#the princess in the mirror luca

[wizardess-sweetheart]

L-Luca and flower crowns...

😩😩😩❤️❤️❤️

WTH MY HEART CANNOT TAKE THIS LEVEL OF CUTENESS UGH THE KING CAN KEEP THE MIRROR FOR ALL I CARE I'M MARRYING LUCA W/ HIS LIL FLOWER CROWN 😩😩😩❤️❤️❤️

#voltage inc #the princess in the mirror #the princess in the mirror luca savini #the princess in the mirror luca #luca savini

[voltageapps]

November 3 is the birthday of Luca Savini from The Princess in the Mirror 🪞

Happy birthday Luca!

#voltageinc #voltage inc #voltage otome #otome romance #otome #otome game #princess in the mirror #luca savini #birthday

[foreversunshine-love]

I can't be the only one thinking this, right?

#oddly I still prefer Guy lol #like I want to punch Luca so badly #court of darkness #the princess in the mirror

[annicaax]

Anyone playing Luca route? (**post includes minor spoilers**)

I just finished his route. My gosh the ardor ending was so wholesome and satisfying. ofc the angst and some of the scenes prior to that were bit clitchy but... I totally loved Luca's MS and Luca himself. My expectations from reading the preview on Love 365 were met, above and beyond XD

Luca's story is pure humour, beautiful emotions, ambitions, angst and romance everything packed into a story that involves two star crossed childhood best friends. A slow burn yes. Can't wait for events and more... ~~

Luca is my first choice in the app. Tho I also loved Vince and had my eye on Farris. Speaking of Farris, we see him a lot in Luca's route. His and Luca's rivalry and friendship is adorable. Now that I'm in ranting mode, I can say they remind me of SLBP Masamune and Yukimura. Mild rivalry but friendship is very much present and well given they aren't samurai rivals here Farris and Luca get along pretty well especially towards the end. I absolutely loved how Luca came to rely on Farris.

I also see Luca = Yukimura X Sakuya. (to a great extent, with some additional traits, I suppose)

Saku = Childhood friend, First love, a bit shy but haughty. Passionate and loves Teasing his best friend

Yukimura = Chastity. The pure soul who can't defile a woman. Even if she wishes for it. That hesitation shyness, all of it are present in Luca.

All in all Luca is adorable and despite my experience playing many otome games, his route was refreshing and often very stirring. I loved it from the start to finish

Coming to other cast, Falko is amazing. Steadfast and caring. I just don't get Simeon though but okay...

I can't wait for Farris route. Yes I must complete Vince (who's also my super favorite). I'm both looking forward to their routes and also dreading to play them coz I just went broke

My wallet is more than empty. Like what, these expenses are gonna haunt me in the coming months. But okay I'm pretty much satisfied

#otome #voltage inc #annika's otome rants #slbp #luca savini #spoilers #the princess in the mirror #a week and i finished a route #wow #31.05.2023

[jess-21990]

Okay so atleast 3 men admitted to looking at MCs Cleavage outright xD yall nasty!

#voltage inc #voltage otome #voltage games #princess in the mirror #luca savini #falko velvet #Simeon Clay #farris lassen #save the tatas #They staring

[toaswife]

All of them look soo cute I really love this new event sounds fun to me!

#voltage princess in the mirror #voltage otome #voltage inc #Luca Savini #Farris Lassen #Joseph Remy #Falko Velvet #Simeon Clay #Noin #Zell #Vincent Casper

[missneko-otaku]

Tsundere Luca~

Just be honest to your feelings, Lucaaa~ <3

#random #moonshine #voltage inc. #otome #otome guys #otome game #the princess in the mirror #mirrpri #mirrpri luca #voltage party apps

[sillyqueenmaker]

Ho ripreso a giocare a The Princess in The Mirror di Voltage. Avevo interrotto perché avevo dei problemi con l'applicazione quindi ho dovuto disinstallare e riistallare, ho perso i dati di gioco quindi ho ricominciato, pazienza, mi piace molto. Chiaramente ho scelto di nuovo Luca, il mio amato 😍❤️

#otomegames #videogames #mobilegames #theprincessinthemirror #voltageinc #lucasavini #love #instagood

Il mio Instagram otome come lo chamo io❤️

#otome game #video games #mobile games #the princess in the mirror #voltageinc #luca savini #Love #my instagram #Instagram

[wizardess-sweetheart]

NOOOOOOOOOOO FREAKIN' TIMING!! FREAKIN' DRIVER!! 😭💔

We were having a moment! Thank you very much! 😭😭😭💔💔💔

LUCA LOOKS SOOOOOO CUTE W/ HIS LIL BLUSH GRRR 😩❤️

#voltage inc #the princess in the mirror #the princess in the mirror luca savini #the princess in the mirror luca #luca savini

[voltageapps]

The Princess in the Mirror 🪞 x Court of Darkness 🪄 Collab!

This draw is only available until September 25.

I won't post draw or event that often here but this collab is too funny I have to post it lol.

#voltageinc #voltage inc #voltage otome #otome romance #otome #otome game #princess in the mirror #court of darkness #guy avari #guy monus #luca savini #voltage collaboration

[wardenparker]

Character: Javi G

Prompt: “I’ll protect you”

Lastly: CONGRATS! 👏 🥳

Javi Gutierrez. 830 words. "I'll protect you." Co-written with @absurdthirst

Established relationship. Reader is described as having hair long enough to curl.

Javi rushes into the room, stopping and staring for a brief moment as you look up from the chair you are sitting in. Curlers are in your hair and there are a million different products lined up on the bathroom counter. A ring light has been added, giving more light to the space to allow the stylist that he had hired to make you feel like a princess. "The dress is here." He tells you excitedly.

"Is it everything you hoped for, amor?" His film premiere tonight has him in jitters, but the excited kind. As Javi has gotten more comfortable in Hollywood, he has also become a more active participant in the parties and events that the film industry considers so important. It's taking a little longer for you to get into the scene, but you also haven't been in Hollywood as long as he has. In fact, you're only here because of how much you love him. Being a writer/producer's girlfriend was never anything you had on the Bingo card of your life.

"You love it too, sí?" He asks, a worried frown crossing his face. He had thought you loved the dress too, but maybe he had been too busy imagining how you would look next to him to see any objections you had. He just wanted you to feel beautiful tonight, since you are coming with him.

"Of course I love it." It's a stunning, designer-made evening gown. What's not to love? "I just want you to be proud to be seen with me, my love. And since you picked out the dress, I wanted to make sure that you still love it."

"I would be proud to be seen with you no matter what you are wearing." You still seem to be a bit intimidated by the fact that he used to be a billionaire. He's not one anymore. Most everything he owed was siezed by the police when they captured Lucas. He didn't even get to keep his golden guns. Now, he was started to build back a nice portfolio with the screenplays he was developing, but you don't care about his lack of money. "But it is even more beautiful than I remember." He hums. "Almost as beautiful as you."

“Flatterer.” A teasing little accusation and you lean forward to kiss him as the stylist moves around you to take your hair out of the curlers and work whatever magic she has in mind. “Everything will be wonderful tonight, mi amor. I promise.” He’s knows you are nervous, but you have given him your word that you do want to be there and so you’re going to make sure that he feels it, too. Hollywood may be intimidating but it will not stop you from supporting him.

"It will be good for you too." He promises, sending you a soft smile through the mirror. You have been amazing, his constant support and champion after he had split with Gabriela. It was like you were meant to be.

