Chapter 51

The brush slipped smoothly through the locks of Daisy's hair as she sat before the mirror and stared at Luca's reflection. The bathroom door was ajar and she could see him moving around inside with a white towel wrapped around his hips. The water from his hair dripped down his chest as he shook it out and then pushed it back. Daisy quickly shifted her gaze away when Luca turned and stepped out. He didn't noticed the way her eyes followed him again into the closet.

"Where are you going?" Daisy cleared her throat. She rose from the ottoman and walked towards the closet.

"Giovanni wanted to discuss something with me about Daniel's mother," Luca said. He reached up and pulled a light blue shirt off the rack. "And I figured I would help Daniel out with the funeral arrangements."

"Couldn't you do it over the phone?" Daisy asked, to which Luca chuckled.

"Why?" He asked.

"You're still pale," Daisy said. "And you haven't been fever free for twenty four hours."

Luca pulled the shirt off the hanger and smiled. When he looked up at Daisy she swore she felt her back straighten from the current that ran through her.

"What?" she asked, shifting her weight.

Luca held her gaze as he walked up to her. Daisy peered at him through her lashes. Her heart started to race as Luca raised his hand and brushed his knuckles over her cheek.

"I like it when you worry about me," he said, his voice almost a whisper. "But not as much as I like worrying about you."

Unconsciously, Daisy pulled the edge of her bottom lip under her teeth. Luca's eyes narrowed in on the slight movement and his hand stilled against her face. Daisy shivered as Luca stepped forward and pushed his hand into her hair.

"Can I kiss you?" Luca asked, his mouth hovering over her's.

"N-no," Daisy shook her head.

"You're killing me," Luca filled his lungs with her scent before letting out a heavy sigh.

"Patience is a virtue," Daisy said, her eyes dropping to his mouth.

"And lust is a sin," Luca grinned. He leaned closer and brushed his lips over Daisy's ear, "Stop undressing me with your eyes."

"I didn't-" Daisy tried to pull away when Luca pushed her up against the wall and grabbed her wrists. He gathered them in one hand and pinned them behind her back as he pushed one of his legs between her's.

"Luca!" Daisy gasped.

"It's okay," Luca teased, his mouth moving over the curve of her neck. "It's not like I haven't been looking."

Daisy didn't have words. She made a sound that was a cross between a soft moan and a heavy gasp. It caused Luca's hand to tighten around her wrists and his body to lean in closer until the water on his chest began to soak into Daisy's nightgown.

"Keep your eyes to yourself," Daisy said, her eyes fighting to stay open.

"What about my hands?" Luca asked, sliding his palm down the side of her body and then to the back before stopping on her ass. His fingers spread over the olive colored silk and he slowly chuckled.

"What?" Daisy asked.

"You're not wearing any underwear," Luca sounded amused as his hand roamed around her behind.

An uncharacteristic blush came over Daisy's cheeks as Luca's eyes darkened and he leaned forward. She quickly turned her face away, letting his warm mouth land on her jaw.

"God," Luca growled. His breathing changed to match Daisy's rising and falling chest as he released her wrists and grabbed the hair on the back of her neck. "I love the feel of these silk dresses on you."

"How much?" Daisy asked breathlessly. Her hands moved to Luca's shoulders as she did her best to keep herself from melting in his arms.

Luca pushed his hips forward and the hard bulge underneath his towel rubbed against Daisy. She moaned, her nails scraping against his wet skin.

"Is that enough for you, baby?" Luca asked, watching her eyes close and her body lean towards him. He couldn't stop himself as he bent down and scooped her up off the floor. Daisy immediately wrapped her legs around his waist and locked her arms around his neck. Luca carried her over to the low dresser between the hanging shirt and sat her down. His hands moved to her face as he began to push her hair back and pull her closer.

"No," Daisy said, shaking her head. Luca groaned deep in his throat.

"Please," he begged.

"No," Daisy bit down on her bottom lip, taking too much pleasure in seeing Luca beg for her.

"What do I have to do?" Luca asked, holding her face.

Daisy let her eyes linger on Luca's mouth for a few seconds before she turned her head slightly and opened her mouth. His thumb slipped inside and she gently bit down on his thumb pad before running her tongue up.

"You don't play fair, Sunshine," Luca's jaw clenched. "What do I have to do to get a taste?"

"Earn it," Daisy took Luca's wet thumb and slid it down the front of her body. His fingers spread as he tried to touch as much of her as he possibly could.

Luca raised his free hand and pushed it back into Daisy's hair. He took a fist full of her silky locks into his palm before bringing her ear to his mouth, "You're going to regret challenging me, sweetheart."

Daisy smiled. She turned her head and murmured against his ear, "Make me regret it."

Luca began to laugh as Daisy pushed him back and jumped off the low dresser. He held her hand to make sure she didn't fall as he fixed her nightgown. Before letting her go, he spun her around and pulled her to his chest. Daisy's heart warmed and her belly began to flutter when Luca buried his face in the back of her head and planted a kiss.

