*Thud, thud thud!* It's been a week since my fall out with Luca. I haven't spoken to him once, or maybe it's better to say I made sure we didn't run into each other. *Thud-thud, pow!* Since that day I've cut down my training hours at Sean's bar immensely, hardly showing up there at all. Instead, I started training more back here in the old barn. I try focusing on my punches, but ever since then, I'm a complete mess. *Pow, p-pow~*

The straw in the barn crackles underneath my feet as I balance from one foot to the other, lacking a steady rhythm as I slam my fists mercilessly into the rattling punching bag like I've been doing for over an hour now. *Thud-thud, pow!* Why did you come in right then?! *Pow-pow, slam!* My mind flashes back to the way he spat at me they were just his "orders". *P-Pow, slam!* My brain is telling me I should be glad I'm only considered "work" to him. Then why does it hurt this much?! *Slam-slam! thud...* I fall against the punching bag grabbing it for support breathing heavily, my body a trembling mess and coated in sweat.

Why?! Why did you do that in the alley? I squeeze my eyes shut to prevent tears from spilling. Just what are you trying to pull, Luca? My eyelids start to quiver from the pained feeling that continues to stab deep inside of me. My fingers clam around the leather of the bag with all their might. What am I doing? Furious at my own behavior I push myself back on my feet and spin around, landing a massive last kick with my left leg as I feel a tear trickle down my cheek. *SLAM!* I haven't cried since I was a little girl... Why is it that a single word or a mere touch from you can make a complete total mess of me?

'Goddammit!'

I swear from the top of my lungs and kick the dirt underneath my feet. The horses that are in the stables stamp their feet and walk around restlessly, shaken up by the sound of my voice. I stroll to the side, ignoring them as I grab a bottle of water and lean my back against the wall sliding down onto the ground. With my arms on my knees, I rest my head on them trying to calm my rapid heartbeat. Fuck. I lament until a shadow falls over me, making me sigh softly as I lift my head a little.

'I'm really out of shape if I don't even notice you coming...'

Kizzy stands in front of me with a worried expression on her face. I'm fucked. She sits down beside me and hands me a mug filled with coffee as she murmurs.

'Even a deaf man could've heard that scream just now.'

'But you were already here then, weren't you?'

It isn't really a question, I know she was. You always bring me a mug of freshly ground coffee whenever you're worried about me. Just when I take a sip she asks.

'Are you gonna tell me about it?'

I put my mug down a little and look outside while I mutter.

'Sorry Kizzy, I can't.'

She lets out a breath of defeat as I get back on my feet. I empty my drink and put the mug on a table nearby while she gets up as well and tries to stop me, but I don't give her the time as I tell her with a cold tone.

'I'm going out for a bit.'

I turn around and stalk away leaving Kizzy at the barn. From the back of the house, I go to the entrance and grab my bag before departing the ranch. As soon as I'm around the corner I break into a sprint, headed for the Bayou. I need to be alone for a bit. I urge my legs to go faster, even though my muscles twitch from exhaustion after my brutal workout on the punching bag.

It takes me about thirty minutes before I manage to reach my spot in the darkness of the night. I plop down against one of the trees beside the water and stare into the distance at the peaceful scenery. With only the sounds of nature around me, I lose myself in my thoughts. I hate to leave Kizzy hanging, but I can't tell her about any of this. She's pure, her soul is untouched. If I'd told her everything that happened to me it would ruin her, therefore I can't tell her about this either. My internal battle right now has more reason than one. Darkness surrounds me and I seem to be the only person on earth while fireflies dance over the water. I can't tell anyone, not even Luca... Uncautiously I touch my neck. The bruise and bite mark are now barely visible, but I'll never forget that feeling...

A sudden rustle in the bushes a few feet away wakes me up from my daze. I squint my eyes hoping to see better, and after a few seconds a man emerges from behind a tree. He looks down at me sighing as he says.

'There you are...'

I cock my head slightly confused at the familiar tone he uses with me, I know for sure we haven't met before. He crouches down and sits down a little way from me. Even though his body would be well built for it, he isn't someone I've seen in fights before either. The reflection of the moon and fireflies in the water light the features of his face lightly. His half-long blond hair and strong features definitely stand out, I would've remembered someone like him. Which must mean...

'I'm sure I haven't met you before ...did Luca send you?'

The man chuckles in amusement and sits back lazily looking into the distance as he says.

'I do know Luca, I also know you know him too.
But he sure as hell didn't send me, he'd probably be pissed off at me if he knew I am speaking with you right now.'

Slightly confused I lift an eyebrow at him studying him quietly as he looks over the water with a peaceful smile on his face. I wonder what he means by that... As if he's reading my mind he continues speaking in a hushed tone as if he doesn't want to disturb nature.

