Chapter 4

Three Years ago

When Gia canceled plans to hang out, Daisy should have known Luca was in town.

"Why can't you cancel this one time?" Daisy complained as she slipped on her heels in her bedroom. "You won't go to hell for missing one dinner. And he's not even going with you!"

"It's really not Luca," Gia laughed. "It's my dad actually."

"Ugh, worse," Daisy shivered. "Anyways, I'll miss you. Tatum will be disappointed."

"Tell him I'll visit his gallery as soon as I can step away from all this," Gia said. "And congratulate him for me. And send me pictures of the photos!"

"Will do," Daisy laughed.

"What are you wearing?"

"Well, we're all going out for drinks before the opening so I figured just something casual," Daisy turned to look at herself in the mirror. "Just the black dress with the feathers."

"With the slit?"

"Yep," Daisy laughed, tugging her dress up to make sure her breasts were in place.

"You should wear red," Gia said.

"Why?" Daisy snorted.

"Because you're Tatum's muse tonight," Gia explained. "Everyone should know at the show that you are the girl in the photos."

"Oh baby, you don't have to worry," Daisy laughed. "Ima shine."

"Red lips?"

"Maybe," Daisy said. "I have to go, I'm running late."

"Okay, okay," Gia said. "Call me after and we'll talk."

"Sure," Daisy said. "When does your dickhead brother leave town?"

"Luca is staying until next weekend."

"What?" Daisy clicked her tongue. "Why?"

"You're more than welcome to come over," Gia said. "I know last year on your birthday he was not very nice but I swear he's not so crazy anymore."

"I don't buy it," Daisy said.

"How would you know if you don't try again?" Gia asked. "You haven't seen him in over a year."

"I'm fine," Daisy said. "I have to go. Bye, love you."

"Love you too," Gia said as she hung up the phone.

Just then, the door to Daisy's bedroom opened and her mother walked in. Patty was always dressed for the queen. Her hair was done perfectly and her make up was never anything less than perfection. She stood by the door letting her eyes move up and down Daisy's figure as her daughter lifted her leg to fasten her heels.

"I would appreciate some privacy," Daisy said. "Could you maybe knock sometimes?"

Patty lifted her hand and used her knuckles to knock on the door, "Better?"

Daisy rolled her eyes, "What can I do for you?"

"Are you going out?"

"No, I'm just playing dress up," Daisy said.

"Don't wear red lipstick with that dress."

"What?" Daisy frowned. "Why not?"

"It looks tacky," Patty said. "You'll look like a whore men will want to take to a hotel room and not to their mother. Go with something light or nude."

"No," Daisy shook her head. "I like red."

"Trust me, sweetheart, it's not flattering with that dress," Patty pointed with her long finger. "Especially if you plan on kissing anyone tonight. It'll smear and you'll look like a dead prostitute."

"Maybe I want to look like a dead prostitute."

"I thought that was your Halloween costume last year."

"No, you were my costume last year."

"You didn't pull it off very well," Patty smirked. "You lacked a sense of... charm and grace."

"I spared you some along with dignity so you could find your next husband," Daisy grabbed her purse and walked over to her vanity.

"How generous of you," Patty sipped the drink in her hand. "Are you coming home tonight?"

"After this riveting conversation?" Daisy looked through her makeup and quickly snuck a nude lipstick into her purse before Patty could see. "I'm not sure."

"I'll be out."

"What else is new?" Daisy muttered.

"Brendon invited me to meet his daughter for dinner."

"How exciting," Daisy turned towards the door. "Have a wonderful time."

"He really wanted you to join us," Patty stepped aside and followed her daughter to the door. "I think you'll really like Molly."

"I always thought I would take Molly and meet Molly," Daisy said.

"Daisy," Patty stopped her. "Brendon and I have been talking about marriage."

"Am I supposed to act surprised?" Daisy asked.

"He wants us to go to Italy with him to meet the rest of his family."

"I can't," Daisy sighed. "I have a lot of work to do."

"I would appreciate your support and company," Patty said, her big doe eyes softening.

"No," Daisy laughed. "You just want to appear normal. A single mother with terrible luck with husbands but still hopeful for a knight in shining armor to come and save her. I don't want to be the princess in your stories anymore, mom."

"It's not a story."

"It is!" Daisy said. "I'm tired of these games you play with all of them. I don't want to be someone's ready-made family. I have my own life now and I will do with it as I please. I am not going to be a part of your pretend play anymore."

