"Luca!" I called, bounding up the stairs.

His voice came from the office.  "In here, gattina."

"Dom said this was just delivered."  I handed him the envelope over the desk.

"Excellent," he replied taking it from me.

I leaned on the front edge of the desk purposely trying to get a peek of what the contents of the large manilla envelope were.  Luca ripped it open then took out a large stack of papers.

"Is that a prenup?"  I asked teasing.  I wouldn't blame him for having one drawn up.  Still, isn't it a show of trust to not?  I was sure he had his reason.

"No,"  Luca answered gruffly.  His eyes scanned the pages of the thick document.  When he finished, he placed the packet down then stood.  "I had my attorney draw up guardianship papers."

"Guardianship papers?"

"Yes, Madison," he sighed, rounding the desk to stand beside me.  His arms snaked around my waist.  "Unless you don't wish to adopt Carina once we are married?"

My eyes flew open under raised brows.  "Of course, yes!"

"Wonderful."  He pecked my lips then sat on the edge of the desk guiding me to stand in front of him.  "There are a few other things I need to discuss with you."

"O-K," I replied slowly.  "Now you are making me nervous."

The usual teasing or flirtatious Luca I was used to had gone into semi-Mafia mode.  I had only seen the mode full on one time.  His serious tone and expression had nervousness fluttering in my belly.  Something happened.

"Tensions have been rising again, Madison," he explained.  "Threats have been issued and some of our drops interfered with again but another family."

Sensing his tension, I ran my hands down then up his chest.  "Is anyone claiming responsibility?"

"No, but I have my suspicions."

"Gagliano again?"  Just saying the name sent a chill down my spine.

"It's possible.  There have been a few Falladori poking around, too."  His lips pressed into a thin line.   "They aren't causing trouble.  It is as if the news of our engagement has caused curiosity.  I am thinking they are trying to get you."

"Because of my name," I surmised.  "I am blood relation and the heiress."

"Yes, amore."

Arms hugging myself, I stepped out of Luca's reach.  Whoever was running my father's business now was trying to get me.  The level of danger had just risen.

"Which is why I had a contingency plan made."

Luca went back around the desk, opened a drawer and retrieved a file, a small envelope and a small black plastic container the size of a shoebox.  I turned toward his ruffling, hands still wrapped around my belly.

He handed me the box first.  "Put this in the drawer of your nightstand.  Refreshment courses for shooting and self defense will begin for you tomorrow with Dom."

"It's a gun," I whispered, running my fingers over the cold metal. 

This was getting real again.  The last time Luca gave me a gun was the night we were abducted by the Gagliano.  He must be truly worried for him to make this gesture again.

Next, he held up the small envelope.  "These are keys to a jeep in the basement garage.  There is access to it from the safe room.  I will show you where those entries are in a moment."

"Luca, are you really thinking we might be attacked here?"

"Madison," he sighed, leaning on the desk on his knuckles.  "Forgive me, gattina, if I seem paranoid.  These threats are similar to tbefore and my father didn't take them seriously.  Look what happened."

Sadness washed over him.  I closed our distance and wrapped my arms around his waist, resting my cheek on his chest.  Luca's arms engulfed me. 

"I'm sorry.  I trust you."

"Thank you," he mumbled then placed a kiss a top my head.  "In the back of the car are several gobags.  They are loaded with clothes, money and food for several days.  The GPS in the car is programmed for the safe house.  It's where I took Carina after the other attack.  No one knows where it is unless you know where it is."

"So, where is it?" I asked, smirking up athim.  Hopefully my sassy question would lighten his mood.

He chuckled.  The rumble went through my chest.  "It is a cabin off the Oregon coast."

"Ooo, Oregon is nice.  Sasquatch don't like the ocean.  We'll be safe on the coast."

Mercilessly his fingers danced along my sides tickling me until tears leaked from my eyes.

"The only sasquatch I will tolerate are those gorgeous legs of yours."

"You'd better pack your razor for fuzz control!"

Luca resumed his tickling.  I squirmed and squealed, twisting around until I sat on the edge of the desk.  Both of us panting, his lips hovered over mine.

"As much as I want to take you here and now, I must show you the panic room doors."

With a sigh, I relented.  Fingers entwined, Luca led me to Carina's bedroom first.

"If we are compromised at night, there is a steep ladder here in the back of her closet."  He opened the door, pushed aside her dresses and showed me the button.  A soft hiss and a panel disappeared into the wall.  "You will need to climb in first to guide her down."

"Alright."

Next, Luca led me back downstairs to the kitchen.  Silently, fingers still entwined I followed. 

"Behind this cabinet," Luca pushed a button hidden in the side, another hiss and a door disappeared into the a wall pocket.  "Is a set of stairs.  Both of these methods take you to the basement safe room."

I followed Luca down the dark staircase, pausing when lights automatically turned on.  Luca glanced over his shoulder, smiling faintly to reassure me.  Once off the stairs, I looked around at the cement lined room.  It was cold and bunker like.  Shelves were lined with boxed provisions, water bottles and blankets.  Luca crossed to a large, tall black cabinet.  After pressing his hand onto a keypad, the door swung open.  It was a gun lockers.

"If you have time, there is plenty of ammunition here and a duffle to fill in the bottom..  Come, and I'll program your prints."

I stepped forward, letting Luca take my hand.  He pushed a few buttons then laid my hand on the cool surface.  A green light scanned my hand then beeped.

"Access to the basement garage," he paused, showing me another keypad.  "Is through here.  Nicole."

"Yes, Scorpion," her sultry voice  answered.  I rolled my eyes.

"Copy Madison's prints to all keypads.  Grant her full security access."

"Done."

That was a lot of trust he placed in me.   It made me truly happy.  I smiled and laced my fingers through his hair, pulling him down for a kiss. 

"Thank you."

"Anything for the safety of my two favorite girls."

That comment didn't offend me.  It warmed my heart.  Carina was in my top two as well.  After her losses, she deserved to be fiercely protected as Luca protected all of us.  I would do my best to protect her as well.  In this dangers mafia world, anything could happen.  Love was a rick.  Connections were a risk.  Being close to anyone put them at risk.  My greatest fear was losing this man.  I would be brave and protect Carina if, God forbid, should anything happen to him.

Surprise chapter! 

Kind of a file but necessary set up for later drama

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