"You make me want to live," he said, placing his chin on her shoulder and wrapping his arms around her.

"Aren't you running late?" Daisy asked.

"Daniel can wait," Luca sighed.

"If you go now, what time will you come back?"

"Probably late," Luca said. "Don't wait up for me."

"Non dirmi cosa fare." (Don't tell me what to do.)

"Te lo dirò cento volte," Luca laughed, squeezing the sides of Daisy's belly and making her squeal. "Che cosa hai intenzione di fare." (I'll tell you a hundred times. What are you going to do?)

Daisy pushed Luca back and freed herself before running out of the closet. Her heart pounded properly in her chest for the first time in weeks as she tucked her hair back and grabbed her phone off the nightstand. She was on her way to the nursery when she noticed three miss calls from the private number on her screen. She began to wonder who it could be when Theo's morning cry stole her away and she tossed her phone back onto the bed.

_______________

As Luca walked up to the hospital room, he could already spie Gia's feet pulled up onto the chair and her small toes hanging over the edge. He knocked softly on the door before entering and finding his sister and Daniel sitting on the uncomfortable chairs by the door.

"Morning," Luca said, his eyes moving to Daniel's grandmother on the bed. "Any updates?"

"No," Daniel said.

Luca slowly nodded. He looked back to where the pair sat and found Gia staring at him. She waited to catch his gaze before motioning towards Daniel with her eyes. Luca arched a brow, not understanding what his sister was talking about. When she rolled her eyes, Luca frowned and furrowed his brows.

"I'm going to go get some coffee," Gia announced. She slowly turned towards Daniel, "Do you want anything?"

Daniel shook his head.

"You didn't really eat breakfast," Gia frowned. "Did you even have dinner last night?"

"Yeah, I think so," Daniel said.

"Get him something to eat," Luca said. "You want me to come down with you?"

"No," Gia shook her head. "It's okay. You stay."

Luca stepped aside to let his sister pass. He watched her walk down the hall before stepping into the elevator and disappearing. Alone with just Daniel and Viola in the room, Luca cleared his throat and then went to go sit in the chair Gia had been occupying.

"Armani spoke to the church last night," he began. "All arrangements will be handled. Was there something you wanted to do?"

"No," Daniel shook his head.

"In Mario's will, he wanted to be buried near Stella," Luca said, his heart pinching at the mention of that name. "The Church is okay with that."

"Okay," Daniel said.

Luca looked at the guy next to him with a deep frown on his face. He had known Daniel his whole life. He watched him grow up, play soccer with his friends, pull stupid pranks, drive around in fast cars to impress the girls. But the Daniel that sat before Luca seemed to have aged overnight. The sadness in his eyes made Luca think of the night his mother had passed away in the same hospital they both sat inside.

"Daniel..." Luca started. "I'm sorry for how this all turned out to be."

"I should be the one apologizing to you," Daniel looked down at his hands. "All you ever did was love my sister...and my family repaid you by fucking you over."

"I wish I had seen it all before," Luca said. "I wish I knew what she was going through."

Daniel slowly nodded his head. His face twisted in pain as he looked up and surprised Luca with the tears in his eyes.

"I keep wondering why she didn't tell you," he said. "God, you were so in love with her. Why didn't she tell you?"

"I don't know," Luca's heart tightened. "Maybe she didn't see what everyone else saw."

"She would still be here if she had told you about Dante," Daniel said. "You would have saved her."

"I would have," Luca said.

"I'm so sorry for everything," Daniel shook his head, lowering his head again. "I'm so sorry for breaking Gia's heart and her trust. I'm so sorry for blaming you for all those years."

"You were fed a lie," Luca said. "We were all fed a lie."

"But it was my choice to involve Gia in all this," Daniel said. "And I can never forgive myself for that. I hurt her.....and that's the only truth I'll have from all this."

"I'm not going to sugar coat it to make you feel better," Luca said. "You hurt her a lot and I'll be honest, I don't think she'll ever go back to being the girl she was before all this. But I think she's becoming the woman she needs to be."

"She's never going to forgive me," Daniel said. "I love her so much....I've only ever loved her and I ruined it all."

"What do you mean?" Luca asked.

"It was always Gia," Daniel said. "Even when we were kids. She's the only one I ever wanted."

Luca wanted to roll his eyes as a brother. But he stopped himself. He had so many choice words for Daniel. So many different ways he wanted to bash his head in for what he did to his sister. But it would all be pointless. All was gone and there was nothing left to fight over.

"I'm sorry, Luca," Daniel said. "If you can't forgive me, I would understand. But just know that if I could go back in time, I would change it all."

Luca slowly nodded his head, "Yeah....I know."

"And I'm sorry for all the pain my sister caused you," Daniel continued. "You didn't deserve that."

"That was our issue," Luca said. "You don't have to apologize for that."

Daniel didn't reply. He sat quietly watching the ventilator push air into his grandmother's lungs as the machines around them beeped periodically. Luca was at a loss for words too.

"You and Daisy look good together," Daniel finally said, his words causing the corner of Luca's mouth to curve up. "She's a good match for you."

