JADE
A WEEK LATER
The smell of waffles sifted into my nose as I cracked my eyes open to find Luciano packing some food in a flask. A smile formed at the corner of my lips as I looked up at him. “What are you doing?”
He looked back at me, “we’re going to the beach, let’s have a picnic there.”
I gasped, excitement bubbling within me. I threw off the blanket covering me and got on my feet as I hugged him. Then, realization struck. “Didn’t you say I can’t go outside for now because…” I trailed off, but he knew what I was insinuating.
It wasn’t safe, even with Raffaele still hospitalized, a man like Luciano wasn’t short of enemies now was he? Especially since Arturo threatened him a week ago, he’s been paranoid ever since.
He turned around and grazed my chin with his fingers. “I won’t keep you inside forever my love, this isn’t the life I want for you, I’ll be there to protect you, and they’ll be men on standby in the distance okay?”
I nodded, my smile faltering. “Now go get ready,” he said, sealing my lips with a swift kiss. A blush crept onto my lips as I made my way towards the bathroom.
After getting ready, we entered his car and made our way to the beach. The seascape managed to catch my attention from a distance and I couldn’t help but feel excited for this experience, with the man I loved the most.
We found a suitable spot to park and he opened the door for me. He held the picnic basket while I carried the mat and we trudged inward. “Where are you taking us?” I asked, chuckling as we practically walked past the regular beach area.
“I know a place that can offer us some privacy,” he replied. Eventually we got there, to an almost empty shoreline. The only people there were a couple taking pictures.
We quickly set-up the picnic, spreading the mat at a safe distance from the water. I plopped down on it, cradling my knees as the wind from the sea crashed against my face, blowing tendrils of my hair in every direction.
He reached out, tucking my hair behind my ears as he stared at me. “You are so beautiful Jade,” he rasped, making my cheeks heat up.
“And you’re the most handsome man I’ve ever seen.”
He furrowed a brow, “So you’re seeing other handsome men huh?”
A laugh escaped my lips as I shook my head slowly. I took his hand and pulled him into a stand. “Let’s go near the water!” I squealed, resembling a little child.
He smiled then got on his feet, dusting the sand off his jeans as he followed me. The salty breeze brushed against my face as Luciano and I strolled along the beach hand in hand.
I stood at the edge of the sea, the water gently lapping at the shore. Luciano’s hand found mine, fingers intertwining, and he shot me a mischievous grin. “Ready for some fun, Jade?”
I couldn’t resist his contagious enthusiasm. “Always,” I replied with a playful smile.
With that, we waded into the refreshing embrace of the water, the cool ripples enveloping us. As we moved deeper, our laughter echoed across the serene landscape
We ran along the shoreline, leaving footprints which the waves rose to wash frequently. I splattered in the water, not venturing too deep, that is until Luciano yanked me into the water.
I landed in the deeper parts with a gasp. “Luciano!” I called out snickering. We began to swim, having fun in the water as we moved with the ebb and flow of the waves.
His arms snaked around my waist, grounding me amidst the forces of the water. I leaned down, planting a soft kiss against his lips. At that moment, I felt like we could stay here forever, free of worry.
But a shadow of uncertainty loomed over me, Raffaele was still in a coma. I couldn’t help but wonder what would happen if he survived, would he come for revenge? And if he died, would Arturo keep to his word?
It seemed like no matter what happened, danger lurked ahead.
Luciano lifted me up from the water and carried me towards the sandy shores. I turned to face him, voicing the nagging concern hanging in my chest. “Luciano…” I started, swallowing the lump that was forming in my throat.
He raised his head, giving me his attentive glare. “Is bringing a child into this chaos a good idea?”
A slight frown formed on his face. “What do you mean?”
I looked away, “I just- I don’t think our life is conducive for a child… I’m just saying.” I made eye contact with him again, his bright orbs piercing into mine. “Do you regret the loss of our child?”
“Of course I regret it, Jade I’ll never forgive myself for that as long as I live, it was my fault -”
I squeezed his hands. “It was Raffaele’s fault,” I corrected, my voice firm.
“I still let it happen, I should’ve known. I should-”
I pulled him into a hug. “You did your best,” I whispered, feeling his warmth radiate against my skin.
His hands found their way around my back as he pulled me closer into his frame. “No matter what happens, I’ll always protect you and the kids we’ll have in the future, I promise you.”
I pulled him closer as well, his gaze intense as he leaned in for a kiss. The world faded away, leaving only the sensation of his lips on mine-a moment suspended in time.
We broke apart, breathless but connected. Luciano’s eyes sparkled as he said, “You’re the best thing that’s happened to me, Jade.”
I chuckled, feeling the warmth of the water around us. “Smooth talker, aren’t you?”
We made our way to a picnic mat laid out on the grassy shore, droplets of water trailing us. Luciano gestured for me to sit, and as we settled, our wet clothes clung to us. He reached into the picnic basket, producing an array of delicious treats. “Hope you like strawberries,” he grinned.
I chuckled, “I love them.” As we shared the meal, conversation flowed effortlessly, punctuated by laughter. Luciano’s voice was a melody, and I found myself captivated by his stories. He picked up a grape, holding it up with a twinkle in his eye. “Open wide, Jade.”
I complied, and he fed me the grape with a playful glint. “See? I can be romantic.”
I raised an eyebrow, teasing, “Impressive. But can you juggle strawberries?”
Luciano laughed, a rich, melodic sound. “Challenge accepted.”
As we juggled strawberries, exchanged jokes, and enjoyed each other’s company, the sun began its descent, casting a warm glow over the scene. Luciano sighed contentedly. “This… this is perfect.”
I leaned back, looking at the hues of the sky. “It really is.”
The sky painted in shades of orange and pink, we started packing up the remnants of our picnic. Luciano paused, looking at me with a sincerity that touched my heart. “Jade, I can’t express how happy I am to have you in my life.”
I smiled, touched by his words. “I feel the same way, Luciano.”
With the picnic cleared, we made our way back to the car, hand in hand. The air was thick with the echoes of our shared laughter and the sweet memory of our stolen kisses in the water. Luciano opened the car door for me, and as we settled in, he glanced at me with a twinkle in his eyes. “Home?”
“Home,” I echoed.
The car engine hummed to life, carrying us through the fading twilight. As the headlights cut through the darkness, Luciano stole a glance at me and said, “You know, Jade, this is just the beginning. The beginning of our marriage.”
“I’m looking forward to every moment.” I smiled as I laid my head on Luciano’s shoulder.
I have no idea on what the future holds in store of us, but I know Luciano will walk me down through every perilous and beautiful phase of our marriage and life.
This is truly just the beginning.