“I’m sure it will be. And it will be nice to see Nick and Olivia.” Javi’s best friend is his coproducer on this film and Nick Cage’s wife has quickly become a friendly shoulder for you to lean on. As odd as that sentence is to you sometimes.

"Yes it will." He grins, excited to see his friend again. "They also said that the afterparties are a must."

“We’ll stay out as long as you like,” you promise him with an indulgent grin. “I took the next two days off of work.”

"You did?" His brows wing up in surprise, expecting to have to leave early so you could go to bed a reasonably decent time.

“Of course I did.” His surprise breaks your heart, but you reach up to cup his face gently with one hand. “I might be nervous but I’m not going to abandon you in the middle of your big night.”

"I know." He knows that you are incredibly supportive, but you also have a job that you have to keep as well. "I just know you are nervous at the big parties."

“And I’ll get used to it with a little practice.” Your office job doesn’t exactly put you in the line of fire when it comes to big anything. But Javi is worth making changes for.

Javi nods, understanding that you must feel like a fish out of water at times. "Don't worry." He promises, risking the stylist's ire to press a soft kiss to your cheek. "I'll protect you."

“I know you will.” Since the moment the two of you met, you have been his champion and he has been yours. He’s more than you ever dreamed of in a partner and you’re determined to make him proud. “It’s going to be a wonderful night, mi amor.”

“Yes it will.” He knows it will be, because you are by his side. “We will have the time of our lives.”

______

Master Tags: @pixiedurango @chattychell @winter-fox-queen @lady-himbo @artsymaddie @princess76179 @paintballkid711 @missminkylove @pedrosbrat @ew-erin @sarahjkl82-blog @sharkbait77 @justanotherblonde23 @lv7867 @recklesswit @mylittlesenaar @f0rever15elf @gallowsjoker @steeevienicks @athalien @sherala007 @skvatnavle @thatpinkshirt @jaime1110 @girlimjusttryingtoreadfanfics @goodgriefitsawildworld @greeneyedblondie44 @littlemousedroid @harriedandharassed @churchill356 @ajathegreats-blog @haylzcyon   @beardsanddetectives @kirsteng42 @ladykatakuri @adancedivasmom @madiebear @tanzthompson @emilianamason @bigsdinger @xocalliexo @pedr0swh0r3 @avaleineandafryingpan @charlyrmv @avidreader73 @iceclaw101 @loveslide @elegantduckturtle @becsworld @julesonrecord @its-nebuleuse @itsrubberbisquit @mikeyswifie @guelyury @lizzie-cakes @for-a-longlongtime @vabeachazn @purplerain04 @weho2kcmo @madnessofadaydreamer

My Masterlist!

#Pedro Pascal #Pedro Pascal character fanfiction #Pedro Pascal fanfic #Javi Gutierrez #Javi Gutierrez x you #Javi Gutierrez x reader #Javi Gutierrez x female reader #Javi Gutierrez x f!reader #Javi G #TUWOMT #the unbearable weight of massive talent

[annicaax]

after the princes and npcs they drop us the childhood friend... I'm weak to such tropes. I know luca is also a childhood friend of sorts but ugh... luca's event was absolutely beautiful and Ko is such a gem. its a waste if he remains npc. I hope to see more of him in the future the current event stories are really heart warming and perfect can't wait to read the other event paths

#mirpri ko #otome #the princess in the mirror #luca savini #mirpri luca

[jess-21990]

HOW TO GET A GIRL TO FALL FOR YOU

Taught by Princess in the Mirrors Luca Savini

STEP 1:

Knock on the door & instead of waiting for an answer to make sure she's there & not trying to get dressed barge in!

STEP 2:

Bring her a bouquet of Flowers & instead of handing them to her with a smile...CHUCK EM AT HER!! BE MY PRINCESS 2 STYLE! XD

STEP 3:

When she asks the reason why you're giving her these flowers you answer in an improper sentence that makes NO sense WHATSOEVER.....like this

And then you get cocky as fuck! Like this....

The end result should look like this.....

AND BAM SHES YOURS! XD lmfao hope yall learned something!

#voltage inc #voltage otome #voltage games #How to #princess in the mirror #luca savini #smooth like butter #Shes into him #Chuck thoes flowers #Be my princess 2 style

[jtargaryen18]

His Inheritance ~ Chapter 29 Preview

I'd really, really like to post this Sunday. I'm trying...

“Is there anything else you know, Sweetheart? Anything at all?”

Oh, she did. He knew that look.

“What?” he asked.

“It involves Yelena,” she said, holding his gaze.

“This is not the time to bargain with me—”

“Oh, I’m not bargaining for anything,” she informed him, anger hardening her expression. “Yelena will be back where she belongs when this is over. She’s loyal to me and it was out of that loyalty that she told Clint where he could find Banner.”

“Excuse me?” Banner was supposed to be gone. Long gone, off to the west coast.

“He was still here,” she told him. “On Stark’s turf. He needed to be dealt with and Clint deserved a go at him.”

The way his wife spoke, the fire in her eyes. It mirrored the anger he was struggling to keep down right now.

“Think about it,” she said. “Yelena gave him that information. Then he calls Nat, tells her we’ve been ratted out and Barnes knows everything. We’re all in danger.”

Steve stared her down. “You think Banner is the rat?”

She shook her head. “Banner’s involved, but he’s not the rat. He didn’t know what you had planned for tonight. And he had no access to that information unless it was from the rat who did. But he was still here. Banner was hoping for something, and it wasn’t Nat. What did Barnes promise him?”

What indeed. She had a point. Banner had sworn to Steve he’d be gone, and he was still here, on Stark’s turf. Someone promised him something important.

“You think Stark is involved?” Steve pressed.

“No,” she said. “I don’t really know him. But from the impression I got, he wouldn’t be that stupid.”

It was his thought exactly about Tony Stark. Jesus. Who was this woman he married?

“Barnes?” She shrugged. “Well, that remains to be seen.”

“You’ve talked to Belova,” he said.

“And she is on her way to the location she gave Clint,” she explained.

“Alone?”

“No, she’s with friends,” his wife explained.

“What friends?”

“All I know is that they are friends of Dyson,” she said. “And if he trusts them, and she trusts them, then so do I.”

Not a hint of doubt or hesitation. His wife stood toe to toe with him, talking about the dangers of his world with authority.

“But we have no idea where Dyson is.” Now her expression softened. The smallest trace of fear in her eyes. “I tried to call him from Nat’s phone, Luca called. There’s no answer. He’s supposed to be going with Neal to deal with Hansen tonight. Steve, we have to find him.”

Scrubbing a hand through his hair, Steve nodded. “We do. We really do… Dyson didn’t take it well that I pushed Belova out.”

“I’ll bet he didn’t,” she said bitterly.

“You got in his head about Neal,” Steve told her. “Neal said something about Belova Dyson really didn’t like. He beat the shit out of him, right there in my office last night.”

Steve saw the flash of excitement in her eyes at that. Just as quickly, it diminished.

“Jesus, Steve. Dyson’s walking into a trap between Hansen and Neal.” His wife shook her head, her teeth tugging at her lower lip nervously. “He’s dead if we don’t do something.”

Steve knew she was right. If Neal was who she thought he was.

“You really think Neal is the rat here?” he asked.

“I know he is, Steve.”

It was then he realized something. The conviction, the certainty she spoke with? It was all too familiar.