'He'd probably be afraid I'll tell you too much about him.
I consider Luca a close friend of mine, I like to think he thinks the same.'

'Why were you looking for me then?'

'I'm head of the people who protect the Bayou. Have you spoken with Luca within the last week?'

'No.'

I tell him honestly and look over at the water. I know the Bayou is considered something like a national park, but I didn't know there were actual people managing it.

'Some of my men saw you coming to these parts a couple of times. You aren't disturbing anything so I don't mind you being here, but Luca was supposed to warn you.
I told him to do so. The Bayou is dangerous, multiple kinds of wild animals roam around here. It's my duty to make sure humans won't get hurt, or worse, killed down here.'

I get where he is coming from, I know it is a dangerous place to be for regular people. Maybe it's because of my life on the streets, but I feel a certain calm whenever I come here. I understand why he's asking me not to come here anymore, but I still speak my mind.

'I'm not coming here to disturb the nature around me, within the bustling city of New Orleans, this place seems so ...serene.
It keeps me calm, which honestly, is a rare feeling for me these days...'

The man looks back at me as he stretches his hand toward me and says.

'Keith White, by the way.
I probably know a lot more about you than you think Karma, things Luca didn't even need to tell me.'

He gives my hand a curt firm shake and leans back on his elbows as he continues.

'I thought you'd say something like that. If you stay within the borders I'll make an exception for you since I'm in a good mood.'

I thank him as my eyes continue to follow the fireflies dancing over the water. I'm not sure I want to know why I seem to be in his good books, but since he won't stop me from coming here I'm content.

'You should probably clean up a little...'

He says motioning to my face, I grumble and grab a towel out of my bag and start wiping my face. I'm sure he's right, I must look like a mess... I'm sitting at the border of a swamp after a torture workout I gave myself earlier, not even mentioning the fact I've cried for the first time since my childhood. That still doesn't mean he has to point it out, goddammit. Besides, he looks pretty gruff himself with his disheveled hair and dirt smeared all over his jeans and shirt.

'Have you even looked in a mirror lately?'

I murmur back and he gives a short ironic laugh before we fall silent for some time as we both just watch the beautiful scenery around us until Keith suddenly hops on his feet.

'Seems like my time is up.
Just do me a favor, look further with him than what the eye can see. Luca... He's more complex than you think, if you let him, I'm sure he'll surprise you.'

He leaves me with that, and before I even manage to utter a response his back disappears between the trees. Who on earth was that? Still wondering if my encounter with the blonde stranger was real or not I keep gazing at the trees he just disappeared through. Ever since I met Luca, people who know him pop up everywhere around me, more than anything it feels strange being the center of attention. Ever since I was little I learned to take care of myself, I had no choice in the matter. Others can't be trusted, they'll only stab you in the back when you don't pay attention. It's all I've ever known, but they all seem to trust each other completely which is something I can't wrap my mind around.

'Bloody idiots...'

I mutter in a mocking voice. Without him knowing one of my most important lifelines, he proved me right, by telling me Luca wouldn't be happy if he knew I was talking to him. Keith doesn't know me at all, no one does. With my arms around my knees, I look toward the bush next to me as it rustles again. Did he come back? But as soon as I ask myself that question I see a familiar silhouette appear and my face twists in annoyance. Dammit, how did you find me?
Luca sits down quietly and studies me for a second in the glimmer of the lights dancing along the river, he clears his throat before he speaks up in a soft voice.

'I haven't seen you for a couple of days, I was beginning to worry you might've skipped town.'

'Skip town for what? Your annoying ass?'

A chuckle escapes his mouth and he fixes his eyes on me as if he's searching for something. A weird unknown feeling creeps up inside of me under his hard stare which makes me shift in place. It feels too personal as if he's trying to look into the deepest parts of my soul. I avert my eyes unable to keep eye contact with him, in order to build back up my inner defenses and murmur.

'How did you find me anyway?'

I ditched the phone he gave me at the ranch the day he gave it to me, so that can't be it. Luca cocks his head as if to say it's obvious.

'I know you don't think very highly of my family, sweetheart. But I have you know I can find anyone in my own damn city.'

'I'm not your nor anyone's fuckings sweeth~'

I try to snap at him but he shuts me off and gives me a stern look as he continues in a serious voice.

'Nevermind that. What's going on, why are you avoiding coming to Sean's bar?'

The tone he's speaking with annoys me more than I want to admit, it's the tone he uses with his personnel. I glare back at him as I answer him through gritted teeth.

'I'm not avoiding anything and it's none of your fucking business why I do what I do, so don't go using that tone against me!
You're not my frikkin' boss.'

'Oh! Cut the crap, Karma!'

He builders through the forest, his voice so loud I can hear the birds and beasts close by scattering away. I can't help but look at him astonished for a second while he takes a deep breath and grumbles still visibly annoyed.