"She is," Luca said.

"She tried to beat me up with a cheerleading trophy once," Daniel said. "I was holding a gun."

"Yeah, that sounds like my wife," Luca sighed. He sat up and then slowly rose to his feet, "I'm going to speak to Giovanni about your mother. Do you want to come with me?"

"No," Daniel said. "I have nothing to say to her."

Luca nodded, "Gia's staying with you....and I don't think I can stop her anymore."

_____________

The day crawled by with no phone calls or texts from Luca. Daisy checked her phone several times and was hit with disappointment each time. Whenever Gia called from the hospital, she could hear him in the back. It irritated her to know he couldn't pick up the phone and call or text. Running out of patience, Daisy picked up her phone by dusk and typed up a quick text.

Is this making me regret it?

The small blue bubble popped up immediately.

For someone who won't let me kiss her, you sure are very impatient to lose a challenge, Luca typed.

Lose? Daisy responded. I don't intend to lose anything. Maybe you're hiding out because you know you're going to lose. I mean.....you did lose it to me. But whatever, take your time. It's a win for me either way.

What should your prize be, baby girl?

You....Daisy's finger hovered over the send button. She chewed on her bottom lip as the butterflies in her stomach fluttered into her heart. She was never one to shy away from a text like that. But something told her she would not be able to keep herself from blushing in front of Luca if he came home reading that text. Quickly erasing it, she cleared her throat and reconstructed her message.

Diamond and pearls.

Think bigger, Luca responded.

Daisy laughed. She was wondering if maybe she should have sent her earlier text when Gia appeared in the living room and plopped down on the couch beside her.

"Please tell me you're not sexting my brother," her small nose scrunched up.

"Why would you think that?" Daisy lowered her phone.

"You're smiling at your phone," Gia said.

"Is that the only reason why people smile at their phones?" Daisy arched her brow. "Is that why you smile at your phone? Because Daniel is sending you dirty texts?"

As Daisy watched, Gia's face slowly crumbled. Her eyes dimmed and she sank farther into the sofa. She began to frown and pull her knees up to her chest.

"He won't talk," she said quietly. "He just sits there."

"Give him some time," Daisy reached out and took Gia's hand. "This is a lot for everyone to process."

Gia nodded.

"How...." Daisy started with caution. "How do you feel about him?"

"What do you mean?" Gia looked over at her.

"Do you still love him?" Daisy asked, her heart beating a bit faster. "Have you forgiven him?"

"I don't think you can unlove someone," Gia tried to smile. "Have I forgiven him? I....I don't know. My heart doesn't hurt to be around him anymore. I feel better next to him, when I hold him, or when I know I'm going to see him. I can't explain it...."

Daisy leaned back against the sofa and placed her head on Gia's shoulder.

"When I'm not with him, I can still feel the heartache somedays," Gia said. "But then I see him and it's like..."

"You're whole again," Daisy finished.

"Yes," Gia nodded. "It's like he's a wave that crashes against the sand and takes away all the marks. It leaves behind a smooth surface with no trace of any kind of hurt."

Daisy's heart contracted as she thought about Luca. He was her wave.

"I don't know what I'm doing with him," Gia shrugged. "But I can't keep standing in this limbo. Either I have to run towards him or leave him. And I don't know which is the right choice."

"I know..." Daisy whispered.

Gia leaned her head against Daisy and they both sighed. They curled up on the sofa as the lights in the garden came on and the sun vanished under the night sky.

"Is Luca good to you?" Gia asked after a while.

Daisy smiled, "He is."

"He loves you a lot," Gia moved closer to her best friend. "And it makes me so happy...."

All Daisy could do was blush. She hated how suddenly it was her go to response for all things Luca related.

"He drives me insane," she said.

"When did it all start?" Gia asked curiously.

"I don't know..." Daisy said. "Maybe from the first moment I saw him."

"Was it love at first sight?" Gia gasped.

"Definitely not," Daisy laughed. "He was so arrogant and bossy. I mean he still is."

"How did you two even..." Gia shook her head. "When did you guys interact? You were always with me."

Daisy rolled her eyes and slowly sat up, "He used to come pick me up from classes."

"What?" Gia's eyes widened. "Shut up."

"All those times you sent someone to pick me up?" Daisy laughed. "He would show up if he was in town."

"Oh my god!"

"And then there was the bar before Tatum's exhibition, the kiss in the rain, fighting Eric, the countless arguments-"

"What the fuck?" Gia looked as if she fell from the sky. "Who are you people?"

"There's been a lot," Daisy said.

"Luca fought Eric?" Gia choked. "My brother? Luca?"

"Why are you shocked?" Daisy asked. "He's a hothead at times. He showed up to Eric's apartment at two in the morning demanding that I leave Eric and go with him."

"You're fucking with me," Gia shook her head.

"Nope!" Daisy laughed. "Your brother is a maniac. You know he gave me a hickey that day he came to pick you up from the apartment after you left with Daniel from the club? You were in the other room."

