself to say anything. The first time he grabbed an apple and then the next time he poured himself a glass of water. Daisy eyed him suspiciously but didn't say a word.

Luca knew time was short and he had to go speak to her. He just didn't know how to start such a conversation. Especially with her. When his phone rang, he knew he had to take his chances and walk into the kitchen. Whatever happened would be a problem for another hour.

"Hello?" Luca answered.

"You were right, boss," Aaron said on the phone as Luca entered the kitchen and his eyes landed on Daisy. She looked so beautiful with her hair tied up and the apron tightly stretched across her chest. "Daniel's flight just landed in Houston. He's on his way to the hospital right now."

"Okay," Luca said. "Keep an eye on him and keep me updated."

Daisy looked over her shoulder from the stove. She watched Luca end the call and sit down at the breakfast bar behind her. His button down shirt was wrinkled and he desperately needed a shave. It was as if stress and tension made his facial hair grow twice as fast.

"Daniel?" She asked as she walked up to the breakfast bar and set down the ladle she was holding to stir the soup.

"Yeah," Luca nodded, looking around at all the ingredients on the countertop before him. "He's in Texas right now."

"Good," Daisy snorted. "Let him chase the goose."

"He'll eventually find her," Luca announced.

"So will your dad," Daisy frowned. "What are we going to do about that?"

The left side of Luca's jaw flinched as if he was trying to stop painful memories from arising. He picked up a slice of carrot and popped it in his mouth.

"Do you want something to eat..." Daisy asked, feeling strange and uncomfortable. She had never had a normal conversation with the man until two days ago and now she was asking him if she could make him food? What the fuck? Things were always weird with Luca. Nothing ever made sense.

"No, I'm good," Luca shook his head, looking equally as uncomfortable. "Did you eat?"

Daisy nodded.

"No morning sickness?"

"Every hour of the day."

"Have you spoken to your mom?"

"No," Daisy shook her head. "Not yet."

"Where does she think you are?"

"She doesn't really care," Daisy shrugged. She shifted her weight and picked up the ladle once again, "The soup is almost ready. I'll be ready to head out in a fe-"

"My father seized all our bank accounts," Luca said.

Daisy frowned and looked at the man before her. Luca was hyper focused on the slice of carrot in his hand as he spun it around his fingers. He sat back casually but Daisy could still see the tension on his shoulders.

"What do you mean..." she asked.

"It means we have no access to our money," Luca said. "In about a few days, whatever Gia and I have in our offshore accounts will dry out because of the hospital bills and security details."

Daisy didn't know what to say. She stood listening as Luca continued calmly.

"He knows what he's doing," Luca said, still looking at the carrot. "It's like when armies used to surround the castle and wait for the rations and food supplies to run out. You weaken the enemy from within."

"He's waiting for when all the security leaves because we can't pay them anymore," Daisy's heart shrank. "And then he will come after Gia."

"Yeah," Luca nodded.

"What are we going to do?" Daisy asked. "We can't....he can't just do that, can he? I mean it's your money. You helped make that money. He can't just take it away. Can't you sue him or something? Or at least talk to a lawyer."

"I did," Luca let out a sigh and sat the carrot down. He slowly sat up and rubbed the back of his neck. "Our family lawyer called me as soon as he made the change."

Daisy's head spun thinking about the danger Gia would be in if Luca didn't have the money to hire all the extra staff and security to keep her hidden from her father and Daniel.

"My father added a clause to his will," Luca continued.

"What clause?" Daisy asked.

"He knows I will never be able to fulfill it," Luca spoke as if to himself. "He's taunting me. Dangling the money in front of our faces."

"There must be something we can do," Daisy said. "No legal documentation comes without some kind of loophole. And what is this clause that you can't fulfill?"

Luca's eyes lifted towards Daisy. His fingers tapped on the stupid piece of carrot as he let a few minutes pass in silence.

"Luca, this isn't good," Daisy groaned and dropped the ladle in the sink. "What can I do? I want to help. Is there anything I can do to help you?"

"Yes," Luca said, his eyes following Daisy around the kitchen.

"What is it?" Daisy asked, stopping in front of him and holding his gaze. "What can I do to help?"

"This would be for Gia," Luca said slowly.

"Yes, I understand that," Daisy nodded.

"To keep her safe."

"I know," Daisy sighed and rubbed her forehead. She took in a deep breath and looked Luca in the eyes once again. "What can I do?"

"Marry me."

Daisy stilled.

A strange warmth spread over her chest and ran all through her body as she stared at Luca. her heart waited for her to give it permission before daring to beat again. No one moved, no one said a word. Luca's words hung in the air between the two and the pot of boiling hot soup.

"What?" Daisy tilted her head. "I'm sorry. I didn't hear you properly. Did you just....are you asking me to marry you?"

"I'm not asking," Luca said. "I'm telling you wha-"

"What did I say about you telling me what to do?" Daisy's eyes narrowed.

"Look, sunshine," Luca sat forward and touched the tips of his fingers together. His dark eyes were hooded as he peered at the scowl on Daisy's face.

"My father blocked us from our inheritances," he explained. "Gia can get her back if she marries a man of my father's choice an-"

Daisy gasped, "Fuck, no!"

"Exactly."

"You can get your's back too if you marry a girl of his choice too?" Daisy asked. "He picked me after slapping me?"

"I picked you," Luca shook his head.