'I'm not a fucking moron, Karma.
You used to come by almost every day until you had that fall out with that guy in the changing rooms and I came barging in. What happened exactly that night?'

I bite my lip in frustration, part of what he's saying is the truth. What happened that night is what made me stop coming, but I'm in no mood to share with him why. Because you're the bloody main reason, Luca... Dean is just an idiot, but he managed to get to me because of you. You're the root of all my problems of late and you're sitting right in front of me with the nerve to ask me why?! My hands shake ever so slightly, even though I'm livid at him a part of me is still unable to hate him completely. Which is something that makes me even angrier... Why won't my body and mind just cooperate with me and lash out at you?! I get to my feet, looking down at him as I speak up in utter annoyance.

'I don't give a damn about what you think you know... I take care of my own shit and I particularly don't want to discuss it with you.
I told you this before. Back off, Luca!'

'Karma!'

He tries to intervene as he gets up but I silence him with my hand and continue ranting.

'No!
I'm done with this. You can keep an eye on me for all I care so your fucking family is satisfied to know I won't fly off the fucking handle, but I don't want you involved in my personal stuff. In case you haven't bloody noticed, I hate people who meddle!'

I want to throttle him! But instead, I hold myself back and choose to turn around, darting off without another word fuming with anger.

***

Another week passes and not much has changed. I haven't seen or heard from Luca once, though he still manages to occupy my mind even when he's not around. Absentmindedly I clean one of the tables in the cafe as I hear the doorbell ring, the heavy footsteps are a death giveaway it's a male who's entered the cafe and I turn to the door bowing with closed eyes as I mumble.

'Welcome back, master.'

The words still sound uncomfortable when I speak them aloud, I groan when I open my eyes still looking at the man's feet and a familiar pair of boots make me freeze on the spot. Please, someone, kill me now... Reluctantly I slowly raise my head already knowing exactly who's in front of me. Luca, fuck! Grinning widely his eyes glance over me from head to toe as he stands in front of me casually clothed. God, what I'd give to slap that smug look off your face right now! In the corner of my eye, I see Maya looking over at the both of us. Just my luck. Luca's gaze seems to burn a hole in me as he speaks up with an amused tone in his voice.

'Never imagined I'd live to see the day. Table for one, please.'

I bite my lip so hard it almost draws blood while I show Luca to his table. I'm pretty sure Maya can nearly see the steam coming out of my ears as I hand Luca the menu. He, on the other hand, seems to be in a remarkably good mood almost humming as he lazily studies the menu glancing over at me every few seconds, enjoying this situation to the fullest.

I've got to keep professional. I tell myself although I want to die of embarrassment. I give him a quick bow and excuse myself, telling him I have to tend to other tables while he makes his choice.

As I'm writing up the check for a table who's leaving I can feel Luca's eyes glued to my back, my movements are stiff as I walk back to the counter where Maya takes me aside for a second. Finally being out of Luca's view I unconsciously breathe a sigh of relief while Maya studies me intently and says in a soft voice so no one can overhear us.

'Karma I don't know what's going on between you and Mr. Whitfield, but try to act professionally. In here he's just another customer.'

'I'll try my best but I can't promise anything, even if it would mean I'd get fired I won't care. Not with Luca, he's... He's bloody annoying! I'd pay someone to keep him away from me...'

I grumble in honest frustration to my boss. I bend backward a little and see Luca's eyes are still glued on the wall Maya and I are standing behind. Fuck! Can't you just disappear?! Contrary to what I expected from my boss, Maya chuckles softly. The strange reaction makes me snap my eyes back to her. There's a mischievous smile tugging on her lips, though her eyes look down on me awfully gentle.

'It's the first time I've seen an honest emotion coming out of you. First name bases as well?'

Her eyes sparkle as she asks me this in a casual tone and I roll my eyes in frustration while snapping in a low voice.

'It's not something I'm happy with, goddammit! And anger is the easiest emotion to get out of me or any person for that matter.
Now if you'll excuse me, I need to take an order and hold myself back from poisoning it.'

'You call it anger, I call it...'

While I stalk away as casually as humanly possible I hear Maya mumble something, but I can't quite catch the end of her sentence. The second I emerge from behind the wall Luca's eyes are stuck on me again, following my every move. I roll back my shoulders as if I'm preparing for a fight and take a deep breath walking straight over to Luca.

'Have you made your choice ...master?'

Normally his eyes are a beautiful shade between amber and brown, but with the way he's looking at me right now, his eyes seem to be a shade darker than usual. Why do I know that? Captivated by the dark sparkle in them I'm unable to look away. How is it you always manage to stir something deep inside of me? Something unknown to even myself? Whenever I'm with Luca I'm always on high alert, I can't relax. He brings his head a little closer and whispers in a voice that entrances me.

