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Short filmTranscript
00:00I am standing in the middle of Terminal C in Phoenix, sweating like someone shoved me inside a rotisserie chicken oven, clutching a broken suitcase whose wheels have staged a full rebellion.
00:09People stream around me like, I'm some kind of human traffic cone placed here just to suffer.
00:14Gate C-17 is now closed, the loudspeaker announces.
00:18Cheerful in the most offensive way possible.
00:20I close my eyes.
00:22Of course it is, I mutter.
00:23Of course it freaking is.
00:25My stomach twists because missing this flight isn't just an inconvenience, it's a catastrophe.
00:31I'm supposed to be in San Diego for a job interview I desperately need.
00:34Desperately.
00:35Like rent is due and my bank account is a crypt-level desperate.
00:38And now, I'm stuck in a sunlit airport smelling like stale pretzels and panic sweat.
00:43I shove my way to the counter.
00:45Please tell me the gate agent is joking, I tell the woman behind the desk.
00:49Like, haha, pranked you?
00:51Flight's still open.
00:52She gives me a dead-eyed apology smile no one believes.
00:56I'm sorry, ma'am.
00:57The doors are sealed.
00:59You'll need to rebook.
01:00I can't rebook.
01:01My voice cracks.
01:02Not cute, not charming.
01:04More like a squirrel in emotional distress.
01:06I need to be there today.
01:08Next available is tomorrow morning.
01:10Tomorrow morning is a neon sign flashing.
01:12You're screwed.
01:14I step back from the counter and immediately trip over my rebellious suitcase, stumbling sideways.
01:19My laptop bag slips off my shoulder, hits the floor.
01:22And pops open like a piñata full of expired hope.
01:25Papers scatter everywhere.
01:27Awesome, I breathe, kneeling down to grab them before they blow away.
01:32And that is when a pair of expensive, Italian loafers steps directly into my line of sight.
01:37Rough morning?
01:38His voice hits me.
01:39Low.
01:40Warm.
01:41Smooth like honey poured over danger.
01:43I look up and nearly drop everything all over again.
01:47A man is standing over me.
01:48Sunlight haloing behind him from the massive windows.
01:51Early thirties.
01:52Dark hair.
01:53Strong jaw.
01:54Suit tailored so sharply it probably has its own security detail.
01:57He has this effortless, terrifying elegance.
02:00The vibe of someone whose entire life...
02:02Smells like expensive cologne.
02:04Power.
02:05And lawsuits he definitely wins.
02:07And he's looking at me like I'm a puzzle he wants to solve.
02:10Uh, I say eloquently.
02:11My entire morning has been a dumpster fire rolling downhill.
02:15He lifts a brow.
02:16I noticed.
02:17Thought I'd make sure you weren't about to pass out.
02:20I mean, I'm not ruling it out.
02:21There's a flicker of a smirk on his lips.
02:24The dangerous kind.
02:26Like he's not used to...
02:27Smiling, but finds me vaguely.
02:29Entertaining.
02:30Great.
02:31My disaster is someone else's.
02:33Mid-morning comedy special.
02:35I stand, clutching my papers to my chest.
02:37Thanks.
02:38I'm fine, just...
02:39Life being life.
02:41Which flight did you miss?
02:42C-17, San Diego.
02:44He hums like this detail matters to him.
02:46Time-sensitive trip?
02:48Yeah.
02:49Job interview.
02:50I gesture helplessly.
02:52One I actually needed to show up for.
02:54Kind of important.
02:55Kind of the difference between steady life and me eating cereal with water next month.
02:59That smirk turns into something...
03:01Sharper.
03:02Curious.
03:02Intent.
03:03And...
03:04There's no other flight?
03:06Not until tomorrow morning, I say.
03:08And my voice cracks again because apparently...
03:10My tear ducts want their dramatic cameo today.
03:13He glances over my shoulder at the closed gate, then back at me.
03:17What's your name?
03:18Jenna.
03:19I say automatically.
03:21And you are...
03:22He offers his hand.
03:23Luca Varelli.
03:25Varelli.
03:26The name lands heavy in my chest because I've heard it.
03:28On the news.
03:30In whispered gossip from guys who owe other guys money.
03:33Varelli is one of those names people don't say too loud.