"Oh my god...." Gia fell back against the sofa. "My brother? You were with Eric! Luca, what the fuck?"

"Yeah..." Daisy pondered. "I guess we've never really been normal."

"Oh my god," Gia said once again. "I....I need to recover from this. I don't think I can look at him the same way anymore. Who is that whore? Kissing other people's girlfriends."

"He's not a whore," Daisy rolled her eyes. "He's....he's a bit of a dick."

"My brother's a whore," Gia shook her head.

"He's n-"

"Mrs. Silvano?"

The girls looked up as Dana walked into the room with Theo in her arms. The little boy's eyes found his mother and he began to immediately reach for her.

"Come here, my little monkey," Daisy stood up and took Theo. she swung him around before dipping him over her arms and kissing his belly. The boy chuckled uncontrollably as he tried to push Daisy's head away.

"Mr. Silvano said the car will be here to pick you up in thirty minutes," Dana smiled.

"What car?" Daisy straightened up and asked.

"Oh that's right!" Gia sat up. "Luca asked me to watch Theo tonight. He said you guys had some meeting to go to."

"Meeting?" Daisy asked. "What am I going to do at a meeting?"

"I don't know," Gia shrugged. "You're the lady of the house."

"Why are you telling me this now?" Daisy clicked her tongue.

"Sorry, I got distracted," Gia apologized.

"Will you be okay with Theo?"

"Yeah," Gia nodded and held out her hands. "Carla is bringing Daniel for dinner. We'll be here all evening."

"Luca didn't tell me anything about this either," Daisy complained.

"Maybe it was last minute," Gia shrugged. "Go get ready."

Handing Theo to Gia, Daisy walked around the sofa and headed upstairs. She entered the bedroom and was about to head to the closet when the bags on the bed caught her eyes. Daisy stopped and stared at them for a few seconds before walking over to read the small cards attached to each one.

This dress feels like you, one of them read.

Daisy placed the card down and pulled out the box from inside. She lifted the lid and her eyes widened. Her fingers ran over the dark red fabric and ribbons of the dress as she began to smile. The silk was smooth to the touch.

Putting the box down, Daisy picked up the second bag.

I can hear you walking up and down the office in these heels.

Laughing Daisy pulled out the sleek pair of heels from the box. She placed them beside the dress and looked into the third and final bag.

This perfume smells like you....now go get dressed.

Daisy pulled off the small cap from the perfume bottle and took a small sniff of the fragrant. She felt her stomach clench and her heart hum from the airy scent of dark roses and sweet amber. She could have gotten lost in the scent if it weren't for the ding on her phone and Luca's name on the screen.

Thirty minutes, he wrote.

Quickly grabbing the towels, Daisy rushed into the shower. She washed her hair and let the conditioner sit while hurrying to shave her legs. Once done with everything. She tossed her hair up in a towel and applied lotion on herself. Not knowing what Luca had planned or where she was even going, Daisy applied some light makeup that could be deemed appropriate for any setting. She slipped on her dress and then the shoes before blow drying her hair and applying one last coat of lipstick.

"Mrs. Silvano?" Dana knocked at the door just as Daisy sprayed on some perfume.

"Yes?" Daisy looked over her shoulder.

"The car is here," Dana said.

"Is Luca here?" Daisy asked.

"No," Dana said. "He just sent the car."

Daisy slowly took in a deep breath to calm her nerves, "Okay..."

Clearing her throat, Daisy fussed with her hair once more before turning and looking at herself in the mirror to make sure everything was good. The dress fit her like a glove. The sweetheart neckline and the thick ribbons tied into bows on her shoulders stood out against her tan skin like red rose petals. Daisy wiped the corners of her mouth carefully before pinning back half of her hair to let her curtain bangs frame her face. She thought of putting on some earrings when her phone dinged again.

Get in the car, Luca ordered.

My mom told me not to get into a car with any strangers, Daisy teased.

Don't make me come over there, sunshine, Luca typed back. You're not going to like begging tossed over my shoulder and dragged out of the house.

Daisy rolled her eyes. She left the earrings behind and hurried out of the room. Not wanting anyone to ask her too many questions, Daisy decided against saying bye to Gia and quickly climbed into the car waiting for her outside.

"Good evening, Mrs. Silvano," Mateo said as soon as she got in.

"Hey," Daisy smiled. "So that's all this? Why are you taking me?"

"To the docks," Mateo said.

"The docks?" Daisy arched her brow.

"We're running behind schedule," Mateo chuckled before hitting the gas and driving out of the driveway.

Daisy leaned back in her seat and pulled out her phone. There were no more texts from Luca for the rest of the ride. When they arrived at the docks, Mateo held the door for her and helped her get down. The wind was beginning to pick up with an electric current. Daisy felt her heart hum as the warm air swirled around her and tossed her hair in every direction.

"Straight down that way," Mateo said, pointing to the nearest dock.

"You're not coming?" Daisy asked curiously.

"No," Mateo said. "My orders were to drop you off right here."