'I have to say, you look bloody damn sexy in that outfit. I can't concentrate like this...'

From the look in his eyes and his low deep voice I know he's being serious. Involuntarily I flush bright red and my eyes waver shocked by his sudden compliment. I don't know if should take it as a compliment though, this isn't me... I cast my eyes down and bite my lip in confusion, I can't think straight! When I look back up Luca's eyes find mine naturally and I can see a hint of worry in them. I straighten myself up immediately not wanting to show him my inner struggle. For a second or two he keeps looking at me intently wondering if he should drop the subject or not, eventually, he heaves a low sigh and says.

'Coffee~'

'Black, I know, anything else?'

I blurt out. Shit... I'm not supposed to know that! Luca's eyes dart up to me in wonder how I know he drinks his coffee black, but he doesn't comment and continues as if nothing happened.

'Also some of these appetizers.'

He says pointing at the menu. I head back behind the bar and give the kitchen the ticket for the appetizers while I start making his coffee. I take a look in the cabinet that holds all the different brands of coffee we serve. My finger stops at a Spanish brand. Personally, I think it's the best coffee we have in stock and I pick up the bag and set it on the counter. I know his family is from Spanish heritage, so he'll probably like this one. I go old school and grind it by hand, then measure it before putting it in a filter. As I add some hot water I smell the aroma of the freshly grounded beans and smile. Perfect. I take the cup and walk over to Luca, neatly I plant the cup of coffee in front of him and smile.

'Here's your coffee, master. Your sweets will be ready any minute.'

He picks up the cup and brings it closer to smell the aroma. I can see his eyes waver a bit like he's taken aback, without looking in my direction he smells it once more and quickly takes a sip. His posture freezes for a second and I'm in a bind not knowing how to take his reaction. Is it that bad? I've heard Spaniards are rather peculiar and picky when it comes to their coffee, so seeing him act so weird makes me a little anxious. Bloody say something! I beg him with my eyes although he can't see it because his eyes are still fixed on the cup in his hands.

The kitchen bell snaps me out of my daze and without a word I walk away to get the rest of his order. At least say it if you don't like it... Not knowing what he's thinking is what's frustrating me the most. In a trance, I grab Luca's food and troth back to him. His eyes are still glued to that damn cup of coffee... I almost drop his plate of food on the table, visibly irritated and the noise seems to have startled him enough because he finally looks up.

'Are you going to keep staring at it until it grows cold, master?'

I ask him in a sarcastic tone. He leans back and a little grin appears on his lips as he murmurs.

'I was just thinking of something, that's all. Thanks for the order.'

Stunned I look at him as he nonchalantly picks up one of the appetizers and starts eating, ignoring me like I've become invisible. Nothing?! Aren't you going to say anything? Infuriated I turn around and walk off tending to the other customers.

Luca spends the rest of the day pestering me in the cafe, ordering all kinds of different foods from the menu with a coffee on the side. He says nothing besides what he wants and it's slowly making me lose my mind. This is driving me nuts! Thank god my shift is nearly done and I can get out of this nightmare... I sigh in relief as I clean up my spot behind the bar. Now I just have to play my cards right. I stroll over to Luca and ask if he wants to order something else. He has to be frikkin stuffed! I can't help but smile at his determination. I have no clue what he's trying to achieve, but there has to be some kinda reason behind why he's stuffing himself like he hasn't eaten in a month. You're going to get sick at this rate. He orders one of the desserts, again, with a coffee.

I go to the back and hand my order to the chef, while I'm busy making his coffee Violet comes toward me. Perfect timing. I tell her which tables are mine, I've already told the others that my shift is ending, only Luca is left... I tell her I'll bring him the coffee and she takes over the dessert. Giving me enough time to get away before he can finish. I quickly clean the equipment and grab the cup walking over to Luca.

'Here you go. I'm sorry master, but my shift has ended for today.
Violet will take care of your needs instead of me, she'll bring your dessert shortly. Enjoy the rest of your evening, master.'

I bow quickly and dart off before he can even react. As I pass Violet her eyes follow me with curiosity. I pay her no mind and fly into the locker rooms, undressing at lightning speed. I'm impressing myself at how used I've become with my uniform. I jump into my regular clothes and boots and drag my hair up in a messy bun. When I throw my bag over my shoulder Maya enters the changing room, but before she's even able to open her mouth I cut her off and tell her as I hurry outside.

'I'll talk with you in the morning about whatever, right now, I gotta go!'

I scurry past her and go out through the back, but as soon as I open the door and dart outside I freeze in my steps. Shit. Luca stands in front of me casually leaning one hand against the building blocking my path.

'Shouldn't you be getting your dessert by now?'