It all very much reminded him of her father. Every bit of it. And her father had been a hell of a leader in his time. He would never have found himself in the shit situation Steve let himself fall into.

He would have trusted her father without question. But could he put aside who he thought Neal was?

Pulling her phone out of the pocket of his slacks, he handed it to her. “Call Dyson. One last try before I start making hard decisions.”

She took the phone without hesitation, hitting Dyson’s number with haste and putting the speaker on so he could hear. It only rang once before someone answered.

“Hi there, Princess,” Hansen drawled.

#His Inheritance #Get ready

[missjomarch]

The Boys

platonic!umich hockey x reader

words: 3.4k

warnings: descriptive SA, swearing, mentions of alcohol, ‘princess’ as a playful/friendly nickname lol

A/N: PLEASE do not read if the things mentioned in the warnings are triggering for you, this is rather detailed and graphic at points. it’s been a really long time (over 2 years) since I’ve written anything creative so please be kind. This was also heavily influence by @yankstrash fic “I’ve Got You” so please go check it out. Enjoy <3

Probably 18+ bc of the SA aspect, read at your own risk

You were drunk. Past drunk, actually. You’re not exactly sure how it happened, but you do know that one minute you were playing flip cup with Nolan and the next the room was spinning. In your defense it was Saturday night - your favorite night.

Despite your friendship with the hockey boys and your current residence in Michigan, hockey wasn’t your favorite sport. Maybe don’t tell the boys that though. Growing up Southern, you were a die hard football fan. Attending the game every Saturday and the party after was one of your favorite routines. And that’s exactly how you ended up here: giggling on the couch of the sophomore house as sweaty bodies lounged around you.

You had met the boys halfway through your freshman year. After being paired with Ethan for a project in your economics class, he had invited you to go out with them. Somewhere between then and now the occasional darty turned into weeknight sleepovers and attending all their games. You loved your boys, and they loved you. They’d do anything for you, and though you didn’t live there the house was equally as much yours as it was theirs.

You were still giggling on the couch, talking with a girl from your leadership class, when Luca plopped down beside you.

“TILLI!!” you gasped, leaning into him.

“Hey y/n/n.” Luca smiled down at you, putting his arm around you. You lifted your head off his chest to bring your mouth closer to his ear.

“You’re my favorite Fantilli brother, but don’t tell Adam. It’ll hurt his feelings,” you whispered to Luca, or at least you thought you did. The alcohol was definitely affecting your volume awareness. Luca let out a laugh at your compliment, giving your waist a squeeze in acknowledgement.

“Okay,” you sighed, “I’m going to get another drink.” You quickly stood up from the couch, only to quickly be yanked back down by Luca.

“Oh no you don’t princess, you’re cut off.” Luca reprimands. A pout quickly makes its way to your face, fake tears already beginning to pool in your eyes.

“Don’t give me that look. Sober you would never say that I was your favorite Fantilli brother, so you’re caught.” You continued to pout as Luca looked down at you.

“Well you’re not exactly helping your case right now, sir,” you slurred, but Luca just shrugged at your threat. You sat in silence for a few minutes with your head tucked into Luca’s chest as he scrolled on his phone.

“Okay, but Lu I actually do really need to use the bathroom. Can you let me up?” You poked at him. He eyed you for a second, looking for that usual mischievous glint. Coming up short, he released his grip on you. You swayed when you stood, but were quickly stabilized by his hand at your elbow.

“Come on, I’ll walk you to the stairs.” Luca stood with you guiding you to the staircase before you waved him off, insisting you could make it up. The upstairs is usually off limits to party guests, as the boys don’t want people in their rooms. You were an exception, of course.

You made your way into the bathroom, quickly doing your business before turning to look in the mirror. After a quick touch-up and a moment of mid-party dissociation, you were ready to return downstairs. Swinging the door open, you begin to walk down the quiet hallway when you someone grabs your wrist. You turn around, expecting to see one of the hockey boys, but are met with a vaguely familiar brunette.

“There you are. I’ve been trying to track you down all night.” He gives you a wide grin, clearly even more drunk than you. At your hesitation, his smile drops a bit.

“You remember me, don’t you? Nathan. We met at the game last week.” The recognition hits you finally. He had been standing behind you at the football game last Saturday, and had asked for your number. You hadn’t really been interested, but before you could say no Ethan had sent him on his way with a “she’s good bro.”

“Oh yeah! I remember now. Sorry about last weekend, sometimes Ethan can be a bit-“

“Don’t worry about it,” Nathan cut you off, “I’m just glad I found you again.” He stepped closer to you now. Pulling on your wrist slightly so your back was facing the stairs. Your face faltered a bit, unsettled by his closeness.

“Speaking of, where’s your boyfriend tonight pretty girl?” Nathan began to pull on your arms a bit, clearly trying to direct you into the darkness of the hallway. You were used to people referring to Ethan as your boyfriend, as you two spent so much time together. But the tone Nathan used left a sour taste in your mouth. You considered lying about this next part.

“He’s actually not my-“ He cut you off again.

“Even better.” Your blood ran cold as Nathan’s eyes darkened. He began pulling you down the hallway to one of the boys’ bedrooms. You struggled against his hold but the fight was futile. He was a foot taller than you and probably a hundred pounds heavier. You began to panic, frantically looking behind you to catch the eye of someone downstairs.

“Come on baby, don’t act like you don’t want me. I saw the look in your eye last weekend before your little boy toy ruined our fun.” Nathan shoved you through the nearest doorway, which happened to be Ethan’s bedroom.

Tears began to run down your face as Nathan slammed the door shut, locking it behind him. There was no escaping this. His hands were on you in an instant, grabbing at anything he could reach as he shoved his lips against yours. You continued to fight again him, even as he shoved you against the door. Your head made a thud against the wood, the impact not helping your dizziness. You found yourself regretting ever drinking at all, the alcohol in your system only adding to your disorientation.

“Please,” you whispered, a sob making its way into your throat as he moved his lips down your neck.

“What was that? You want more?” Nathan drawled into your ear. You frantically shook your head no, begging him to get off. Your shoves and scratches did nothing to deter him. His hands found their way to your chest, grabbing at your boobs. You heard the fabric rip before you even felt the cool air hit your chest. He had ripped your tank top in half, exposing your chest to him. You thrashed in his hold, desperately trying to cover yourself.

“No no, none of that baby.” Nathan cooed, trying to get his hold back on you. When you finally stopped fighting his hold, he moved back to kiss you. You spat in his face then, your last act of defiance. Nathan’s face screwed up in anger.

“You stupid bitch-“ your cheek was suddenly burning. You barely registered the hand he was lowering as you stood there dumbfounded. He had slapped you - hard. You knew it was going to leave a mark as the tears began to well up in your eyes all over again.

Nathan was still grumbling to himself as he dragged you towards Ethan’s bed. He flung you onto the mattress you had spent so many nights on already. You weren’t sure you’d ever be able to sleep here again. His hands were back on you now, and you began to search the room for anything that could help you. You knew E had an extra stick in here but where was it? Damn it y/n think. It wasn’t anywhere you could visibly see it, but you vaguely remembered him saying something once about it being being under the bed.