"Oh..." Daisy looked back at the dock. She stood hesitation for a few before taking the first step forward and heading in that direction. Her eyes scanned her surroundings as she ran a hand up and down her arm. As she neared the water, Luca stepped out from the black car parked nearby.

Daisy stopped in her tracks. She could suddenly feel every inch of her buzz like a live wire as Luca's green gaze moved up her body. Goosebumps surfaced over her skin when she sensed his eyes get stuck on certain parts of her figure that she knew he liked very much.

"What's all this?" Daisy asked, her voice barely working as her own eyes moved over his black suit and white shirt. He had left a few of the top buttons undone just the way Daisy liked it. His hair was a mess from the wind but it suited his handsome looks.

Luca smiled, seeing how Daisy's eyes took him in. He stopped towards her and let out a deep sigh before pulling out a black ribbon from his pocket.

"Turn around," he said.

"No," Daisy shook her head. "What are you going to do with that?"

"Just shut up and turn around," Luca rolled his eyes.

Daisy bit down on her lip and carefully turned her back towards him. When she felt Luca step closer, she shut her mouth tight to keep any breathless gasp from escaping. Luca's hand went to her hair and he swiftly removed the small clip she used to hold back her hair. He put it in his pocket before draping the black ribbon over Daisy's eyes and tying it up behind her head, making sure to not get any of her hair tangled.

"You're not going to kill me, right?" Daisy asked, her hand touching the blindfold.

Luca laughed, making Daisy's heart flutter. She reached out for him but he had other ideas. Scooping down, Luca lifted Daisy into his arms and began to head towards the boat at the dock.

Daisy gasped, "Put me down!"

"Stop moving or I'll toss you into the water," Luca said against her ear.

"You shouldn't be carrying anything right now!" Daisy argued. "Stop! You're going to hurt yourself!"

Luca ignored her.

"Luca!" Daisy squirmed in his arms but he held onto her tightly. "Put me down!"

"Okay," Luca said, suddenly dropping her.

"Ah!" Daisy shrieked in shock as she landed on a soft cushion. The ground began to say beneath her feet and an engine roared to life. "What the hell is this?"

"Don't take off your blind fold," Luca warned.

"Are we on a boat?" Daisy asked, feeling her way around the bench she sat on and then the railings.

"Yes, not sit still," Luca laughed.

Mateo undid the rope and Luca backed the boat out of the dock. He was surprised Daisy had actually listened to him and was sitting quietly where he had placed her. When he looked over his shoulder, he found her gripping the bench for dear life.

"Are you scared of boats?" Luca suddenly asked.

"No," Daisy lied.

"Baby," Luca laughed as he reached back and took her hand. "I can't fly you anywhere, I can't sail you anywhere. What am I going to do with you?"

"I like land transportations," Daisy said.

"I'll keep that in mind," Luca shook his head. "We're almost there. It's not very far."

"Where are we going?" Daisy asked.

"You'll see," Luca said over the wind.

Daisy swallowed the lump in her throat and sat quietly. Her heart stopped racing as she felt the speed of the boat slowing down after several painfully long minutes. When the engine shut off and Luca took her hand, Daisy jumped to her feet and stumbled into his arms.

"Careful," Luca laughed, catching her by the waist.

"This is funny to you?" Daisy asked.

"No," Luca laughed harder.

"Get me off this boat!" Daisy demanded.

"Yes, ma'am," Luca picked her up once more and climbed down to the wooden dock. Once on solid ground, he placed her back down and held her hand tightly. "Maybe you'll do better on a yacht."

"I do like bigger things," Daisy said.

Luca rolled his eyes, "Let's go."

"Can I take off this blind fold now?"

"No."

"Where are you taking me?" Daisy asked. "To your secret layer? Are you about to show me where you keep your drugs and black market money?"

"No!" Luca couldn't stop laughing.

"I'm out of ideas," Daisy said.

"Good."

"Just tell me!"

"Can you be patient for like three more seconds?"

"No."

"Fine," Luca yanked her closer and pulled off the blindfold.

Daisy's eyes flew open in the darkness and found Luca immediately. She couldn't see anything around her for a few seconds as her eyes took a while to adjust.

"Where are we?" She asked, seeing the ocean behind Luca and the boat they were just on.

"Turn around," Luca helped, holding her hips and facing her towards the extravagant beach bungalow.

Daisy's eyes widened, "Wow."

"You like it?" Luca asked, kissing her shoulder.

"It's beautiful," Daisy said, her eyes roaming over the large property in the middle of a white sand beach. "What is this place?"

"Juliet Cay," Luca said, wrapping his arms around her and placing his chin on her shoulder. "I used to see this small island from the cliffs when I was younger with my mother. Around a year ago, right around the time Theo was born, it went up for sale so I grabbed it."

"You bought an islam?" Daisy asked in disbelief. "You have an island?"

"No," Luca pulled out a small keychain from his pocket and held it up to Daisy's eyes. "You have an island."

"What?" Daisy pulled away in shock. "No. No, no, no."

"Happy birthday," Luca smiled from ear to ear.

"My birthday isn't until a few more months!"

"Think of it as an early birthday present."