'I think I've eaten plenty for today, don't you agree?'

I can't help but chuckle as he says that.

'What do you want Luca? What are you doing here?'

I ask still half chuckling. You're actually feeling fucking sick, aren't you? He tries to hide it with a smile but he's as white as a sheet and I wouldn't be surprised if he throws up in a second, but he acts indifferent and locks his eyes with mine as he says in a serious matter.

'I want to talk. I want you to tell me what's been bothering you so much. Last week you darted off before I could stop you and again you didn't come back to the bar to train. You don't think I was stuffing myself with all of those fucking sweets the entire day for nothing did you?'

'You could've talked inside. It is that kinda cafe ...you know.'

I say reluctantly, I can't believe this idiot found out where I work. I knew there was a great possibility of him knowing, I mean he even managed to track me in the middle of the damn Bayou. But still, a part of me hoped I could've kept this a secret. Anxiety sets in my heart and I look him straight in the eyes as I snap.

'If you tell anyone at Sean's bar or one of the fighters, I will fucking kill you.'

He can see in my blazing eyes it's an honest threat but he only smiles, his eyes filled with all kinds of emotions as he murmurs in a soft voice.

'Believe me, I don't want any of them to see you like that.
Although, I prefer how you look right now. Probably, mainly, because I can't focus when you're showing off your legs in a skirt. I don't want others to see how bloody sexy you are in a maid uniform.'

'W-What the hell, Luca!'

I stammer perplexed. Stop fucking teasing me! My cheeks are blazing hot and I don't know where to look while I mutter trying to sound frustrated.

'I told you to leave it alone...'

'Sweetheart my father is the head of the New Orleans mafia, meddling in other's affairs is a daily routine for me. Especially you keeping me out of things frustrates the living shit out of me. So come on.'

He says matter of factly, although his last words set my heart racing a bit. Why does he want to know so badly? Is he ...worried? Ignoring my brain once again I end up following Luca to his car. Besides Kizzy's family, nobody is ever actually genuinely worried about me. It feels ...strange.

Luca's muscle car rumbles loudly as he drives through the streets of New Orleans. The sound is soothing and I lean back a little as I look outside the window at the scenery drifting by. We don't speak for the entire ride and I have no idea where we're going until we stop in front of a massive gate, some men are stationed outside and they quickly look over the car before letting us pass. Did he bring me to his house? I lift an eyebrow at him curiously as he parks the car in front of the mansion.

'Out of all the places, you chose to bring me to your lair?'

Doubt is dripping from my tone while he stops the engine and turns in my direction.

'You're free to leave whenever you want. I just want to talk with you somewhere where no one will bother us, besides~'

He sighs and before he can finish that sentence there's a loud knock on my window and I turn to the noise, seeing Micah outside looking infuriated at Luca. I chuckle softly and ask Luca in a mocking tone.

'Did you sneak out from underneath your watch dog's fateful eyes, Mr. Whitfield?'

He bites his lip in frustration and mutters before he opens the door.

'Luca. Don't you use that Whitfield tone with me ...and yeah, I kinda did.'

As soon as he leaves the car Micah whirls to the other side yapping madly at him. He sounds infuriated but I can't miss the hint of worry in Micah's tone either. He truly cares for Luca. I slip out of the car and look around trying not to be too nosy. I'm not sure this place can even be considered a house, more like a frikkin castle. It somehow feels familiar, how can that be? I wonder as I take in my surroundings more carefully while Luca and Micah bicker some more, but Luca's authorization seems to have the upper hand and after a few minutes Micah huffs a sigh before he strolls off. I watch him silently get up the stairs and walking into the beautiful Spanish-designed hallway as he leaves the front door open behind him. Luca stands next to me and bends a little as he whispers.

'Are you coming inside, or are you going to keep standing there gawking until nightfall?'

'S-Shut it.'

I grumble as I follow him inside. From the inside, the place is as much, if not even more, impressive as from the outside. My eyes dart around frantically trying to take in everything around me, strolling behind Luca while I try to memorize the layout of the house as we walk. I have a feeling I've been here before, though I can't recall when that would've been. Between the entryway and the kitchen, we come across at least a dozen people. Luca seems unfazed by them and every single one of them bows their head a little in recognition at Luca as we walk past. They eye me up from head to toe as if I'm some kind of suspect, but nobody utters a word about it.

For the first time since I've met Luca and the others, it truly registers inside of my brain he's from the mob. Is that the reason you brought me here? To show me how much power your family actually has? I ask myself as we walk through another hallway, and just before we enter the kitchen my nose catches the smell of something cooking and my stomach rumbles loudly. Quiet goddammit. I tell myself as we walk through the door. We're not here for the bloody food!