Nathan began to pull off of you to strip his clothes. It was now or never. Praying Ethan still had that damn stick under the bed , you quickly rolled on your side. Shoving your hand under the bed, you fumbled around for a half second before finding purchase on something. You retracted, the stick in your hand. Thank God. Nathan was turning back around, and that’s when you swung. It wasn’t a hard hit, but when blade met his nose blood went flying. Ethan cursed, hands flying to his now shattered nose. You threw the stick to the side, bolting up and towards the door before Nathan regained awareness. You felt his hand swipe at you, just narrowly missing your wrist.

Unlocking the door, you escaped into the hallway. You quickly crossed your arms over your bare chest, barely remembering to cover yourself before you sprinted down the stairs. You were a sight to behold: shirt ripped in half, a bruised and tear stained cheek, and wild eyes. You desperately looked around for any of the boys, knowing Nathan would be following behind you at any moment. More tears began to fall as you searched the house, squeezing past the same sweaty bodies you were laughing with earlier. You were rounding the corner to the kitchen when you slammed into something solid. Hands quickly gripping your arms to keep you upright. You looked up to find Mark, looking down at you with a smile that quickly dropped when he met your eyes.

“What happened?” He asked, panic finding its way into his voice. You were in hysterics, terrified of Nathan finding you. You were babbling to Mark, unable to form a coherent sentence.

“Hey, slow down.” He cooed, a hand finding your shoulder. You jumped at his touch, quickly shoving yourself further into him. Mark wrapped his arms around you. If he wasn’t concerned before, he definitely was now. Looking down at you, he finally noticed the state of your shirt. His heart dropped instantly. He pulled you closer to him to hide you as he looked over his shoulder to the group of boys watching you from the other side of the kitchen.

“Hey! Hughesy!” Mark shouted to Luke from where he held you. “Go find Eddy.”

Luke nodded quickly, taking Rutger with him as he left.

“You’re alright, y/n/n,” Mark rubbed your back, “Luke is going to find E, okay?” You couldn’t do more than nod. Knowing that until your best friend arrived, you weren’t leaving Mark’s arms. A few minutes later, you heard Ethan loudly entering the kitchen. Luke, Rutger, and Duker following closely behind.

“What do you mean she’s crying? I just saw…” Ethan’s loud voice trailed off as he saw you in Mark’s hold, your hands covering your ears as the tears continued to fall. “Fuck,” he breathed.

Ethan quickly approached the two of you, his hand coming to rest lightly on the back of your head. You jumped again, opening your eyes to meet his. You left Mark’s arms immediately, only to run straight to Ethan’s.

“Hey princess, what’s going on?” Using the boys’ shared nickname for you, he began to rub up and down your back. Mark gave him a quick run down of how he found you, and pointing out the state of your tank top. Ethan looked down, and immediately saw red. The hand shaped bruise on your cheek and shredded material of your shirt told him everything he needed to know. But he wouldn’t move without your confirmation.

Ethan leaned down further to reach your ear, “I know you’re scared, but I’ve got you y/n/n. I need you to tell me what happened.”

You looked up at him then, seeing the hard set of his clenched jaw as he took in your tear stained cheeks.

“He touched me.” You barely whispered, throat raw from crying. Ethan’s anger only grew as you confirmed his suspicions.

“Who?” He asked.

“The guy from the game last week.”

Ethan remembered. The asshole had threatened him when you left for the bathroom, and Ethan had ran him off. He looked up, searching the room for Nathan’s face. He could still feel you trembling in his arms.

“I hit him,” you managed to make out. Ethan’s head snapped back to you, brows furrowed.

“That’s how I got away,” you mumbled, “he was bleeding.” Ethan’s heart broke at the weakness in your voice. You were never a violent person, and for someone to drive you to that point… Ethan was going to kill him.

Mark and the other boys were on standby, waiting for Ethan’s plan.

“Where was he y/n/n? We’re going to handle this.” Ethan questioned, glancing towards Mark to indicate his next move was to find the little bitch.

“Upstairs.”

Ethan nodded, turning to Mark and instructing him to find the guys who weren’t already in the kitchen. The boys already gathered there had unintentionally formed a circle around you, guarding you from prying eyes. Ethan had them all turn around as he shucked off the sweatshirt he was wearing and slipped it over you to cover your exposed front. You would’ve said thank you, but you didn’t need to.

Mark finally returned with the rest of the guys, and Ethan began forming a course of action. You watched as he assessed the team that had assembled.

“E, please don’t leave.” You begged, your hands balling up the material of his shirt. Your voice becoming unsteady again at the thought of being alone.

“I’m not gonna leave you alone princess, but I’ve gotta go handle this. Can you stay with Luca? Just for a few minutes, I promise.” You looked to your right, where Luca stood waiting with his arms open and a comforting smile gracing his features. You nodded to Ethan, and he released his grip on you as you moved towards the freshman.

Luca quickly wrapped you up in his arms again, giving you a sense of protection. Rutger, Adam, and Duker were going to stay with you while Ethan took Mark, Luke, and Moyle with him to find Nathan. You watched as Ethan whispered something to Adam on his way out of the kitchen.

“We’ve got her man.” Adam nodded to Ethan, confirming that they wouldn’t let you out of their sight. Luca was backed into a corner of the kitchen with you in his arms, the other three boys in front of you blocking you from the rest of the party.

“You want to go somewhere less crowded?” Luca whispered to you. You nodded, not trusting your voice. The boys began to lead you out of the kitchen to the back patio, before sliding the door closed behind you all.

You’re unsure how long you stood outside in Luca’s arms, unsure how long you listened to him make small talk with Adam and Duker. But after a while their soft whispers and the soft thump of Luca’s heartbeat lulled you into a more languid state. Eventually Ethan returned with Mark, but Luke and Moyle no where to be found. You tried to ignore the bruises already gracing Ethan’s knuckles as he ran a hand down your arm. A silent conversation passed between the boys around you, as Ethan pulled you from Luca’s arms.

“Come on, princess. Let’s go get you fixed up, yeah?” You nodded, numbly. The alcohol had long since worn off, and your drunken state was replaced with a lethargic drag. The fact that it was almost 3 in the morning didn’t help.

Ethan practically carried you through the house and towards the stairs. The freshman broke off to begin clearing the remaining party-goers from the living room, and you saw Luke and Moyle re-entering the house as you passed by the front door. Ethan must have had them on escort duty, a nice way of saying they kicked Nathan out on his ass after whatever occurred upstairs. They gave Ethan a tight nod and then followed behind you up the stairs. When you reached the top, Ethan began leading you towards his room. Your eyes widened as you took in the blood stained carpet and the hockey stick lying beside it. Ethan could feel you tense up in his arms as you silently begged him not to take you in there. Feeling you turn towards him in his arms, he looked down at you and placed a hand on your non-bruised cheek.

“It’s okay, we don’t have to go in there,” Ethan assured. He had been beyond pissed when he followed the blood trail into his room. Not because it would stain the carpet, but because it filled him with impossible guilt. Though he knew it wasn’t his fault, the fact that he wasn’t able to protect you in his own home, his own room. It filled him with rage.

“She can sleep in my room tonight, I don’t mind to take the couch.” Mark offered instead, opening the door and ushering you and Ethan through. Once you were settled on the edge of the bed, Mark turned to leave. He closed the door behind him, letting you know they’d be waiting outside.

Once the door was shut, Ethan turned to you silently. Kneeling down in front of where you sat at the end of the bed, he took your hands in his.

“Look at me princess,” Ethan all but whispered. The emotion of the night finally catching up with him, he feared you might break if he spoke any louder.