"Daisy, li-"

"Good night," Daisy said as she yanked the door open. "Enjoy your dinner."

She didn't allow her mother a single second as she hurried out of the apartment and down to the lobby. Luckily, her Uber was on time and she slipped in without having to wait out in the cold for too long. Using the napkins in her mini purse, Daisy wiped off the red lipstick and applied the nude color. Despite how much she disliked her mother, Daisy had to admit that Patty really did know what suited a woman.

Always classy, she would constantly tell Daisy growing up. Pay attention to your eyes. It's what attracts a man first.

Even though she would never openly admit it to anyone, Daisy knew her mother's advice was solid. Not a single one of Patty's tricks and tips ever went to waste. Daisy could have any man eating out of her hand.

But seeing how easy it was to sway them off their path and game made her question their affection. It was just her pretty face they looked at. If she were to drop the act, sure they would notice her in a room full of people, but would they find her interesting enough when she wasn't batting her lashes at them or laughing at their jokes.

Not wanting to dampen her mood, Daisy shook any and all thoughts of her mother out of her head and stepped out of the Uber. She thanked her driver before entering the upscale cocktail lounge without any issue from the bouncer outside. He didn't care if she was only twenty years old. She was beautiful and that's what they wanted.

"There you are," Tatum, a young photographer with messy blond hair and a black motorcycle jacket, spotted Daisy as soon as she walked in. "My muse. You look absolutely stunning."

"Thank you," Daisy ran a hand through her carefully curled hair to make sure it didn't look too perfect. She wanted to appear effortlessly put together. As if she had just thrown on whatever was in her closet and walked out.

It wasn't a hard task to look effortless with her figure. All the years of playing sports had paid off. Daisy was proud of the fact that she could just throw on whatever and make it look good. She was tall, blonde, and skinny. According to her mother, those were her only winning assets. Sometimes Daisy wondered if maybe Patty was right. Was there really nothing more to her than just her looks?

Why are you thinking about her again? Daisy smacked herself mentally.

"Love the dress," Tatum said as he ushered Daisy towards the group of people at the bar. "Everyone, meet Daisy. My muse for my new collection."

"A collection you still don't have a name for," Daisy teased.

"We'll come up with that later," Tatum waved off her concerns before he turned towards the group. "I met Daisy through an art program we both did a few years back. She herself is a very talented artist."

"You're too kind," Daisy laughed and looked at the many faces staring back at her. "I'm not that good. It's just a hobby."

"No, you must be good if Tatum is praising you," a woman said. "It's nice to meet you. I've seen the photographs and I must say, you looked absolutely stunning. I know Tatum was very worried about this new collection but seeing how he's so excited to be working with you is really wonderful."

"Thank you," Daisy smiled. "Tatum is so talented. I can't wait to see the photos."

"You haven't seen them yet?" Another woman asked.

"No," Daisy shook her head. "It's supposed to be a surprise."

"So the show starts in a few hours," Tatum announced, turning to Daisy. "All the other creators are here. Make sure you stay close by, I want to introduce you to a few people."

"Sure," Daisy said. "But I am going to go get a drink first."

"Sounds good," Tatum casually kissed Daisy's cheek before turning away.

Daisy politely excused herself as she began to make her way to the other side of the bar. As she passed, all the eyes around her followed. Even the men who didn't want to be caught looking couldn't help but stare.

"Hello," one of them turned just as Daisy stepped up to the bar. "Have we met before?"

Daisy looked at him and began to dissect with her eyes. Collared shirt, pressed suit, no wedding band, expensive watch, silk tie, no cufflinks.

"Let me guess," she leaned against the bar and smiled. "You work at the stock market, have your own apartment downtown, and you're thinking about getting a dog."

"Not at the stock market," the man laughed. "But everything else was spot on."

"Shhh, don't tell anyone I made a mistake," Daisy held up her finger over her lips and looked at him through her lashes.

"It'll be our secret," the man said. "I'm Eric, by the way."

"Daisy."

"Like the flower?"

"What other daisies do you know?"

"Sorry," Eric chuckled. "I think I'm a bit nervous."

"Why?"

"You're beautiful." Eric said. "That's why."

"You're not too bad yourself, Eric," Daisy smiled before helping herself onto the stool next to him. "So, I was wrong about the stock market. Which is surprising. Usually, I am very spot on."

"Well I am in finance," Eric said.

"Harvard," Daisy arched her brow.

"You're good."

"You work for Bloomberg?"