03:36A name that sits in the same category as...
03:38Don't mess with...
03:39Him unless you have a death wish.
03:41And I just shook his hand.
03:42Fantastic.
03:43You look like you just realized something.
03:46He says.
03:46His tone mild, but his eyes entirely too observant.
03:50I just...
03:51I swallow.
03:52You're kind of...
03:53Well known.
03:54His mouth twitches.
03:56Is that a polite way of saying infamous?
03:58I mean, your reputation precedes you.
04:01And what reputation is that?
04:03He knows.
04:04Oh, he definitely knows.
04:05But he wants to hear me say it so he can watch me squirm like a bug under a microscope.
04:09So I lift my chin.
04:11The kind where you get whatever you want.
04:14He lets out the softest laugh.
04:16Barely there.
04:18Good.
04:19Then you'll believe me when I say I can get you to San Diego.
04:22I blink.
04:23What?
04:24My private plane leaves in twenty minutes.
04:26He says simply.
04:27If you need to be somewhere, I can take you.
04:30My mouth falls open.
04:32Like, fully unhinged.
04:34You're...
04:34Offering me a ride?
04:35On your private jet?
04:37Yes.
04:38Sir, I am a random woman crying next to a panda.
04:40Express.
04:41Why would you offer me anything?
04:43Because I have the means.
04:45He says, stepping closer.
04:46And because you look like you could actually use the help.
04:49My heartbeat does something illegal.
04:51But then logic slams into me.
04:53Are you serious?
04:54I mean, I barely know you.
04:56You could be...
04:57Dangerous?
04:58He offers in that same smooth tone.
05:01You already know that part.
05:02Okay.
05:03So honesty is his brand today.
05:05And you expect me to, what, just get on your plane?
05:08I expect nothing.
05:09He tilts his head.
05:11But I'm offering.
05:12And you need it.
05:13I do.
05:13God, I really do.
05:15But I'm not stupid.
05:16What's the catch, I ask?
05:18Ride with me, he says lightly.
05:20Have a conversation.
05:22Tell me why you're running on empty.
05:23I'm not running.
05:24You are.
05:26He says it like a fact.
05:27Like he's reading the inside of my skull.
05:29I open my mouth to argue, but he beats me to it.
05:31If it helps, he says.
05:34You can see the jet first.
05:36No obligations.
05:37This man is too calm.
05:38Too composed.
05:39Too everything.
05:41And people are absolutely staring now.
05:43Because he looks like a billionaire.
05:45CEO.
05:46Or a movie star.
05:47Or the guy who causes economic crises for fun.
05:49And he's talking to me.
05:51A girl whose suitcase duct tape is peeling off.
05:54I should say no.
05:55I should absolutely positively say no.
05:57Instead, I hear myself murmur.
05:59Okay.
06:00Just to look.
06:02Good.
06:02He nods once, decisive.
06:04Come with me.
06:05He takes my ruined suitcase without asking.
06:08Just lifts it like it weighs nothing.
06:10We move through the sun-bright terminal.
06:12And I swear, people part around him like he's Moses at the airport.
06:16I walk half a step behind, trying not to trip or hyperventilate.
06:20Why do I feel like this is how Dateline episodes start?
06:23I mutter under my breath.
06:25He glances back, amused.
06:26If I wanted you gone, Jenna, you wouldn't be joking right now.
06:31Not comforting.
06:32He doesn't stop walking.
06:34I'm not trying to comfort you.
06:35Oh, great.
06:36Amazing.
06:37Love that journey for me.
06:39We reach a private security checkpoint.
06:41No line.
06:42Just two guards who stand straighter when they see him.
06:45They check nothing.
06:46They wave us through like we're royalty.
06:48Outside, sunlight blasts down on rows of sparkling private jets like their props in a billionaire commercial.
06:54Luca gestures toward a sleek white jet with chrome edges gleaming.
06:59This one.
07:00My brain short circuits.
07:02This looks like it belongs to NASA.
07:04It's comfortable, he says.
07:06It has stairs.
07:08Real stairs, not the fold-out ladder of doom.
07:10It also has breakfast.
07:12I spin toward him.
07:13Say what now?
07:14His lips curve.
07:16You look like you skipped it.
07:17Okay, rude.
07:19And accurate.