A beautiful older woman is standing in the back completely lost in focus, the counter filled with some kind of doughy pieces while she's busy stuffing and shaping each one of them by hand. She's without a doubt Luca's mother. I conclude as she stands there cooking with a big smile on her face swaying her hips a little to the soft music playing inside the massive kitchen that looks like it's big enough to hold thirty people, at least.

'Good evening, mamá.'

Luca says as he places a kiss on her cheek. The gesture finally draws her attention away from the food she's making and she smiles up at him softly.

'Niño, where have you been?
Micah's been running around looking for you all afternoon, you know I can't cook properly when he acts like that. Are you hungry?'

Luca's face contorts when he looks over at the food cooking on the counter and I can't help but clasp a hand over my mouth to keep me from bursting out in laughter.

'No gracias mamá, I've had more than enough to eat. Karma seems to be hungry though.'

Luca grins and I rapidly shake my head as his mother turns in my direction with a look of surprise on her face while I mutter.

'No, I'm good.'

'How rude of me, I'm Elena. Luca's mother, I hope my son behaved himself around you?'

She says walking over to me as she rubs her hands clean on her apron before hugging me tightly. W-What?! Her sudden movement makes me tense up. My eyes search for Luca's pleading him for help but he shrugs his shoulders laughing. You never behave! I scowl at him inside my head when she draws back a little and scans me over, still leaning her hands on my shoulders before she speaks up happily.

'My son doesn't usually introduce me to women he brings over. Would you like to stay for dinner, Karma?'

'I don't think~'

'It's fine. You can have my share, if I take another bite of food I'll probably throw up anyway.'

Luca intervenes as he takes a mug out of the cabinet. Between him and his mother staring me down, I find it hard to refuse and nod my head slowly. Seems like I don't really have a choice in the matter. Elena's eyes sparkle happily and she skips back to her post to continue her cooking. Luca shakes his head laughing at his mother's behavior as he mutters something underneath his breath so softly I can't hear. His mother smiles knowingly and turns her gaze to me once more in between her cooking as she asks.

'Now tell me honestly, did he behave?'

I feel Luca's gaze on me from the corner of my eyes and my lips curl into a small smile.

'For a stalker, he's behaving himself just fine.'

The mug he's holding clatters against the counter and I look back at him innocently. What? He looks at me in disbelief before his eyes snap over to his mother who's squinting at him in disapproval.

'Luca. If you want to grab a girl's attention, stalking her isn't the right way to go about it.'

I got you there, I chuckle softly. His eyes immediately drift back over to me before he points them to the floor, listening to his mother's lecture. Feeling a little bad about it, even though it is funny as hell seeing him cower back into a corner because of his mother, I speak up unable to suppress my giggling.

'Mrs. Whitfield, even though I called your son a stalker, I have to say I'm impressed by his perseverance.'

'Please dear, just call me Elena. Why do you say that?'

Luca's eyes seem to bore a hole in me as he slowly shakes his head so his mom won't notice, telling me not to speak up. I grin a little at his childish behavior. So your mom truly is your weak spot, huh? His eyes grow large with uncertainty and desperation as he sees the devilish glimmer in mine.

'Well, you see... Your son does follow me around, a lot.
As for today, he came over to the place I work and stuffed himself all frikkin afternoon to the point where he's feeling sick. Just so he'd get me to talk with him. If that doesn't show determination, I don't know what will.'

Luca hangs his head in frustration as his mother bursts out in laughter. I glance over at him with a smile of victory plastered on my face. Payback tastes so, so sweet. Elena turns to Luca peering into his face and giggles.

'So that's why you look a little pale.'

'Mamá...'

His voice sounds a little threatening, but his mother only needs to lift an eyebrow clearly not amused by the tone he uses against her. He swallows quickly and looks over to me pointing to the mug on the counter.

'Coffee?'

'Yeah, sure. Black.'

His mother nods in approval and turns her attention back to making dinner. Luca quickly fills the mug with coffee that already has been prepared, probably by his mom, and walks over to me handing me the mug as he mutters.

'Come on, it's best to leave her be while she's cooking.'

'Nonsense. You just don't trust me with her.'

'True mamá, but that goes for the both of you.'

He laughs cynically, probably regretting bringing me over already, and takes a hold of my arm dragging me outside to the terrace. Behind me, I hear his mother shout to me happily.

'I'm making empanadas, I'll call you when dinner's ready.'

'Thanks, Elena.'

I giggle back as Luca keeps dragging me until we're far enough into the garden so she won't hear us. He lets go of me with a sigh before he lets himself fall down on a chair. He points a finger at me with a crude smile playing on his lips.

'You're a sneaky little fox, Karma. You know that?'

'Says the person who showed up at my job with a smug look on his face, annoying the fuck out of me all fucking day long. It's called payback.'