"American Express actually," Eric laughed as he pulled out a business card.

"Thank you," Daisy said, slipping it into her purse. "I will call you every time I lose my card."

"Then maybe I should save your number right now so I don't miss any of your calls."

"No," Daisy shook her head. "You'll just have to wait and see if I call you."

"Okay," Eric nodded. "While I wait, can I get you a drink?"

"You can," Daisy said.

"Great," Eric raised his hand to catch the bartender's attention. "What would you like?"

Just as Daisy was about to order, she caught sight of a tall figure entering the bar. Her eyes narrowed as she followed him with her gaze. Unlike the other men who noticed her as soon as they did one sweep of the room, Luca's green eyes never landed on Daisy. He kept his attention on the man with him as they made their way to the back of the bar.

Like most of the time, Luca was dressed in an expensive tailored Italian suit. His hair was neatly styled and the light facial hair on his jaw was well maintained. But unlike all the other times Daisy had seen him over a year ago, he wasn't wearing a tie. The top few buttons of his black shirt were left open, making him look oh-so tempting. Daisy looked him up and down as he shook hands with the people at the back table and took a seat.

"Daisy?" Eric called to gain her attention.

"I'll be right back," Daisy said as she slipped off the stool and headed towards the back table.

Once again as she made her way through the crowd, everyone stopped or paused to look at her. She took confident strides in her heels and tossed her hair over her shoulder before stopping at the table and turning towards Luca.

"Hi, sunshine," she said.

All the men at the table stopped and looked up. Daisy could care less about their eyes as Luca lifted his gaze and rolled his.

"Leave," he said, dismissing her without so much as a second glance.

Stunned by his blunt rudeness, all Daisy could do was stand and stare. Her heart began to beat a little quicker as the men at the table all looked at one another and then at her and Luca.

"I'm sorry," one of them spoke up. "But do we know you?"

Daisy turned towards the young man. Her brain misfired for a few seconds before she collected herself back up and pulled on a smile.

"No," she said, shaking her head with a small light laugh. "But I know you."

"You do?" The man grinned, leaning back in his seat.

"Yep," Daisy said. "You're the guy who's going to ask me if he can buy me a drink."

"Oh," the man laughed. "Is that true?"

"Yes," Daisy said. "Go on...I'm waiting."

"May I buy you a drink?"

"She's under twenty one, Billy," Luca said with annoyance.

"That's not what my ID says," Daisy kept her eyes only on the man staring up at her as if she was an old Hollywood actress.

"That's good enough for me," the man, Billy, laughed, rising from his chair.

Daisy was about to turn and follow Billy to the bar when Luca suddenly jumped to his feet and grabbed her arm.

"What are you doing?" He asked quietly, pulling her closer.

"What's the problem?" Billy asked, pausing to look over his shoulder.

"Noth-"

"She's too young to drink," Luca cut in before Daisy could say anything.

"Don't be such a buzz kill, Silvano," Billy said. "Come on, sunshine. I didn't catch your name."

"Daisy," Daisy said as she shoved Luca's hand off of her.

"What a pretty name for a pretty girl," Billy held out his arm for her to take.

"What's your name?" Daisy asked, stepping forward and placing her hand in Billy's.

"Billy," Billy bowed his head. "Billy McCarthy."

"Nice to meet you Billy."

"The pleasure is all mine, darling," Billy picked up Daisy's hand and placed a kiss upon it. "What would you like to drink?"

"I'll have a Manhattan," Daisy pushed her hair out of her face as Billy helped her onto the stool at the bar.

"Daisy," Luca appeared behind her. "We're leaving. Let's go."

"Silvano," Billy laughed, placing a hand on Luca's shoulder he did not appreciate being there. Daisy watched as Luca's eyes narrowed. "Relax, man. Breaking one rule won't kill anyone."

"It's been a long night," Luca said, scoping Daisy up from her seat and placing her next to him.

"I am not going anywhere with you," Daisy said, wiggling away from him. "I'm here with my friends."

"Come on, Luca," Billy said. "Let the girl have fun. One drink."

"No," Luca said before turning to Daisy, "Tell your friends goodbye and let's go,"

"No," Daisy said firmly. "I'm not your sister. You can't order me around."

"Stop being so stubborn," Luca warned. "Let's g-"

Daisy spotted the waitress passing behind Luca with a tray of shots and immediately stopped her.

"Daisy, no-" Luca was too late as she took two of the shots from the tray and poured them into her mouth.