You finally lifted your teary eyes to meet his, inhaling sharply at the devastation set in his features. His hand came up to brush strands of hair out of your face. You winced slightly as his hand pasted over the bruise from the blow Nathan had dealt you, and Ethan’s jaw tightened.

“He’ll never even look at you again, I promise. I’ll kill him if he even tries.” Ethan swore, trying to remain gentle despite the anger still coursing through him. Silent tears began streaming down your face for what felt like the millionth time.

“I’m sorry, “ you muttered to him through your tears, hands tightening around his. Ethan’s brows furrowed as you continued.

“I was drunk and maybe he thought-“

“Absolutely not,” Ethan cut you off, “you’re not in the wrong here. He had no right to put his hands on you no matter how drunk you are or the level of interest you expressed. If you looked anything like how I found you downstairs it should’ve been obvious to him that you didn’t want that. He knew what he was doing princess, this isn’t your fault.” You nodded your head, leaning down to wrap your arms around Ethan’s neck. He moved to sit on the bed, allowing you to rest in his lap as you trembled.

“I’m sorry I wasn’t there,” Ethan mumbled into your hair. You shook your head, removing your head from his neck to look at him.

“Not your fault, you didn’t know,” you mumbled, “thank you for protecting me.”

“Always, princess.”

———

That night you slept in Mark’s room with Ethan next to you, drowning in various pieces of clothing the boys lent you for the night. Mark took Ethan’s room instead of the couch, after 20 minutes of you insisting that he was too tall to sleep on the couch.

The next morning, you woke up to the boys (attempting) to make breakfast for you downstairs. As you watched them struggled, Luca texted to let you know he was already out getting a backup breakfast for when they inevitably burned the pancakes. You smiled slightly at your friends thoughtfulness. He returned with your favorite coffee and bagel order from the shop down the street just as the other boys finally gave up on their culinary dreams.

“Hey,” Duker pouted from his place in front of the stove, “I thought you had more faith in us than that.”

You laughed at his feigned hurt, rising from your seat to thank him for his attempt. You ate your bagel as the boys found their own various breakfast replacements, and you all spent the morning laughing in the kitchen over stories. No one brought up the previous night, and you knew no one would make you talk about it if you didn’t want to. But you didn’t fail to notice how Ethan stood a bit closer than normal, and how Mark and Luke were always between you and the door. Eventually you’d tell them about it - probably Ethan first -but not today.

Though you were still a bit paranoid, something you knew wouldn’t go away anytime soon, your heart was full of love for your boys. Knowing the extents to which they’d go to protect you made you love them all the more.

#umich wolverines #umich hockey #ethan edwards #luca fantilli #mark estapa #hockey

[zablife]

My Sun, My Moon and All My Stars-Part 2

Luca Changretta x OC (Aurora Changretta)

Summary: Aurora and Tommy put their plan into motion. When things go wrong in Artillery Square, she’s the one who must deal with Luca.

Author’s Note: Rose Solomons is an OC belonging to @raincoffeeandfandoms.

Warnings: language, drinking, ethnic slurs, mention of death, fighting, injury, blood, mention of domestic abuse

☀️🌙✨MASTERLIST✨🌙☀️

Part 1

The last of the letters sat addressed and ready to mail home in the morning, It was important to Aurora that she tell the families about their brave sons and husbands who had given their lives for her family. She pledged continued income and protection on behalf of the Sabini family for their sacrifice, but the promise felt as weightless as the cheap hotel stationary she held in her hand. Rubbing an ink stain from her finger, she hadn’t noticed Luca enter, furrowing his brow at her.

“You’re still awake?” he asked, leaning against the doorframe.

“I couldn’t sleep until I finished my condolence letters,” she said, motioning toward the neat stack at the corner of the desk. 

“Come to bed,” he said, extending a hand for her and she rose to meet him without resistance. “You’re a good woman, Aurora,” he commented, urging her to lean into him.

“Is that what we should tell their children?” she asked into the darkness of the hallway, limbs feeling heavy with exhaustion.

“The Shelbys will answer for this, hmm? They did this,” he stressed, rubbing his palm along her upper back. She winced slightly from her healing injuries, murmuring about the nightly regimen she needed to complete and he guided her into the bedroom.

Aurora sat at the edge of the bed, dark hair cascading over one shoulder as Luca’s long fingers massaged a soothing balm into her bruised shoulder. The moonlight reflected against her glossy locks, drawing Luca forward to kiss the top of her head. Breathing in the hint of spice in her perfume, he mused, “You remember the first Christmas we were married? All the promises we made?”

Aurora nodded as she glanced down at the bauble on her right hand, a gift from their first holiday together as a married couple. The large princess cut emerald nestled amongst smaller brilliant diamonds, one for every child they hoped to be blessed with in the future. “My sun, my moon and all my stars,” she whispered. It was true they’d made plans for a dynasty of their own in the early days, but this was no longer the dream as all her hopes had turned to fear, joy drowning in sorrow and every kiss from Luca sinking her deeper into death.

Luca rested his cheek against her momentarily as he continued, “This vendetta has made me realize how short life is. When we get back home a new life begins for us. Things are gonna be different.”

Aurora’s breath caught in her chest as she listened to his words, eyes slipping closed at the memory of Tommy Shelby’s icy stare as she agreed to the unthinkable.

“When all this is done, I think it’s time to talk about having a family,” he said, caressing her arm. “We have to find a way to move on after Angel and Papa,” he said, a sadness tinging his voice that made her whole body ache even more as guilt permeated her soul.

After a few moments of silence, she looked up to find her husband staring at her in the mirror and she could hardly meet his gaze.

“Did you hear what I said, Aurora?” he asked, pulling her into him. 

“Mmm-hm,” she acknowledged numbly.

Satisfied he had her attention, Luca continued, brushing her hair with his fingers absently as he spoke. “You can stop working for your father and let go of all the worry. Have my children and let me spoil you for the rest of your life, vita mia,” he promised with a squeeze. “God, you’ll make the most beautiful mother,” he praised, kissing the side of her face. When she remained still, Luca pulled away to look at her, finding a tear in the corner of her eye. “You alright?” he asked tenderly.

Aurora’s hand came to rest at his cheek as her mind whirred, unable to answer him until she finally heard herself say, “Luca, I’m so tired. Can we go to sleep?”

“Of course,” he replied with another peck to her shoulder, moving backward on the bed and tossing the covers aside. She slipped beneath the duvet, silk night gown sliding against the smooth cotton and sighed at the relief of the cool material against her face. She watched intently as Luca turned out the light, hoping he hadn’t noticed the turmoil behind her eyes.

————————————-

Two days later, Aurora entered the dining room to find Luca with his head in his hands. 

“What’s wrong?” she asked, taking a seat beside him at the table.

Luca tossed a telegram before her and she grasped it between her fingers, eyes flying across the page. She tried to hide the small intake of breath as she realized it came from Camden Town, realizing the plan was in motion.

“The jew says he can lead me to Shelby,” Luca said, leaning back in his chair as he drummed his fingers on the tabletop. 

“That’s good, isn’t it?” Aurora asked encouragingly, reaching for his hand.

Luca pulled back with a shake of his head. “Something isn’t right. I can feel it,” he said stroking his cheek thoughtfully.

“Wh-why do you say that? I thought you had a productive meeting at the distillery. You promised him distribution for his rum in New York in exchange for Tommy Shelby’s whereabouts,” she said, reiterating the terms of the agreement. 