07:20Inside the jet, everything is white leather, gold accents, and ridiculous levels of luxury.
07:26Sunlight pours through oversized windows.
07:28This is, I say, turning in slow motion.
07:32Illegal levels of nice.
07:33Sit, he says softly.
07:35Not demanding, just expecting.
07:37I sit.
07:38He stands across from me, arms crossed, watching me like I'm more interesting than the view.
07:44Tell me the truth.
07:45What happened today that made you unravel in an airport?
07:48His tone isn't mocking now.
07:49It's gentle, focused.
07:51And for the first time all morning, I feel the burn of tears again, but not pathetic ones.
07:56The kind that come when someone finally sees you.
07:59I'm not unraveling, I whisper.
08:01You are, he says quietly.
08:04And I want to know why.
08:05And that, that right there, feels like the moment of no return.
08:09The moment he decides I'm not leaving his sight.
08:11The moment I realize that whatever this is, I'm already in too deep.
08:16The jet door closes behind us with a soft, final click.
08:19Sunlight floods the cabin.
08:20And Luca Varelli sits beside me like he's settling in for something long.
08:24Inevitable and dangerous.
08:26The jet lifts off so smoothly I barely feel it.
08:29Like we're not flying but gliding on a sunbeam.
08:31Which is great.
08:33Because I'm sitting rigid in a plush, white leather seat.
08:36Hands clasped in my lap like I'm meeting royalty for brunch.
08:39Luca sits diagonally across from me.
08:41Sunglasses off now.
08:42Eyes sharp as polished steel.
08:45There's something unnerving about the way he watches me.
08:48Not creepy.
08:48More like, he's analyzing me in 4K resolution.
08:52So, he says, resting an elbow on the armrest.
08:55You were about to tell me why you're one closed gate away from full meltdown.
08:59I swallow.
09:01I wasn't gonna meltdown.
09:03You were absolutely going to meltdown.
09:05Okay, but like, privately.
09:07He lifts one eyebrow like that makes it better.
09:09I let out a shaky breath.
09:11I'm broke, Luca.
09:12Not, haha, relatable broke.
09:14I mean, literal broke.
09:15Like I choose between gas and groceries broke.
09:18Missing that interview?
09:19That was my shot.
09:20He doesn't interrupt.
09:21Doesn't pity me.
09:22He just listens.
09:24The job would have given me stability.
09:25I continue.
09:27And right now, my stability is thin.
09:29How thin?
09:30Like the emotional equivalent of single-ply toilet paper.
09:34He huffs a laugh.
09:35The soft, sharp kind.
09:37Fair enough.
09:38And it's not even my fault.
09:40I add, voice tightening.
09:42I got laid off after the restaurant chain I worked for tanked.
09:45The company spent more on neon pineapple signs than food safety.
09:49And I've been scrambling since.
09:50He tilts his head.
09:52Why San Diego?
09:53A marketing job.
09:55Salary.
09:55Health insurance.
09:56A building that smells like lemon cleaner instead of fryer oil.
10:00He studies me.
10:01You want a different life.
10:02Yeah, I whisper.
10:04Good.
10:05People who want different lives are interesting.
10:08My lips twitch.
10:09Is that your criteria?
10:11One of them.
10:12I shift in my seat.
10:14Okay, your turn.
10:15What were you doing at the Phoenix airport?
10:17You don't look like someone who deals with TSA lines.
10:20You've seen my plane, he says dryly.
10:23What do you think?
10:24Okay, fine.
10:25Why were you walking around like you're scouting for recruits?
10:28I was waiting for someone who didn't show.
10:30I blink.
10:31A meeting?
10:32A business associate.
10:34He pauses.
10:35A rival family tried to intercept him.
10:37Oh, I say.
10:38Oh.
10:39He watches my reaction.
10:41Most girls might freeze or panic.
10:43I don't.
10:44Not because I'm brave, but because I'm aware enough of danger to know if he wanted to scare me.
10:49He could do much worse.
10:51You're surprisingly calm, he notes.
10:53I mean, I did Google your last name once, so, uh, I'm not shocked that your business meetings get weird.
10:59That earns me a full, quiet laugh.
11:02You're unusual.
11:03Yeah, well, you're intimidating.
11:05He shrugs.
11:06I hear that a lot.