"Now we're talking," Billy laughed. He took the tray from the waitress and handed her a brand new hundred dollar bill. "Drink, Silvano?"

"No, thank you," Luca said.

"I'll take it!" Daisy pulled off the wedge of lime and drowned the shot.

"Damn, you took that like a champ," Billy laughed, taking a drink for himself.

"Stop it," Luca said, taking the next shot out of Daisy's hand.

"You're so rude, Luca," Daisy complained. "I was trying to be nice tonight and come say hi. You didn't have to be such an asshole. And now you're ordering me around as if you have any right telling me anything. Who the hell do you think you are to me and where do you get off thinking you can order me around?"

"Daisy!" Tatum suddenly called from the door. "Let's go. We're heading over to the gallery."

"Are those your friends?" Luca asked.

"Yes," Daisy said. "And I'm going with them. It was nice seeing you or whatever."

Luca stepped aside as Daisy grabbed her mini purse and turned towards Tatum. The three drinks she drowned were making her chest feel too warm as she angrily left the bar. The old air outside hit her like a storm as she filled her lungs with it and relaxed her shoulders.

"Are you okay?" Tatum asked, noting the look of irritation and anger in Daisy's eyes.

"Yeah," Daisy nodded her head.

"What happened?"

"Just some asshole I know," Daisy waved her hand.

"Want me to go back inside and straighten him out?"

Daisy looked up at the tall blond. She stared at him for a few seconds before breaking into a small laugh, "No...I'm pretty sure he can paralyze you with one hand."

"Was he bothering you?" Tatum asked.

"No," Daisy shook her head. "I don't want to talk about him anymore."

"Okay," Tatum nodded. "But are you sure you're okay? You look a bit flushed."

"I took three shots on an empty stomach," Daisy laughed. "I feel really warm."

"Let's get some food in you," Tatum placed his hand on Daisy's shoulder and began to lead her towards the well lit museum across the street. "I still can't believe I'm showcasing my collection at the MoMa."

"I'm very proud of you," Daisy said.

"You're going to be on the walls of MoMa, baby," Tatum said with excitement. "The whole world will see just how beautiful you are."

Daisy didn't like that idea very much but it was too late to change her mind. She pulled on a brave smile and nodded. She decided to focus on Tatum's excitement instead of her own insecurities.

Across the street, Luca watched Daisy and her friend disappear into the museum. His concern grew as his gaze followed Daisy's clumsy steps. When Billy handed him a drink, Luca turned his attention away and declined.

"I have to go," he said. "Let me know what you decide on those docks."

"Maybe if you bring your friend with you, we can renegotiate or deal," Billy said.

"She's not a friend," Luca said.

"So you wouldn't mind if I make her my friend, right?"

"Good night, Billy," Luca placed a tip for the bartender down on the table and turned towards the door.

He couldn't believe Daisy had walked into his meeting with Billy McCarthy. The man was unpredictable and dangerous. He was gaining favors all over the city and becoming a problem for the Italian families. It was Luca's job to keep him down and knock him off the top before he got too ambitious. But now that Daisy had waltzed right into the lion's den, Luca feared Billy got a whiff of the lamb he was searching for.

Reckless girl, Luca thought to himself as he entered the museum.

The last thing he wanted was to see her again. Daisy was a constant reminder of the night Stella died. Luca knew his anger was unjustified but all the what if scenarios in his head didn't understand logic.

What if he had picked up Stella's call? What if she wanted to get back together? What if she had changed her mind? What if she called to tell him she loved him? Luca would never know because some stupid teenager had decided to runaway and miss their damn bus.

"Hello," the woman at the door smiled. "Welcome."

"Hello," Luca's eyes scanned the gallery. "I'm looking for someone."

"Sure, how can I help you?" The woman asked.

"Her name is Daisy," Luca said. "Tall, with blonde hair. She's in a black dress."

"Ah yes, Ms. Clements," the woman nodded. "Tatum's muse."

Luca wanted to roll his eyes. The way everyone worshiped her back at the bar was enough for him. He didn't want to know what kind of muse she was.

"You can find her in the back towards Tatum's collection," the woman directed.

"Thank you," Luca said as he stepped away and entered the gallery.

People of all ages gathered around impressive collections of oil pastels, watercolors, and photography. Artists stood by their work talking to the people and explaining their techniques as Luca made his way to the back. The part of him that had always been interested in art wants to stop and look at some of the work. But he reminded himself that Daisy had caught Billy's attention. He needed to make sure she got home safe before that slick bastard tried anything. God only knew Gia would throw a fit if anything happened to Daisy because of their family business and affiliations.