"I can't accept this!"

"Why not?"

"It's an island!"

"A very small island," Luca said. "Maybe two miles each way, max."

"Luca, no!" Daisy shook her head. "This is too much!"

"I bought this for us," Luca said, taking her hand. "And I thought it would be a nice birthday present."

"Flowers would have been a nice birthday present."

"You can plant all the flowers you want here," Luca suggested.

"Oh my god," Daisy let out a breath as she looked back at the house. "No."

"You don't have to accept it now," Luca said. "But just know that it does belong to you. It's under your name."

"This is too much," Daisy shook her head.

"It's not enough," Luca stepped forward and kissed her forehead. "Come, let's go. There's one more surprise."

"What now?" Daisy's eyes widened. "A private airport to land my private jet?"

"No," Luca rolled his eyes. "But the island does have space for a helipad."

"I don't like flying," Daisy shook her head. "Or boats."

"Then we can live here for the rest of our lives and never leave our little paradise."

Daisy hesitated. She let Luca take her hands and walk her towards the house. As they neared the door, he picked her up and carried over the threshold.

"Our first home together," he said, kissing her cheek.

"What about our place in California?" Daisy asked, climbing down from his arms.

"That doesn't count," Luca chuckled. He stood back and watched Daisy look around at the open living room and the large deck that walked out into their private beach. She took a seat on the edge of one of the white sofas and nodded.

"It's nice," she said quietly before her head snapped up. "Are we the only two people here right now?"

"Does that make you nervous?" Luca asked, walking towards her with his hands in his pocket and eyes locked on her gaze like a hunter.

"Should it?" Daisy tilted her head back to look up at him.

"I don't like to lose," Luca said, holding her chin.

"I told you to win me over," Daisy pushed back back playfully. "Not buy me over with a private island."

"The island is a birthday present," Luca said. "It has nothing to do with the challenge."

"You said there was another surprise?"

Luca grinned, "Yeah."

"What is it?"

"Come with me."

"You're not going to blind fold me?"

"And risk you talking off my ears with all of your questions and theories about my black market money?"

"I don't trust you," Daisy laughed.

"Good," Luca pulled her to his side. "You shouldn't. Especially when I have you all to myself here."

"What are you going to do to me?" Daisy looked up through her lashes.

Luca leaned down and brushed his mouth over Daisy's cheek and then the edge of her face.

"I'm going to take care of you, sweetheart," he said against her ear.

Daisy shivered. Her hand gripped Luca's shirt as his fingers glided over the back of her thigh and then slipped under her dress.

"Can you stop distracting me for one second?" he asked.

"Me!" Daisy yelled.

"Yes, you," Luca stepped back and took her hand. He marched her towards the deck and out onto the sandy beach. When Daisy began to struggle in her heels, Luca bent down and took them off for her.

"Come on," he tugged on her hand.

"What's that?" Daisy's heart leaped into her throat as she noticed a small wood fire and the picnic blanket by the water.

"Go find out," Luca pulled out his phone and dimmed the lights in the bungalow. The beach grew dark and the glow from the fire came alive.

Daisy walked over to the blanket and gasped. She couldn't believe her eyes. Her heart pounded in her chest when Luca walked up to stand beside her and picked up the bouquet of lilies.

"Our official first date," he said, handing them to her.

"The most extravagant first date I've ever been on," Daisy laughed. "This definitely beats everything."

"Champagne?" Luca picked up the bottle from the bucket of ice.

"Yes," Daisy nodded. She stepped onto the blanket and sat down on her legs. The lilies rested on her lap as she watched Luca pop the bottle and pour them two glasses.

"What should we toast to?" He asked, taking a seat beside her.

"I don't know..." Daisy shook her head, her cheeks burning red. She couldn't stop smiling.

"To you," Luca held up his glass.

Daisy's blush deepened. She raised her class and simply said, "Cheers."

Luca took a small sip as Daisy shifted her glass to her other hand. She looked down at her flowers and ran her finger over the soft petals.

"You're too far away," Luca ducked his head to look at her face. "What are you thinking about?"

"Nothing," Daisy sighed. She scooted closer to him and leaned back against his leg. Luca gazed down at her as if he was watching the stars.

"I want to give you the world," he said, running his hand over her hair.

"I just want you," Daisy whispered, unable to look away from his eyes.

"You have me," Luca smiled. "Completely under your spell."

"Have I bewitched your body and soul?" Daisy sighed dramatically and asked in a fake British accent.

"My soul was always yours," Luca said. "It just took a while to find you and bring you home."

"Is this home?" Daisy turned in Luca's lap and placed her chin on top of her hand. The curves of her body casted spells Luca couldn't comprehend against the ocean and the night sky.

"You're my home," Luca leaned down.

Daisy pulled back and scurried up to her knees, "No, no, no, no."

"Oh, come on!" Luca laughed.

"You think a beach picnic and some expensive champagne and a private island is going to earn you a kiss?" Daisy teased.

"Do you want me to beg?" Luca asked, leaning back on his elbow and looking up at her. "Do you want me to get down on my knees in front of you?"