Luca stood and crossed to the window looking down to the street. “I don’t trust him, baby,” he eventually replied.

“I admit he’s a bit eccentric, but Darby said we can trust him. Papa said,” Aurora stressed, attempting not to raise her voice and show her hand. 

“It’s not just him. It’s that wife of his. She’s got opinions on everything, always in his ear,” he said with a disapproving sneer. Luca spun around to look at Aurora as he asked intently, “What was it she said to you that day when you were alone? You never told me.”

Aurora’s eyes dropped to the patterned tablecloth, tracing it slowly as she thought of a believable lie. The clock in the corner ticked away the seconds forcefully, urging her on until she landed on the telegram once more. Placing a manicured finger over a few words she pronounced, “Look, the Solomons mention Artillery Square.”

“And?” Luca asked with clenched jaw.

“Tommy Shelby hides his youngest brother there. Goes to visit him one day a week to give him his orders in person and check on him,” she said confidently.

Luca was listening intently now, studying his wife with suspicion. “And how do you know this, principessa?” he asked. 

“You asked what Rose said. She told me they’ve had a girl from the bakery who was sweet on him. She tried to warn her off and couldn’t. She said she followed her there a few times,” Aurora continued as naturally as possible. 

“And why wouldn’t you have told me this before?” Luca asked with raised eyebrow, pacing back to the breakfast table with a dangerous look in his eye.

Aurora went to him, stroking a hand down his shirt front to calm him. “I had to be sure,” she said, faltering slightly in her delivery before dipping her head under his chin. When Luca accepted her, lacing an arm around her waist, her body relaxed against his. However, she quickly noticed the tension did not leave his grip as he tightened his hold on her.

“Sure of what, amore?” he whispered in a low growl, fingers pressing against her flesh painfully. One hand slipped away to find her chin, pulling her eyes up to meet his in a challenging stare.

Aurora eyes darted momentarily as she forced the lump back down her throat with the note of panic desperate to escape. “I couldn’t risk her giving us false information. Putting you in danger,” she purred.

Luca’s head tilted slightly as his brow softened, “So how do you know she’s not lying?” he implored, wanting to believe.

At that moment, Enzo entered the room and Aurora turned to him with a desperate look in her eye. With her back to her husband she silently pleaded through her gaze as she spoke. “Enzo followed him there,” she said, heart thundering in her chest as she waited for her father’s man to give confirmation.

“Have you been watching Artillery Square?” Luca asked the young man before him.

Aurora gave an almost imperceptible nod of her head toward Enzo and his eyes went wide for a moment, glancing between husband and wife. He knew what needed to be done though fear coursed through his veins. “Yes, boss,” he quickly replied.

“And Tommy Shelby’s brother lives there? You’re certain of it?” he asked.

“Yes, I’m sure,” Enzo confirmed, feeling a trickle of sweat run down his back.

Luca sighed heavily, running his tongue along the inside of his cheek as he thought.

“You see, Luca, we can trust the intelligence,” Aurora spoke up. Seeing his resolve was weakening at the thought of a victory over the Shelbys, Aurora delivered one last impassioned speech. “Let’s end this so we can go home. You take him today, Luca. You must,” she urged her husband, stroking his cheek gently.

She could see from the glint in his eye that he was ready, having waited too long for vengeance for his family. “Today,” he repeated with a firm nod, assured in his decision. 

———————————————

Tommy waited patiently from a second story balcony late into the afternoon with a machine gun covered by a thick swath of muslin. Residents had been evacuated from the buildings in Artillery Square, though he suspected some still remained as noises could be heard occasionally with the rustle of the breeze. If it were rats or curious tenants, he couldn’t quite be sure. It was of no concern now though, the only thought on his mind was waiting for Luca and his men.

Tommy closed his eyes, taking in one last deep breath and exhaling into the heavens. This would be the end to it all, the black hand and the blood in the kitchen had been nothing compared to this moment when he would finally be victorious. And if he wasn't, that would be the end of everything extra and he could be at peace with Grace. “In the bleak midwinter…” he began before the roar of a car engine could be heard in the distance.

Readying himself for battle, Tommy withdrew the cloth from his weapon and hid beyond the shadows, listening to the distant footsteps of at least four men, recalling all the places he’d stored guns and ammunition around the compound. He steadied his breathing as he’d done years ago in the war, taking in the stream of oxygen as he might the opium or whisky afterward to stop the shakes. He took one last look at his pocket watch, the soldier's minute had begun.

—————————————-

Aurora watched the last of the vehicles Darby provided pull away from the curb and she felt a rush of adrenaline course through her whole body. She packed quickly knowing time was not a luxury today and gathered the tickets Rose had left for her under an assumed name. Everything was falling into place almost too well when she felt a hand on her shoulder as she waited for a taxi. 

She startled at the touch, dropping her case to the pavement as she glanced over her shoulder nervously. This was the moment she was found out. She was certain of it and she nearly fainted as she glimpsed the fedora in her peripheral vision. 

In a blessed moment of relief, the voice that issued forth was not that of her husband, but a warm, soothing tone of her bodyguard. Shoulders slumping forward in instant relief she managed, “Enzo! It’s only you.”

“Yes, Mr. Changretta said I should stay behind and watch over you,” he explained, a note of apology in his voice.

“I won't be needing you today. Go back to the hotel,” Aurora instructed.

Enzo looked confused as Aurora straightened her dress and picked her case up from where it had fallen at her feet. He dipped quickly to pick it up for her, but she grabbed the handle first with a shake of her head. Her hazel eyes turned dark with warning, the same look she’d given him that morning in the dining room and he understood she was fleeing. 

“I’m sorry, I can’t stay,” she said as a taxi pulled up to the curb. 

“No, it’s I who must apologize, Mrs. Changretta,” he replied as he opened the door for her. "Potrai mai perdonarmi?"

She paused as her hand fell upon the door. “Why do you say that?” she asked, eyes snapping up to meet his.

Enzo looked away as he fixed his eyes on something across the road answering honestly, “I never protected you from him. It was my one job and I failed you,” he confessed.

Aurora’s swallowed harshly as she was confronted by the truth no one had dared speak into existence in her presence. She placed a gloved hand over his and gave a gentle squeeze as she tried to fortify him with a look of reassurance. “You've done enough. Be satisfied with that and don't worry. I'm my father's daughter. No one strikes a Sabini without bearing a scar of their own.” Then she ducked inside the cab without looking back.

——————————-

“Dear Lord, vengeance is yours. My father, look upon me. Vengeance is yours too.” Luca whispered before making the sign of the cross and kissing the St. Christopher medal that hung from his neck. As Matteo drove a bread truck deep into Shelby territory, he searched for signs of life in the smoggy streets. However, the neighborhood appeared cold and desolate, gray clouds hanging like a burial shroud over the decaying buildings.

Luca leaned forward to give his final instructions to his men. “He may try to surrender, but remember, I’ll fire the final shot,” he warned them, flexing his gloved hands until the leather cracked breaking the tension in the air. They nodded in silent understanding, exchanging glances as they all recognized the blood lust in Luca’s eyes. He wouldn’t be contained a moment longer.

As soon as the car stopped, Luca jumped from the back, surveying the empty car left by the alley. By all accounts this was Shelby’s car and he smirked with pleasure knowing his enemy was nearby. 