11:07Sunlight streams through the jet windows, painting everything gold.
11:11It feels surreal.
11:13Too bright.
11:14Too peaceful for the kind of conversation we're having.
11:17Luca.
11:17I say softly.
11:19You don't have to lie to me.
11:20I know who you are.
11:22Then tell me, he challenges lightly.
11:24What am I?
11:26I take a breath.
11:27You're powerful.
11:28Dangerous.
11:29Feared.
11:30The kind of man people owe money to.
11:32Or bow to.
11:33The kind of man who owns islands and jets and makes problems.
11:36Disappear.
11:37And that doesn't bother you?
11:39It should, I admit.
11:40But right now, I'm more afraid of my bank account.
11:44He smiles, slowly, dangerously.
11:46I like your honesty.
11:48I shrug.
11:48I have no energy left for anything else.
11:51A moment of silence passes.
11:53He observes me with an expression I can't decode.
11:56Then, you hungry?
11:58He asks.
11:59Always.
12:00He motions to the attendant, who brings plates of fruit, pastries, and iced coffee.
12:05Real iced coffee.
12:06Not gas station coffee in disguise.
12:08I take a bite of a croissant and moan.
12:10Out loud, embarrassingly.
12:12Luca's gaze flicks to my mouth.
12:14Heat crawls up my neck.
12:16Don't judge me.
12:17This is the best thing I've eaten in a month.
12:19I'm not judging.
12:20You're staring?
12:22Staring is not judging.
12:23Well, it's something.
12:25His eyes soften.
12:26Starving people should eat.
12:28I have no objection.
12:29Wow.
12:30I deadpan.
12:31Thank you, your majesty.
12:33He smirks.
12:33You're welcome.
12:34We eat talk banter.
12:36The tension between us shifts.
12:38Not gone, but warmer.
12:40Curious.
12:40Alive.
12:42Then he says it.
12:43Casually.
12:44Like he's commenting on the weather.
12:46You're not going to San Diego.
12:48My fork freezes midair.
12:49Um, I'm literally on my way there.
12:52No.
12:52He says calmly.
12:53You're on my plane headed toward California.
12:55But I'm not dropping you off until I know who tried to hurt you.
12:59Hurt me?
13:00I blink fast.
13:02Luca, no one hurt me.
13:03I missed my flight because my life sucks.
13:05His jaw tightens the slightest bit.
13:08A flex I might have missed if I wasn't already watching him too closely.
13:11At the airport, he says.
13:13You were anxious before you even reached the gate.
13:16Yeah, because I was late.
13:18Try again.
13:19I narrow my eyes.
13:21What are you implying?
13:22I'm implying someone scared you.
13:24Heat rushes to my face.
13:26Not anger.
13:27Panic.
13:27He can see too much.
13:29And then it hits me.
13:30He's right.
13:31Before the airport.
13:32Before I sprinted through security like a panicked cartoon.
13:35I was in the parking lot arguing with a man I never should have trusted.
13:39My ex-boss.
13:40Nate.
13:41The guy who used to corner me during closing shifts.
13:44The reason I quit before the restaurant even collapsed.
13:47He showed up today out of nowhere.
13:49Yelling.
13:49Demanding I come back.
13:51Saying he needed me.
13:52That I owed him.
13:53My stomach corkscrews.
13:55Luca watches me carefully.
13:57There it is.
13:58I exhale shakily.
14:00I just ran into someone I didn't want to see.
14:03Someone dangerous?
14:04Not dangerous, I say.
14:06Just gross.
14:07Luca's gaze hardens.
14:09Jenna.
14:09I look at him.
14:11Tell me the truth, he says.
14:13Because if someone threatened you, I'm not letting you walk into San Diego unprotected.
14:18My pulse skitters.
14:19I try to laugh it off.
14:21You can't just decide that.
14:22I can.
14:23He says simply.
14:25And I just did.
14:26Luca.
14:27What did he do?
14:28His tone is calm.
14:30Soft even.
14:31But I feel the danger humming underneath it like a live wire.
14:35I swallow.
14:36He didn't do anything.
14:38Not today.
14:39And before?
14:40I hesitate.
14:41And that's enough.
14:42His jaw clenches.
14:44His fingers tap once against the armrest.