Daisy's stomach clenched. She lost her breath just as a loud clap of thunder ripped through the dark skies. Daisy looked over her shoulder as lightning flashes and the wind suddenly picked up, making the bonfire dance. Before she could turn around, Luca flashed to his knees and pulled her mouth to his.

His hands pulled at her like the tides. His mouth crushed her like the waves. His skin burned for her touch like the skies. Daisy melted in his hands faster than a snowball in hell.

Thunder stuck again and heavy rain began to pour down. The fire died within seconds, leaving the two in darkness with just the glow from the bungalow. The winds picked up, swaying the trees behind the house wildly and the waves began to rise. The world island descended into chaos but Luca and Daisy couldn't care less.

They remained on their knees kissing each other as the rain drenched them. Luca hooked his arm around Daisy's waist and spun her around to lay her beneath him on the blanket. Her dress and hair clung to her skin. She could barely open her eyes or breath as the rain poured down from the skies. Luca loomed over her, shielding her as she raised her hand and touched the edge of his face.

"I love you," she said.

Luca inhaled the scent of her perfume and the rain. His eyes closed as he turned his head and placed a kiss on the inside of her palm.

"I love you so much," he opened his eyes and leaned down.

Daisy's body curved up to meet him as his hungry mouth found her on the stormy beach. His hands began to pull at her dress while her's were busy undressing him. Daisy managed to remove his blazer before ripping off the buttons of his shirt and pushed it off his broad muscular shoulders. Her nails dug into them immediately as she wrapped her legs around his hips and squeezed.

"Turn around," Luca said, flipping her over.

Daisy pressed into the sand as his hand unzipped her dress and he pulled it off of her. When his eyes landed on her bare back and lacy red thong, Luca shifted a groan and felt his cock grow rock hard. He hooked his finger around the red lace and let it slide all the way up to her clit. When Daisy jumped and whimpered in pleasure, Luca leaned forward and kissed her back while his finger started to play with her bud.

He spun it around in circles a few times before pressing down on it and then rubbing his thumb over it. Daisy grew wet and her hips started to move on their own. She began to rock them against Luca's hand.

"Not yet," Luca said against her ear. "Nice and slow tonight."

Daisy shivered, not from the rain or from the thunder. But from Luca's deep voice in her ear. She slowly turned around and spread her legs to make space for him. Luca held her gaze but scooted down. He put her legs over his shoulders and moved his mouth forward, kissing her swollen and wet clit. Daisy gasped, pushing herself up to her elbows to look at him.

"Touch yourself," Luca said. "I want to see how you play."

Daisy slid one of her hands down to her wet pussy and began to rub herself. Luca watched her like she was a goddess. He used his tongue to part her folds and then pull her finger into his mouth, tasting her sweetness along with the rain.

Daisy's head rolled back as the heavy rain began to beat down on her chest. Luca began to make his way, leaving a trail of kisses from her wet core to her belly and then up to the valley of her breasts. When he loomed over her once more and looked into her eyes, Daisy reached out and grabbed his cock through his pants.

"Do you want it?" Luca asked, pushing her hair off her face and then gliding his hips over her.

"Yes," Daisy nodded, breathlessly.

"Earn it," Luca gripped her hair and tilted her head back. He began to drink the rain off her skin as Daisy pushed her hips up to meet him. Luca gently pushed her back down.

"Luca," Daisy whined.

"What?" Luca chuckled, a low husky sound that did things to Daisy she couldn't explain. "Do you want me inside of you, baby girl.....stretching you out?"

"Yes," Daisy nodded.

Luca lifted his hand and moved it down her leg before hitching it up to put it around himself. The small grains of sand on his palm was a sharp contrast against her smooth skin. Daisy grabbed a fist full of Luca's hair at the base of his neck. She let the damp strands cut into her fingers before letting her hand slide down his neck and then down his chest. Her nails clawed their way down to his cock, making his shiver. Every muscle in his body tensed under her touch as she stroked his cock.

Luca happily gave in when Daisy moved to her knees and pushed him down onto the sandy wet blanket. Her hands took off his belt before she unzipped his pants and wrapped her hand around his erection. Luca hissed in pleasure as Daisy moved her hand up and then back down slowly.

"Fuck," Luca drew out the word, watching Daisy stick her tongue out and lick him from the bottom up. She swirled it around until she reached the top and pushed him into her mouth, sucking in her cheeks to make sure he knew who he belonged to.

"If you keep sucking me like that, I'm going to cum in your mouth," Luca said, gripping her hair and moving her head back and forth.

"Then cum in my mouth," Daisy smiled.

Luca's jaw clenched as she lowered herself once more and pushed him in until he could feel the back of her throat. The sounds her mouth made...the sounds of her sucking him and wanting more....

Luca pulled out and jumped up to his feet. Daisy stared up at him, wiping the corners of her mouth with her fingers.

"I can keep going if I haven't earned it yet," she said with a coy smile on her lips.

Luca didn't buy that smile for a second. It wasn't innocent at all. She could have sliced him in half with that smile.