As Luca grew closer and closer to the back of the gallery, the three large black and white photographs caught his attention like a magnet. He came to a stop before them as his eyes scanned the framed photos of the blonde shrouded in a thin white veil.

She looked like an angel. Her eyes closed, lips parted, hands raised to gently touch the veil. There were little stars caught on the tulle, dangled with her blonde hair as if she was the night sky and her veil the milky way.

"Stunning, isn't she?"

Luca looked to the man that came to stand beside him. He recognized him immediately as Daisy's friend.

"I'm thinking of calling these catching stars," Tatum explained.

"Her veil is the net," Luca said, looking back at the photographs.

"Yes," Tatum laughed. "Exactly."

"Stella," Luca said, his eyes moving over the veil and the stars and the girl beneath the veil.

"What?" Tatum asked.

"It means stars in Latin," Luca said.

"I didn't know that," Tatum looked back at his photographs and whispered, "Stella..."

"How much do you want for them?"

"Oh, I'm sorry," Tatum shook his head. "They're not for sale. They're part of an ongoing collection here at the mu-"

"Everything is for sale," Luca said as he pulled out a business card and handed it to the man. "I'll have someone deliver the check and arrange delivery."

"Um...." Tatum took the card, baffled and shocked. "Okay..."

"Where is she?" Luca asked.

"Who?"

"Your muse," Luca said. "Where's Daisy?"

Tatum looked over his shoulder and pointed to the viewing bench. Luca followed his gaze to where Daisy sat staring at the photographs with her arms wrapped around her mind section. Luca stepped around the people walking up to view the photographs and made his way over to the bench. Daisy didn't seem to acknowledge his presence until he sat down beside her and cleared his throat.

"They're very....." Luca began.

"I hate them," Daisy said.

"What? Why?" Luca looked towards her. "They're very flattering."

"I don't know what I was thinking," Daisy shook her head and shivered. She looked around as the people looked over their shoulder towards her to catch a glimpse of the muse. Their eyes made her stomach churn. "I wish I could take them down."

"They're coming down by tomorrow," Luca said.

"How do you know?" Daisy turned towards Luca.

Luca shrugged, "Why are you sitting here looking like this?"

"Looking like what?" Daisy asked.

"Pale," Luca said.

Daisy shrugged, "I'm fine."

"Are you planning on staying here long?"

"Why?"

"I'm dropping you off at home."

Daisy blinked and pulled back slightly, "Are you okay, Luca?"

"Yes, why?"

"You're....being nice to me."

"Not by choice," Luca said. "You were extremely stupid tonight. I'm just here doing damage control."

"There you are, sunshine," Daisy snorted and rolled her eyes. "Welcome back. For a second I was beginning to think you had a heart."

"Are you ready to leave?"

"Not with you."

"Daisy," Luca grew serious. "That man you so flirtatiously drank with tonight is the head of the Irish gang we're trying to stomp out. I'm worried he might try something. I'm dropping you off at home."

"The Irish gang?" Daisy asked and Luca nodded his head. "Shit."

"Maybe next time don't be so reckless," Luca slowly stood up and pulled her up to her feet. "Do you always pull stunts like that? Underage drinking with strangers?"

"I was mad at you."

"At me?" Luca arched his brow. "What the hell did I do to you?"

"I walked up to you tonight hoping we could have a normal conversation with one another," Daisy explained. "But you're always so god damn rude to me. Why?"

Luca's jaw clenched, "Because I don't like you."

"The feeling's mutual," Daisy said.

"I don't think you're a good friend for Gia," Luca continued. "Especially after tonight. You're rash and reckless. Not to mention impulsive and thoughtless."

Your hair's too flat, your skin is too dull, your arms are too big, your hips are too narrow...

Patty's voice mixed in with Luca's as Daisy stared at him.

Never good enough, am I? Daisy thought. Even when I'm the prettiest girl in the room.

"Good luck keeping me away from your sister," Daisy said. "You're out of your mind if you think I will let you get in between me and my best friend."

"And you're out of your mind if y-"

"Excuse me."

Daisy and Luca turned towards the woman who walked up to Daisy and extended her hand.

"Hi, I'm Laura Bassett," she introduced herself. "I'm a modeling agent with Empire Model Management."

"Hi," Daisy shook her hand. "Nice to meet you."