In the distance Tommy watched through the iron bars of the balcony railing as Luca marched through the courtyard, a lion prowling unfamiliar territory with his nose high in the air. He had an unsettling sense of superiority Tommy found nauseating, a reminder of the cavalry who rode past him without a single glance. That was the secret to his plan, however. Hiding in plain sight where Luca would never think to look. Taking one last view through the sights, Tommy’s finger curled over the trigger in anticipation of just the right moment.

No sooner had Luca begun thinking of his plans to ambush Tommy, gunfire reigned down from above. The sharp echoes around him bit at his nerves and the wind opened his coat, exposing him to the elements in a sudden reversal of fortune he hadn’t been expecting. His men poured from the back doors of the bread truck, machine guns in hand, but two were struck down instantly by his side, blood pooling at his feet. “Fuck!” he shouted, returning fire to the balcony above, grimacing as he held his gun against his shoulder tightly and fired several rounds in quick succession.

As the specter of a man in a flat cap disappeared beyond undulating waves of hanging bed sheets, Luca motioned the others forward. “Come on!” he said with a wave of his arm, unwilling to give up the chance now that it had begun. His earlier certainty had been robbed, however, and he now stood motionless despite his command, flattening himself against a wall as he collected his thoughts. His face twisted with rage as he hissed, “I was lied to.”

———————————

Aurora fidgeted with the buttons on her gloves anxiously, willing the couple in front of her to move more quickly. She'd already waited at the docks for hours for her boat and the churning in her stomach was worsening with every passing second. Her nerves were not helped by the elderly pair before her having a lengthy discussion about securing their dog on board, along with endless questions about their voyage. She attempted to take long, slow breaths through her nose, but nothing seemed to calm her.

Finally it seemed she would be next and she readied her papers in hand with a warm smile. As she stretched her hand out to offer them, a clerk approached her. “Ma’am, a word please,” he said in a stern voice.

With a dry throat, Aurora attempted to swallow and hesitantly turned to face him. “Yes, can I help you?” She was certain it was a mistake. Women traveling alone were often questioned and she was confident she could talk her way out of it.

“I need you to follow me, please,” he said with a wave of his hand. "There's been a problem with your paperwork, ma'am." 

"Surely you'll find everything in order if you take a look," she demurred, offering her papers. They shook in her hand as she pleaded, "Please, I’ll miss the boat and my family is waiting in America."

“Now, ma’am, or I'll be forced to call a policeman,” he commanded.

Seeing no other option, Aurora complied, gathering the small case at her side. The row of waiting travelers parted for her, pointing and staring at the elegant woman being led away. Although she kept her head held high, her legs nearly collapsed when she made it to the end of the dock to see Luca towering above her. He smiled at her with a predatory glimmer in his dark brown eyes. “Amore, I was so worried when you weren’t at the hotel,” he greeted her with open arms, pulling her into him like a long lost lover. 

Aurora’s heart raced, beating wildly against her chest. She knew each and every one of his moods. This was his best impression of a loving husband, an act he would discard later in favor of the cruelest forms of punishment. The soft, even tone of his voice terrified her more than the beatings that followed. 

She tried not to react as he pushed the scarf from her head and stroked her hair, fingers tracing along the column of her neck. A prickle of goosebumps developed beneath the wake of his touch as he whispered in her ear, “We could have had everything.” His nose nudged the shell of her ear tenderly as he did when they made love, but his next words came out even more breathlessly as he struggled to temper his emotions. “Mi hai spezzato il cuore…now I’m gonna break you, sweetheart.” Then he placed a rough kiss to her temple, hand clutching at the back of her neck possessively as though he might crush her skull and she whimpered involuntarily.

As he attempted to drag her from view of the remaining passengers waiting to board, Aurora began to feel nauseous. If she went with him, she wouldn’t return home. He had warned her once. Spotting the waiting car at the curb, she began to kick against his hold.

She wrenched herself from him in a moment of panic, his hand clutching at her necklace. It stopped her for a brief moment, a small choking sound emitting from her throat as it held her to him. Then the clasp gave way and she stumbled, watching a shimmering row of pearls fall to the walkway. Her hand flew to her throat as she saw Luca’s eyes widen in shock at the shower of jewels bounce along the ground at their feet.

Seeing her moment to flee, Aurora ran in the opposite direction as quickly as her legs would carry her. The shouted curses began as the sound of Aurora’s heels beat against the pavement, sounding a war drum in Luca’s ears as the blood pumped through his veins provoking him to chase after her. 

She cut a path back through the crowd, weaving between bodies to disguise herself. The murmurs from the crowd intensified as she ducked low to avoid the men in dark coats and her position was given away when a woman screamed out in surprise. “Over there!” Luca called to Matteo who rushed to find her, pushing a man out of his way as he reached for the handle of his pistol.

In an instant Aurora’s brown curls had disppeared once more and the men stopped to watch and listen. They hadn’t seen her remove her shoes and scamper down a ramp, concealing herself beneath a set of stairs. Although soon one of the men discovered the passageway and motioned for Luca. “Here, boss!” he called out. 

The men stalked through the shadowed area slowly, weapons drawn now that they were out of sight of any bystanders. Aurora closed her eyes tightly as she heard the sound of a gun cock, chest heaving and silently praying they wouldn’t discover her position. When she heard their footsteps move on, she took one last gulp of air and ran toward freedom, but the sound of a single shot echoing along the corridor immobilized her with a shock of lightning through her entire body. She dropped to the ground as the sound of police whistles rang out and her vision blurred.

———————————- 

**The Changretta Calls-3 happens here **

Margate, One week later…

As the heavy front door swung open, Tommy’s voice rumbled lowly, “Is she still alive?” Expression unreadable below his flat cap, only his tightly clasped hands and rigid posture gave away his anxiety.

“And good morning to you, Tom,” Alfie said, stepping aside to allow his business associate inside. “Would like some tea, I think Edna’s got some brewing.” Observing Tommy’s pacing, he stroked his beard, adding, “bit of something stronger?”

Removing his cap swiftly, Tommy’s bloodshot eyes came into view and he stepped closer to Alfie as he hissed, “I need answers, Alfie. Right fucking now.”

“Yeah, suppose you do, mate. Come on, then,” he said, shuffling toward the back of the house to find Rose.

As they came into view of the sitting room, Rose’s head shot up. “Mr. Shelby, there are a few things we need to discuss,” she said with arms crossed against her chest. “First, I’d like to know why you left Mrs. Changretta to die when we agreed it was her husband you wanted.”

“Now wait a minute,” Tommy interjected. “I’ve already told your husband, I had nothing to do with that.”

“Of course you’d deny it,” she huffed. “She delivered him to you on a silver platter and it still wasn’t enough for your ego,” she let out a bitter laugh as she marched toward him. Pointing a finger at Tommy accusingly she continued, “If that bullet had been three inches to the left, she’d be dead. She risked her life to save yours, you arrogant prick!” Her words were pitched with emotion, a bit high for her usual register as the emotional distress from watching Aurora suffer spilled forth all at once. 

“It was only Luca and his men in Artillery Square,” Tommy said with conviction.

“Then how did she end up in hospital?” Rose asked.

As the waves crashed outside the open balcony door, Aurora’s words echoed in Tommy’s ear, “I just want out.” She’d been desperate that afternoon in the basement room, clawing her way out of the pit Luca had dug for them. Tommy recognized it in her, the will to live despite being buried. Then all the pieces clicked into place. His throat felt dry and the room far too warm suddenly. Alfie had been right about one thing, the unexpected guilt that arose. He hadn’t meant for any of this to happen when he arranged the meeting in Artillery Square. It was his battle to fight, not Aurora Changretta’s.