Pulling her up, Luca threw her over his shoulder and began to head towards the bungalow. His pants hung low on his hips as he moved over the sand and out of the rain. Daisy squealed the entire way as Luca stuck his finger inside of her and teased her. Once they made it to the bedroom, he placed her down on the bed and pulled off the teeny tiny red thong.

Daisy turned to lay on her belly and watch Luca pull his pants off. She lowered her hand and slid it up and down her wet pussy as he slipped on a condom and grabbed her ankles. Daisy gasped as Luca pulled her to the edge of the bed and grabbed her hips. She buried her face in the white fluffy sheets as he began to slide his cock up and down and in between her folds. Her feet barely touched the rug on the floor. Her toes pushed her hips up in hope she could speed things up and slip him inside accidentally.

"What did I say?" Luca laughed, catching her.

"Please," Daisy moved her ass over his cock, earning a low breathless moan from him. "See...you want it too."

"Fine," Luca said, taking his cock and finding her entrance. "You win."

Daisy grabbed the sheets beside her head as Luca's thick hard cock moved into her. He paused for a second to let her catch her breath before moving forward slowly, going as deep as he possibly could without hurting her.

"Oh my god," Daisy moaned into the sheets. "Yes!"

"You feel so good, baby," Luca said through his teeth. "Holy shit."

"Harder," Daisy demanded.

"I'm going to make you sore," Luca said, unable to resist her demands.

"That's what I want, Luca," Daisy moaned, her pussy clenching around him.

Luca grabbed her hips and pulled her up. He began to thrust into her with urgency as she moved the sheets into her mouth and screamed.

"No need to do that," Luca said, pulling the sheets back. "No one's here to hear you scream."

Daisy gasped for air as Luca raised one of his legs over onto the bed and pushed in deeper. His fingers dug into her hips and the sensation of his nails biting into her skin made Daisy's pussy throb.

"Don't stop," Daisy begged. "Oh my god, don't stop!"

Luca pulled out and Daisy's head immediately snapped up. Before she could look back at him. He dropped to his knees and turned her around. Spreading her legs apart, Luca stuck his tongue inside her stretched pussy. He let her drip onto his mouth as he flicked his tongue back and forth.

"I can eat you all day," he said, kissing her pussy and fingering her.

"Okay, great," Daisy said impatiently. "But right now I want you to fuck me."

"You don't like this?" Luca asked, running his tongue flat against her.

Daisy gasped, grabbing his hair. She pulled him closer and her thighs squeezed his head.

"What about this?" Luca stuck his tongue inside.

"Hm!" Daisy turned her head and squeezed her eyes shut. "Luca, please! Please!"

Letting her go, Luca climbed over her and pushed himself back into her pussy. His hips began to move as he hooked one of her legs on his arm and turned her head to face him.

"I love you," he said, looking into her eyes. "You're everything..."

"I love you," Daisy said breathlessly.

She felt each thrust of Luca's cock shock her body to life. The storm raged outside the bungalow, blowing the white curtains around and whipping the trees. Thunder boomed and lightning flashed. The sound of the angry ocean was nothing next to the sound of Luca and Daisy's breathless moans.

They panted together, drowning out the thunder as Luca leaned back and Daisy climbed on top of him. She sat riding him with her breasts catching the lightning every time she moved up and down. Luca palmed her sensitive perky nipples and rolled them between his thumbs. He watched his beautiful wife move her hips in circles, growing her magic spell over him as he slid his hands up and down her body. She felt so right in his hands. So intoxicating, so maddening, so powerful, so his.

When Daisy finished and Luca flipped her around, she had no strength left in her body. He made love to her slowly as she laid beneath him and he kissed her tenderly. Her eyes sparkled and her wet lips called his name. Her hands pulled him and her body surrendered itself to him. Daisy felt her whole heart beat together with Luca as he climaxed and fell beside her on the bed.

"Baby," he said breathlessly, pulling her to his chest. "Don't ever leave. I can't live without you."

"I know..." Daisy smiled and laid her head against his heart.

"You....." Luca kissed her forehead. "You are amazing. Your heart, your smile, your mind, your body..."

Daisy laughed, burying her face in his chest. She thought he was going to continue when she felt him tense under her hands. Daisy looked up to see what the matter was. She found Luca's eyes gazing down at her curiously.

"What?" She asked, her cheeks flushed and hot.

"Your body..." Luca said.

"What about my body?" Daisy moved up and touched his lips. Luca caught her hand. "What's wrong?"

"Your body's different," Luca said.

"What?" Daisy laughed.

"Your body changed," Luca slowly began to sit up.

"What are you talking about?" Daisy sat up with him and pulled the sheets over her naked body.

Luca watched her for a few seconds before reaching out and touching her breast. Daisy didn't know what he was up to as his hands slid down and he touched her hips and then her belly and then back up to her chest.

"What are you doing?" She asked, her heart fluttering.

"Are you pregnant?" Luca asked.  

Took me two days to write this, longest chapter so far, 8130 words!