"It's a pleasure," Laura said. "I am so impressed with the work that you did with Tatum. Do you have a portfolio? We would love for you to come into our office."

"No, I don't have a portfolio," Daisy said.

"We would love to help you set up one," Laura offered. "Here's my card. Please give me a call when you are ready."

"Thank you," Daisy took the card and slipped it into her purse.

"It was nice meeting you."

"You too," Daisy said sweetly before turning to Luca. "You were saying?"

"We're leaving."

"Please," Daisy nodded eagerly to Luca's surprise.

He turned and headed to the exit as Daisy followed him through the crowd. She kept up with his long strides with ease as he exited the museum and turned towards the end of the block.

"Get in," Luca said once they arrived at his car and he opened the door for Daisy.

"Just a second," Daisy paused by the trash can and pulled out Laura's card. Luca watched as she tossed it in the bin and hurried over to the car. He waited until he was seated in the driver's seat to bring up his curiosity.

"Why did you do that?" Luca asked.

"I had no intention of calling her," Daisy said. "And I didn't want my mom finding the card either."

"Why?"

"None of your business," Daisy muttered. She knew if Patty ever saw the card, she would force Daisy to apply. It would be her dream come true to have her daughter on the cover of all her magazines. Her dream, Daisy's nightmare.

The longer you stared at a photo, the more flaws you noticed. Patty would surely see all the flaws on all the covers. Daisy shuddered just thinking about herself on a magazine cover.

"Cold?" Luca asked, looking over at her.

"No," Daisy shook her head and looked out the window. The city lights flew past them as she leaned her head against the glass. The short drive from Museum Mile to her mother's apartments was filled with silence. Daisy didn't mind because she knew she didn't have anything nice to say to Luca. When they arrived, she stepped out before he could walk around to open the door for her.

"Thanks," Daisy slammed his door shut with more force than necessary. "Good night, sunshine."

"I'm dropping you off upstairs."

"No, you're not."

"Yes, I am," Luca walked into the building after Daisy. "Which floor?"

"No one's home," Daisy pulled out her keys and waved them in his face.

"When is your mother coming back?"

"I don't know," Daisy used her key card and pushed the door open. Luca followed her inside and into the elevator.

"Do you live with anyone else?" He asked.

"I'm surprised you don't know that," Daisy said. "You knew my address so you must have done a background check on me or something."

"I try not to fill my brain with useless information."

Daisy chuckled, "Okay."

"Give me your keys."

"What? No!"

"Let me go in first and check to make sure it's safe."

"It's my house," Daisy said. "Who the fuck do you think is in there?"

"Maybe the man you were drinking with or one of his many colorful friends."

Daisy couldn't argue with him when he threw down that logic. She shoved the keys into his hand and followed him to her apartment door.

"Stay here," Luca said as he unlocked the door and stepped inside. He heard Daisy mutter under her breath as she folded her arms over her chest and began to tap her foot impatiently.

"Stop that," Luca said, pointing to her foot. Daisy began to tap her foot quicker.

Shooting her a death stare, Luca entered the apartment and switched on his light. He pulled out his gun and quickly checked all the spots in the first few rooms. As he moved, he pulled the curtains shut and turned off any light that didn't need to be on. Once he reached the back of the apartment, he pushed the door open to what he could only assume was Daisy's room.

Her bed was half made. The light in her overstuffed closet was left on. Her bookshelves were filled with sports trophies and photos of her and Gia. The wall behind her desk was what caught Luca's attention immediately upon entering the room. He kept glancing back at all the sketches pinned to the wall as he checked her bathroom and closet before tucking away his gun and stepping up to her desk.

She worked mostly with graphite pencils. Her desk was filled with hundreds of them. Luca noticed some watercolor pieces but they were mostly hidden behind the detailed sketches of the city, his sister, parks, animals, objects...They were all so good.

"Can you check under the bed?" Daisy asked from the doorway. "Someone might be hiding down there."

Luca looked over his shoulder at the girl. She stood leaned against the door frame with a taunting smirk on her face.

"You're fine," Luca said.

"Are you leaving now?"

"I am."

"Thank god," Daisy sighed.

"Did you draw these?" Luca pointed to the sketches on the board.

"No."

"Then who did?"

"I don't know," Daisy shrugged.

"Why are you lying?"

"Why do you care?"

"I thought you wanted to have a normal conversation," Luca said.

"Not anymore," Daisy said impatiently. "Please, just leave."

"Fine," Luca said. 

IDK why this chapter was such a struggle to write >.<