He hisses biting his lip slightly amused as I sit down on another chair opposite of him.

'It was surprising when Marty told me where you worked. What was even more surprising was you actually calling someone, me, your master...'

I see a hint of lust in his eyes but choose to ignore it and snap.

'Shut your bloody mouth. Don't even think for a minute I won't kill you right here, in your own bloody backyard while your mother is only a few yards away working behind the stove, because I wouldn't have the guts. If you give me a reason, I will do it.'

'Aren't you spunky as always.'

He says playfully wiggling his eyebrows, I roll my eyes at him in frustration and bring the mug he gave me earlier to my lips and take a sip. Stunned I look down at the coffee, it's...

'Tastes familiar, don't you think?'

'It's the same brand I used at the cafe, isn't it?'

Luca smiles, an honest smile this time and he bends forward a little leaning with his elbows on his knees.

'It's not a very common brand of coffee in America, but ever since I can remember my mother makes her coffee using this particular brand. It's also the only coffee that's true to my liking. When you brought me that first cup I was honestly flabbergasted, it even tasted the same. Whenever I attempt to make it myself it always tastes like crap, so I quit trying. Only a hand full of people know this little detail about me, how did you? And how do you know that I take it black? That couldn't have been a coincidence.'

It was... His eyes stare at me in wonder. He probably isn't used to other people knowing personal things about him and getting the upper hand. So I decide to make the most out of it while I still can.

'Infuriating, isn't it? When people delve into your personal space? I know someone like that, he's a real pain as well.'

I whisper in a mocking tone to which he tilts his head back in defeat and sighs. 2-1 for me, haha... Smiling at my small victory I take another sip of the coffee his mother made.

'I can't believe I ate all that crap. Missing out on my mom's empanadas, for this...'

He scoffs as he lays back on the chair and opens the belt on his jeans together with the first button of his pants. My eyes naturally follow his hands until my brain registers where I'm actually looking, making me gulp as my gaze darts all around the garden. Don't go there Karma, it's a fucking bad idea. From the corner of my eyes, I can see a little smile playing on his lips but he keeps quiet and continues.

'What happened that night, Karma? At least make my bloody stomachache worthwhile and tell me that much.'

The air around us immediately shifts and I take a deep breath before I speak up.

'First off, I'll tell you what I want you to know. No more, so don't go pressing for answers.'

He nods though deep inside I know it probably won't matter anyway. You'll keep bugging me until you get all the answers you want, won't you? I bite my lip trying to get my thoughts in order.

'The name of that moron is Dean, we go way back. He and I were supposed to fight against each other in the WMC five years ago. Only I got busted right before and they took me into custody which lasted nearly a month, so he ended up winning only because I dropped out. Or rather I was forced out, like many others at the time. A few weeks ago we run into each other by coincidence for the first time since then. There are, and have been, a lot of rumors going around about me because of how suddenly I disappeared from the scene. You probably understand by now I'm not really interested in the whole friend thing, the only person I keep in touch with from time to time when I'm on the road is Kizzy. So to them, it was like I dropped off the face of the earth.'

'Making it a great opportunity to spread around all kinds of shitty stories.'

'Exactly. Dean, being the dick he is, spread the most bull out of everybody. Making a name in this industry, especially for a woman, is a hard thing to do. Five years ago most people had set their bets on me, instead of him, while he was the leading champion at that point.'

'That must've been a real blow to his ego...'

'He's always been a dick, but I suppose so. Even more when I suddenly vanished, since lots of people were upset he won by default.'

I take a deep breath and my eyes land on Luca. And then there was you...

'Normally I brush off their gossip with ease. But last time... Well, erm..'

I begin and I can't help but avert my gaze from him, staring into the distance while I continue.

'He said something just to wind me up ...and he succeeded.'

'Why are you being vague all of a sudden? What did he say?'

'I'm not being vague. I just don't want to tell you, dammit.'

I mutter exasperated as a glance over at him, he leans in closer his eyes locked with mine.

'Karma, tell me.'

His voice is hard and serious but his eyes are gentle, pressing me for an answer. I knew this would happen. I roll my eyes as a sign of giving up and spit at him frustrated.

'It was your fault, alright?!'

He looks at me slightly confused, but before he can speak up I continue ranting at a rapid speed.

'I was already on edge because of you that day and then he just had to notice that damn hickey! For fucks sake. He asked me if I've been busy fucking bidders to get my name back on the map. I still want to throttle him when I think about it! Aargh! And then you had to make it even worse by showing up at the worst possible time! Giving him another reason to believe in the baseless stories he makes up, goddammit! I do have pride, you know. I've worked my damn butt off to get this far, fair and square. I don't want to see my reputation being flushed down the toilet because of you or that bloody imbecile!'