14:46Precise, restrained fury.
14:49You don't have to protect him, Luca says.
14:52Especially from me.
14:53It's not about protecting him, I snap.
14:56It's about me not wanting to blow up my life.
14:59You think your life isn't already blown up?
15:01Ouch.
15:02I sit back, glaring at the sunlight like it's personally responsible for my emotions.
15:07Why do you care?
15:08He leans in, elbows on his knees, voice dropping into something low and honest.
15:14Because people like you don't cross my path by accident.
15:17You're running.
15:18You're scared.
15:19And I don't like seeing fear on your face.
15:22My breath stutters.
15:23You keep saying I'm scared.
15:25I whisper.
15:26What if I'm just tired?
15:27He shakes his head.
15:29I know, tired.
15:30You're scared.
15:32Something inside me cracks.
15:33Something small and quiet and tired of being strong.
15:37I look down at my hands.
15:39Fine, there was a guy.
15:40My old manager.
15:41He's been messaging me, showing up places.
15:44Today he cornered me in the garage and I...
15:46Luca is already standing.
15:48What?
15:48I squeak.
15:49He walks to the front of the cabin.
15:51Speaks low to his security guard, who nods and steps away.
15:55I shoot to my feet.
15:56Luca, I didn't tell you that so you could go full Mafia Hulk.
16:00He turns back.
16:01Expression unreadable.
16:02Relax, I'm not killing anyone.
16:04Oh, wow, comforting.
16:06But, he adds, I am sending a warning.
16:09Luca!
16:09He'll never bother you again.
16:11My heart slams against my ribs.
16:14This is my problem.
16:15Not yours.
16:16His eyes lock on mine.
16:18Not anymore.
16:19And that, and that is the strangest part.
16:21The relief that floods through me, like someone just took a weight off my shoulders.
16:26I didn't realize was slowly crushing me.
16:28The jet tilts slightly as we begin descending toward California.
16:31Sunlight floods the windows, golden and impossibly bright.
16:34Luca sits back down, closer this time.
16:37When we land, you're staying close to me.
16:39Close how?
16:41Close enough for me to keep you safe.
16:43My voice comes out small.
16:44I don't need protection.
16:46You do, he says gently.
16:48And I'm offering it.
16:50I look at him.
16:51At the quiet danger.
16:53The certainty in his voice.
16:54The warmth he doesn't mean to show.
16:56Something inside me shifts.
16:58Why, I ask.
16:59His answer is immediate.
17:01Because, Jenna, the moment you looked up at me on that airport floor,
17:05I knew I wasn't letting you walk away.
17:06The plane dips lower, sunlight washing across his face.
17:10And I know I'm already in deeper than I should be.
17:13The moment the jet's wheels touch San Diego's runway,
17:16my stomach knots again.
17:18Not because of turbulence.
17:20The landing is smoother than half the...
17:22elevators I've been in and but...
17:24Because reality is waiting outside.
17:26Job interview.
17:26Bills.
17:27Problems.
17:28The whole messy, sunlit world.
17:30But Luca, he's calm.
17:31Too calm.
17:32Like he's stepping into a day he already owns.
17:34We walk down the steps onto the blazing tarmac.
17:38Sunlight bounces off everything.
17:39The pavement, the jet, his sunglasses.
17:41He hands me my duct-taped suitcase like it's a priceless artifact.
17:46And then escorts me toward the terminal where his security team waits.
17:50I can go to the interview alone, I say.
17:52You don't have to...
17:53I know.
17:54He interrupts smoothly.
17:56I'm still going with you.
17:57I gape.
17:58Luca, you're not...
18:00Escorting me into a corporate office like some mob guardian angel.
18:03Yes, he says, I am.
18:05No.
18:06Yes.
18:07No.
18:08He stops walking and looks at me over his sunglasses.
18:10Jenna, I'm not sitting outside and hoping everything goes well.
18:14I want to see the people who might hire you.
18:17Why?
18:18To make sure they appreciate what they're getting.
18:20Heat floods my cheeks.
18:22I look away.
18:23You can't intimidate HR.
18:25He smirks.
18:26I can intimidate anyone.
18:28Oh my god.
18:29Relax, he says, stepping in front of me.
18:31I'll behave mostly.
18:33I groan.