The harsh cry of a lone seagull dipping low in the sky brought Tommy back to himself as he choked out, “I proposed an alliance in good faith and I haven’t broken it. The only other person in this country who wants her dead is her own husband. Have you asked her about him?”

The tightness in his jaw and the strained look in his eye told Rose Tommy was concerned for Aurora. Perhaps he even cared what happened to her after this, but he was definitely telling the truth about the events of the past days. Even if she wanted to hold a grudge, she had no choice but to work with him because a war was still raging outside her doorstep.

“She lost a great deal of blood and fell unconsciousness before I could speak with her further,” Rose admitted. “I just know she needed protection and asked to come here.”

“Well let’s settle this, shall we? I’d like to know where the fuck Luca is for a start, wouldn’t you?” Tommy asked with raised eyebrows.

“I told you, she needs rest,” Rose cautioned, still feeling protective over her guest.

“We don’t have time, Rose,” Tommy countered. Rose opened her mouth to argue, fury ready to fly from her until he added more gently, “I can’t protect her or any of us if I don’t have information.”

She couldn’t deny his logic and closed her mouth. Pursing her lips for a moment before beginning, “I’ll check on her, but I don’t want that woman upset. If you speak, you’ll watch your bloody tone with her. She’s been through enough, do you understand?” Rose gave him a stern look and without waiting for a reply, she whisked away to Aurora’s room to see if she might be able to speak.

Alfie let out a low whistle. “Ready for that drink now?” he asked.

“Yeah,” Tommy agreed with a quick nod, watching Alfie push himself up from his chair with a low grunt.

Alfie lumbered to the bar cart in the corner, pouring two fingers of Irish whisky and passed it to his friend with a grumble. As he stood considering the bright morning sun over the water, he reached for the chain around his neck and produced a pair of half moon shaped glasses. Their size was unremarkable in comparison to their owner who held them in his enormous hand with great awe and wonder.

“The man who made this pair of spectacles for me is a fucking magician, Tommy. You wouldn’t believe it,” he said with a satisfied nod. “A fucking magician!” his voice boomed. “Ain’t they lovely though?” he asked, pulling the chain out from his body and offering them toward Tommy for inspection.

Tommy took a swig of his drink, tilting his chin to the ceiling as he allowed the burn of the alcohol to reach his brain. It was too early for Alfie’s theatrics, especially with the weight on his mind. He licked his lips and nodded thoughtfully. “They’re quite nice, Alfie.”

“They tell me things as well. All that’s about to happen," he gestured with an open palm. "I’ve seen into the future with these,” he said in a hushed voice full of reverence. 

“Is that right? Perhaps I need a pair then,” Tommy dead panned, reaching into his coat pocket for a badly needed cigarette.

“Ah, but you already know, dontcha?” Alfie hummed, pacing toward the balcony once more. “It was you who said they was coming for us all one day. That was you, weren’t it?” he asked,  glancing over his shoulder as Tommy lit his smoke, looking more interested than before.

Nodding to himself, Alfie clutched the spectacles in his large fingers and turned his back to Tommy saying, “Hmm, didn’t need a pair of these after all, did ya?” Tugging at the hem of his shirt to polish a spot, he held them to the light for inspection as he continued, “The way I see it, the wops know she’s a traitor.” Alfie stopped, one ringed hand resting over his mouth, stroking his beard momentarily, before he dared speak the rest. “Worse they’ll know by now my Rosie’s one cause they’ve been seen together.”

“What would you have me do, Alfie?” Tommy asked, taking a long drag as he awaited an answer.

“I can’t keep the Changretta woman here another day, mate,” Alfie proclaimed, a veiled request rolled into his statement.

“Rose won’t agree to it,” Tommy warned.

“She might not like it, but she knows what’s best for everyone, don’t she?” Alfie countered.

“Aurora can’t possibly travel,” Tommy argued, pointing his cigarette at Alfie for emphasis.

“She got here,” Alfie reasoned, tucking the glasses back into his shirt front. "She can make it to yours," he said decisively.

Tommy bit the inside of his cheek before slamming his glass on the nearest table, accepting his inevitable defeat in this argument. “I’ll need blankets and a medical kit, plus two cars to accompany us on the drive.”

Alfie nodded thoughtfully to accept the proposal, but his pacing continued as though some other issue still plagued his mind. “You do realize my wife will have your balls if you don’t do right by this woman,” Alfie proclaimed, chewing his bottom lip with worry. 

Tommy looked down the hall where Rose had disappeared as he nodded, “Yes, I do.”

—————————————

Rose helped Tommy bundle Aurora into warm blankets, carrying her down to the car as gingerly as possible. Aurora was still quite delirious from the pain medicine, making a proper goodbye difficult, but she managed to thank Rose, giving her hand a weak squeeze. Rose wiped a tear away as she placed a basket on the bench seat by Tommy. “Be sure she eats the bread I sent,” she instructed. It was the only bit of care she could give now that they would be separated.

“And Tommy…this time you must succeed. This man has to be killed,” Rose implored with fierce determination.

“There's no other option,” Tommy replied before driving off. 

It was close to midnight before they reached Arrow House, rows of men welcoming them back to what had become a heavily guarded fortress. Frances swept from the house the moment the car arrived with questions about room preparations which Tommy answered in short, half sentences, too tired to address properly. He was thinking of the calls still to be made that evening to a doctor, his brothers and Pol. There would be a lot of explaining to do and he could only hope they would trust him. 

As he carried Aurora to her room, the full moon broke through the parting clouds and Tommy looked down at her sleeping form, wondering when he’d gone soft. Hadn’t she been the same woman who tried to have him killed mere weeks ago? Now she rested against his chest, the weight of her in his arms a promise to be fulfilled. He couldn't say if it was Rose's influence or the bandages that lay in the same place against her chest as the red stain upon Grace's dress the night of her murder, but something was driving him to protect her.

————————-

The next day…

“Thanks be to Mary and Joseph," Johnny Dogs exhaled at the sight of Tommy entering the foyer of Arrow House. With Arthur in tow, they followed at Tommy's heels until they'd reached the office. With a heavy sigh, Johnny closed the office door behind him. “You didn't say she was gonna wake up, Tom! We had to barricade the fucking door,” he huffed, shoving his hands into his pockets angrily.

“What’s happened?” Tommy asked, quickly removing his jacket and placing it on the closest chair. 

“I don’t know. She’s up there smashing up the room, speaking in bloody tongues,” Arthur said in disgust, pouring himself a whisky as he shook his head, ears still ringing.

“It’s Italian, Arthur,” Tommy retorted. “And I didn’t tell you to fucking lock her in. She’s not a prisoner, she’s a guest in my home. This is a delicate business which must be conducted accordingly, you understand?” he scolded.

“Yeah, well you’d think she’d act a little more grateful for what you did for her, eh?” he said, tossing back his drink as another loud crash came from the upstairs bedroom. “See what I mean?” he gestured above his head. “Fucking madwoman!”

“Alright, you get Polly for the family meeting later and I’ll deal with this,” Tommy replied with a sigh. Rubbing a hand over his face, he climbed the grand staircase. Despite the lack of sleep and the obvious displeasure of his guest, it was time to discuss strategy.

Potrai mai perdonarmi?=Can you ever forgive me?

Mi hai spezzato il cuore=You broke my heart

---------------

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