I yell out of frustration dragging my hands through my hair. Shit!

'Is he your ex or something?'

Luca suddenly asks just when I take a sip of coffee trying to calm my nerves. I spit it out on the floor, yelling back at him in between coughing.

'Hell no! *cough* I'm not that fucking desperate! *cough*'

'He's interested. You know that, right?'

'I don't give a damn, I wouldn't fuck him *cough* even if he was the last man on earth. *cough—cough* Just thinking about it, gross!'

He smiles almost satisfied while I try to steady my ragged breathing.

'Now if your done giving me one bloody heart attack after the other, can you tell me a thing or two?
For starters, all of the shit I seem to get involved in recently always seems to be connected to you somehow. Ever since I've met you, I can't think straight. Why is that?! And why is it you're going through such lengths just to know all this stuff about me? Why is it that you manage to get things out of me no one can?'

I ask and even I myself can't deny the desperate tone lingering in my voice. But these questions have been bugging me for days in a row now, I just need to know!

'I told you, you're the first woman, ever, that has managed to spark my interest. Why? I'm not sure I know the answer to that myself. The pressing for answers is just sheer determination, I think. Your will doesn't bend easily. Takes one to know one, I guess~'

'That's not true.'

I cut him off, it isn't because of your determination. A whole fleet of emotions washes over me as memories from the past flash before my eyes. My will doesn't bend, that's the whole problem here... Hesitantly I open my mouth not quite sure what I'm about to say.

'My past isn't ...pretty.
People have done and tried things, things I won't talk about, to get me to bend my will. But I never gave in ...ever.
What you are doing to me can't even be compared to that in the slightest, this is nothing, but still you...'

'Karma.'

His voice sounds so sweet my head raises instantly. His gaze finds mine and only then I notice my vision is blurred. This is another one of those things only you can make me do. I tell him in my mind as a tear leaks down my cheek. I close my eyes turning a little to the side, not wanting him to see me like this. You've been doing all kinds of messed-up things with me lately. The rough touch of his thumb against my cold skin sends a shiver through my spine as he wipes the lost tear away making me open my eyes slowly. He's so close our noses almost touch each other, the way he's looking at me takes my breath away. His hand cups my jaw and he whispers softly while stroking my cheek with his thumb.

'I don't know what happened in your past ...and I won't force you to tell me. But I do know I hate seeing you in pain. I don't want to see you cry ...yet, I also want to be the only person you share your tears with.'

'...You are.'

I whisper so softly at first I'm not sure he heard, but his eyes shift in surprise as he gazes at me.

'My sanity is begging me to stay as far away as possible from you, that you'll only bring me pain...'

'What else?'

He breathes as he draws circles with his thumb on my skin. I wanna yell, scream, and slap you! I wanna run away frightened by this feeling you're giving me... I wanna throw myself at you and kiss you until I'm out of breath. Maybe all of the above... His fingers bring me under his spell completely and I close my eyes, giving into the pleasant feeling as I whisper in a husky voice.

'The other part tells me to stay exactly where I am, within your reach ...to get to know you better.'

Or something like that. His finger stops moving and his hand draws back a little. I almost whimper at the loss of his enticing touch on my skin and my eyelashes flutter open to see why he has stopped. The pair of eyes staring back at me are filled with lust and I slide my tongue over my dry lips unintentionally. Damn. His eyes follow my movement, biting his lip as he rasps.

'I'm trying to hold back, sweetheart. Don't make this any harder than it already is...'

There's that word again. My eyes quiver, either from frustration or lust, I don't know. But our intimate moment gets railroaded as I suddenly hear Luca's mom clear her throat a few feet away from us before she chuckles softly.

'Dinners ready you two.'

I straighten up so quickly it nearly gives me whiplash and I look to the side so she can't see how red my face is right now. Fuck! I hear her walk off as soon as the words leave her mouth but I still don't have the courage to look over at Luca. Shit, what on earth am I doing? I blink rapidly trying to figure my way out of this until Luca's laughter draws my attention back to him.

'Well, this is your chance.'

I lift my eyebrow not understanding what he means as he stands up and grabs the now empty mug out of my hands and whispers against my ear.

'You wanted to get to know me, remember?'

He stands upright and offers me his free hand, giving me a quick wink.

'I'll probably regret this later, but if you wanna know about me mamá is the shortest route.'

A smile creeps up my face finally understanding what he's hinting at. Oh, I'm going to enjoy this... I ignore his gesture and whisper back sweetly clicking my tongue.

'I'm so going to make you regret this...'

I easily brush past him, my fingers lingering over his shirt a little longer than necessary before heading to the kitchen. Dinner with the heads of the mafia from New Orleans, that's not something you'll find on your average calendar. I think to myself as I walk through the kitchen door. This ought to become an interesting evening...