18:34Okay, fine.
18:35But you stay in the lobby.
18:37I'll consider it.
18:38That means no.
18:40He smiles, leading me forward like he knew he'd win the argument before.
18:44I even opened my mouth.
18:46Typical.
18:46Outside the corporate building.
18:48It's a sleek white high-rise overlooking the marina.
18:51Sunlight glittering off the water like confetti.
18:54The whole place radiates expensive calm.
18:56The opposite of my life.
18:58I take a breath.
19:00Okay, this is it.
19:01I should go in.
19:02Luca adjusts my blazer collar like he's done it a hundred times.
19:06You'll do well.
19:07You sound very confident.
19:09I am.
19:10He taps the side of his temple.
19:12I'm good at reading people.
19:13I snort.
19:15That explains why you picked up a total stranger at an airport.
19:18On the contrary, he says quietly.
19:20I haven't misread a single thing about you.
19:23My pulse skips.
19:24He steps back, giving me space.
19:26But his presence stays wrapped around me like invisible armor.
19:29I walk inside, nerves buzzing.
19:31Trying not to think about the literal mafia.
19:34Dawn waiting behind me like a protective wolf sunbathing outside the glass doors.
19:39Inside the interview.
19:40The woman interviewing me.
19:42Crisp suit.
19:42Perfect hair.
19:44Probably drinks smoothies made of kale and ambition.
19:47Smiles politely as I sit.
19:48Thank you for coming, she says.
19:51Thanks for having me, I reply.
19:53Hands sweating in a way I hope doesn't show.
19:56She starts with standard questions.
19:59Resume.
19:59Past job.
20:00Skills.
20:01Then she asks.
20:02And what brings you to San Diego?
20:05Danger.
20:05Chaos.
20:06A private jet.
20:07A very intense man who would threaten my ex-boss if given half a chance.
20:11But I say, a chance to start fresh.
20:14She studies me for a long moment.
20:16You have a strength about you.
20:18Not everyone does.
20:19My throat tightens.
20:22And your references were glowing.
20:24My references?
20:25I repeat slowly.
20:27Oh yes, she says, flipping her tablet around.
20:30Your most recent one especially.
20:32I freeze.
20:33On the screen is a name I know too well.
20:35Luca Varelli.
20:36He didn't.
20:37He did.
20:38Outside the window, through the glass.
20:40I see him sitting at an outdoor cafe table like he owns the entire marina.
20:45Sunshine hitting.
20:46His shoulders, jaw sharp.
20:48Sunglasses reflecting the clouds.
20:50Looking like an ad for dangerous luxury.
20:52The woman smiles politely.
20:54He said you're resilient, hardworking, clever.
20:57I blink rapidly.
20:58He said all of that?
21:00He said more, but I doubt I'm supposed to repeat it.
21:03I mentally combust.
21:05The interview continues.
21:06But I'm floating, not out of confidence, but disbelief.
21:10When it ends, she shakes my hand.
21:12We'll be in touch very soon.
21:14I breathe.
21:15As soon as I step outdoors, Luca stands.
21:18Well?
21:19He asks.
21:20I think.
21:21I think it went well.
21:22He steps closer.
21:23Expression unreadable, but eyes warm.
21:26Good.
21:26You gave them a reference?
21:28I did.
21:30Without asking?
21:31Yes.
21:32Luca!
21:33What?
21:33He shrugs.
21:34I only told them the truth.
21:36I squint at him.
21:38What truth?
21:39That you're quick, sharp, and persistent?
21:41He pauses, lowering his sunglasses just enough to meet my eyes directly.
21:46And that you're worth taking a chance on.
21:49My breath leaves me.
21:50Before I can respond, a voice shouts,
21:53Jenna!
21:54I whip around.
21:55And my blood goes cold.
21:57Nate, my ex-manager, is storming across the plaza in broad, blazing daylight.
22:02His shirt is wrinkled, his face red, his hair sticking to his forehead like he sprinted
22:07here from pure rage.
22:09Luca stiffens beside me.
22:10Oh no, I whisper.
22:12Nate points at me.
22:13You think you can ignore me?
22:15You think you can just walk away?
22:17You owe me.
22:18I owe you nothing.
22:19I snap, louder than I've ever spoken to him.