"Why?" Daisy leaned back, her eyes suspicious.

"Because marrying you will take care of the second loophole."

"Which is?"

"A child."

"No."

"Listen to me."

"No," Daisy shook her head.

"I need a wife and a baby," Luca got up from the chair and began to follow Daisy to the living room.

"I would rather die than be your wife," Daisy laughed. "Or any man's wife."

"It won't be a real marriage," Luca explained.

"I don't want any part in it."

"It's for Gia."

"I'm sure we will figure something out," Daisy said stubbornly, pissing Luca off.

"I just asked you to marry me and you're saying no?"

"Why is that so hard for you to believe?" Daisy asked. "Do all the girls in Del Mare fall to your feet? Then maybe you should go marry one of them!"

"You said you wanted to help."

"Not by marrying you!" Daisy threw her arms up. "I don't even believe in that crap."

"That's why it will be a good match," Luca said. "You don't believe in marriage, I never want to get married. We both need each other."

"You need me," Daisy snorted.

"Oh don't flatter yourself," Luca rolled his eyes, his control slipping and his irritation taking over. "How will you have this baby with no health insurance or real job?"

Daisy opened her mouth but Luca stopped her.

"You grew up going to private schools, can you afford the same for your child?" He asked. "What about when they are sick? Medical bills? Daycare cost?"

Luca hated the way Daisy's face fell. He could see his words landing on her shoulders like heavy bricks, weighing her down.

"Look," he sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I just....if we work together, we can both have everything we ever wanted."

Daisy didn't speak. She stared at Luca with her lips set into a firm line as he made his case.

"We'll tell everyone the baby is mine," Luca said. "I get my money and then we're all set. You and the baby will never have to worry about anything else. All the best doctors, the best private preschools, the best education. I'll bring the world to your baby's feet."

Daisy bit down on the inside of her cheeks as she continued to glare at Luca. He gazed back at her patiently as if he was dreading her answer.

"Please...." Luca said. "Think about it. You don't have to give me answer right now."

"I'm not going to marry you and rent out my baby."

"They'll be my child!" Luca said. "In every sense of that word. I'll be their father."

"They don't need a father!"

"That's a damn lie and you know it!" Luca said. "Stop being so god damn stubborn and think about your child. What kind of life do you want them to have?"

"Not a life of crime and violence," Daisy shook her head. "Luca, I know what your family's reputation is. I can't willingly give my child the burden of that surname."

"They won't have to be a part of any of that," Luca shook his head. "Like Gia....I'll keep them far away from Del Mare and everything there."

"They'll be your heir," Daisy said. "They'll always be a target."

"I swear to you, I will never let anything happen to them."

"That's a big promise."

"I don't break promises," Luca said. "Please....don't say no."

"I can't do this," Daisy shook her head.

"I'm not taking that answer," Luca said. "We'll talk about it tomorrow."

"It's not going to change."

"Maybe it will change once you find out how much labor and delivery cost," Luca snorted.

"You're trying to buy me."

"I'm trying to help you!"

"By buying me."

"Forgive me for thinking of what will work best for everyone," Luca said.

"You're not the hero here, Luca."

"I'm not trying to be."

"Please," Daisy rolled her eyes.

"Just think about it."

"N-"

"If you say no, I won't force you," Luca continued. "But I will get my inheritance back to protect my sister."

Daisy's heart squeezed. She could tell Luca saw the small change in her as she balled her hands into fists and glared.

"How?" She asked.

"You know how," Luca said. "Gia won't marry any man my father picks."

"Then why are you asking me?" Daisy's eyes filled with anger. "Go find another girl to marr-"

As she began to turn away, Luca grabbed her elbow and spun her around. He pulled her to his chest and held her hand behind her back as he held her tightly in his arm.

"If the roles were reversed, I would die a little bit on the inside every time I saw you with another man," Luca confessed. "You're telling me you'll be fine with that?"

Daisy didn't like the way his words made her heart burn. She tried to wiggle out of his arms but he wouldn't budge. The harder she tried, the closer he pulled her.

"You'll be fine having to share Gia with another girl?" Luca asked. "She'll finally have that sister she always wanted."

"Stop it," Daisy said through her teeth.

"They'll bond over the baby," Luca continued.

"Stop," Daisy pushed as hard as she could, but when Luca pulled her back, she gasped from how tightly he held her and dipped his head to look at her eyes.

"You'll be fine sharing me?" He asked, his voice angry. "Huh?"

Daisy turned her face away as Luca pressed his lips against her ear and let his hot breath dance over her skin.

"I'm not fine with that," he said. "I'm yours."

"Stop it, stop it, stop it!"

"I'll do it," Luca threatened. "I'll fucking marry some random girl."

"I hate you," Daisy turned her head slowly to face Luca once more. She rested her forehead against his as he raised his hands to cup her face.

"Marry me, sunshine," Luca whispered. "Let's be a family."

Daisy closed her eyes, not trusting herself to keep her emotions together.

"Say yes," Luca urged. "Please."

Feeling like a puddle of melted ice cream in his arms, Daisy slowly nodded her head. Her knees were weak and her arms felt as if they would never work. She gripped his shirt as he tilted her head back to look at her eyes.

"Yes?" Luca asked, his breathing laboring.

"Yes," Daisy said.    

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Hope you liked the chapter, I know everyone was holding their breath for this chapter hehehe