22:23The sun gleams off every surface around us, and suddenly the whole plaza seems to be watching.
22:28Nate steps forward, but Luca steps in front of me.
22:32One motion, quiet, deadly.
22:34Take another step, Luca says calmly, and you won't like what happens next.
22:39Nate scoffs.
22:40Who the hell are you?
22:42The man telling you to walk away?
22:44Nate laughs.
22:45Actually laughs.
22:46Yeah?
22:47Says who?
22:47Says every instinct you have, Luca murmurs.
22:51Listen to it.
22:52I step around Luca before the situation explodes.
22:55Nate, leave now.
22:57You think this guy scares me?
22:59Nate snarls.
23:00You think hiding behind him makes you tough?
23:03I'm not hiding, I say.
23:04I just don't want you near me.
23:07Nate grabs my wrist.
23:08Sunlight blazes.
23:10My pulse spikes.
23:10But before I can blink, Luca's hand is already on Nate's collar, yanking him away with one
23:16swift, controlled movement.
23:18He doesn't hit him.
23:19Doesn't even shove him hard.
23:21He simply says, low and lethal, touch her again, and you'll disappear.
23:26No drama, no attention.
23:28No trace.
23:29The air cracks with quiet danger.
23:31For the first time, Nate fully sees him.
23:33Sees the truth.
23:34The power, the finality in Luca's eyes.
23:36And he breaks.
23:38He stumbles backward.
23:38You're crazy, he mutters.
23:41Then turns and runs, literally runs, across the plaza.
23:45Disappearing down the sidewalk in messy panic.
23:47I exhale shakily.
23:49My wrist tingles.
23:50Not from pain, from the adrenaline.
23:52I turn to Luca.
23:54He's still tense, chest rising slowly.
23:56Jaw tight like he's holding back more than anger.
23:59You okay?
24:00He asks.
24:01I should be asking you.
24:02I breathe.
24:03I'm fine.
24:04Luca.
24:05His eyes meet mine.
24:06And the world shrinks to the two of us under warm California sun.
24:10I told you.
24:11He says quietly.
24:13I wasn't letting you walk away.
24:15Silence.
24:16Bright.
24:17Heavy.
24:18Warm.
24:18Then I step closer.
24:20Close enough to feel his heat.
24:22Close enough to smell his cologne warmed by the sun.
24:25You scared him.
24:26I say softly.
24:27I meant to.
24:28And you protected me.
24:30I will always protect you.
24:32My chest tightens.
24:33Why?
24:33You barely know me.
24:35I know enough.
24:36He whispers.
24:37We stand there.
24:38Sunlight shimmering off the marina.
24:40Breeze warm.
24:42The plaza slowly returning to normal life around us.
24:45Then my phone buzzes.
24:46An email.
24:47I open it.
24:48My breath catches.
24:49I got the job.
24:50I blurt.
24:51Eyes widening.
24:52Luca, I got it.
24:54His face softens.
24:55Not with surprise, but with absolute satisfaction.
24:59Of course you did.
25:00I laugh.
25:01A bright disbelieving sound that feels like it's coming from someone starting to feel whole
25:06again.
25:07I don't know how to thank you, I say.
25:10You already did, he replies.
25:12What?
25:13You let me stay close.
25:15I look up at him.
25:16At this impossible man who stormed into my chaotic morning and somehow put it back together
25:21in one sunlit day.
25:23So, he says softly, does this mean you're staying in San Diego?
25:27I swallow.
25:29I think it does.
25:30He steps in, brushing a stray strand of hair from my cheek.
25:34Good.
25:36And you?
25:36I ask quietly.
25:38He smiles.
25:39Not sharp, not dangerous.
25:41Soft, rare, real.
25:43I'll be wherever you are.
25:44Sunlight glows around us.
25:46Warm, bright, hopeful.
25:47And for the first time in a long time I feel safe.
25:50Not because he saved me.
25:51Because I'm choosing to stay.
25:53Hey love, if you enjoyed this story, don't forget to like the video, drop a comment telling
25:59me your favorite moment, and subscribe so you never miss another sun-soaked mafia romance.
26:04Share it with a friend who needs a little drama, a little danger, and a whole lot of love in
26:08their day.
26:09Your support seriously means the world.
26:12Thank you for being here.
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