Luciano

- Mina -

I nearly choked when I saw the same man from the other night sitting there, eating. So, is Luciano his name? I then turned to Corey. “Please tell me you didn’t tell him I was coming?”

Corey’s smile faded. “Do we have a problem? I can kick him out-” Before he could finish, the man, Luciano, approached us quietly. 

“No need for all of that. I won’t be long. Just wanted to thank her for helping me the other night.”

Corey glanced at me, then at him. “Um. Alright? I’ll leave you alone, then.” 

My cheeks flushed as I spoke, “How are you feeling?” then glanced over to his side. He grinned and sat down next to me. 

“I feel good, thanks to you. Honestly, thank you. I shouldn’t have done what I did, but I guess I was desperate.” 

I turn my head to meet his gaze and say, “Desperate times? You-” lowering my voice, “pointed a gun at me when I was trying to get you real help.” He stood up, and I followed suit. Standing face-to-face, I add, “The least you could do is ask without the gun next time.” I accidentally said it without thinking, and I felt that familiar burning sensation in my face again. 

He smiled and said, “I’ll remember that next time they try to kill me.” He brushed a stray piece of hair from my face and added, “Thanks, Mina. I’ll see you around, alright?” When he touched me, an unfamiliar feeling surged through my body, almost like a craving. Why am I thinking about this, about him? My cheeks probably turned red again, because he leaned in and whispered in my ear, “I owe you one.” With a wink, he left the bar. 

I wasn’t sure what just happened or how long I had been staring at the door. Corey approached silently and asked, “Hey, are you okay?” as he lightly touched my shoulder. I nodded in response.

“Yeah, just a customer. It caught me off guard, actually.” I turned and followed him back to the bar to finish my drink. We then discussed my plans for the day, to which I replied, “I just needed to sleep, spend time with Spot, and figure out who would be the new cook.” 

That changed the expression on his face. “Did someone quit or something?” I laughed and shook my head. 

“No, I was actually hoping you would be the top man, my manager.” I saw a smile stretch across his face so wide it looked practically painful. 

“Oh damn, Mina, I wanted to talk to you because I knew you needed one, but I was wai-” I interrupted him by raising my hand. 

“I know, I heard y’all talking. Thanks for the respect, but dude, speak up, will you?” We laughed as I finished my beer. He offered me another. “Nah, I’ve got to handle some stuff and make the most of this day. Oh, by the way, the new closing time is one, so everyone can leave together.” I tried not to suggest anything was happening. He smiled and nodded, and I left. I closed the door behind me and headed toward the alley to go home. 

As I turned the corner, I unexpectedly collided with someone. I was lost in thought. “I’m so sorr-” I started, but his lips were suddenly against mine, firm, unasking, and assertive. I didn’t even get a chance to realize it was him—Luciano—before he pushed me against the alley wall, the bricks pressing roughly against my back.

His mouth moved against mine as if he owned it, as if he was familiar with the shape, like this wasn’t our first time doing this. For a fleeting, terrifying moment, I allowed it. I leaned in, letting myself melt into him. His hand rested on my jaw, fingers rough yet steady. 

The same hands that once aimed a gun at my face now gently cradle my skin as if it were delicate or perilous. He pulled back slightly to breathe, his forehead resting against mine. “I had to do one last thing before I go,” he whispered, his voice deep and gritty, enveloped.

That voice. It was almost overwhelming, in the best possible way. I couldn’t speak immediately, as my mind struggled to process what had just happened. “Wha-what the hell was that?” I finally stuttered, annoyed by how unsteady my voice sounded. He didn’t respond, only an arrogant grin. 

His dark, unreadable eyes scanned mine as if weighing a decision. Then he stepped back, and the heat, the pressure of his body, and the sharpness of his control disappeared. “I meant to keep it simple,” he said in a flat, distant tone. “But nothing ever stays clean.”

“What are you talking about, Luciano?” I asked, attempting to sound annoyed, though I just wanted to scream or pull him back. I wasn’t sure. He shot me one last look, one that burned through me like a branding iron. 

“I won’t be far, Mina,” he said before walking away, simply walking off like a ghost, leaving me breathless, furious, and utterly confused. The worst part? I actually wanted him to come back. I craved more. 

What the hell, Mina? You don’t even know him, I thought to myself. He was gone, and I found myself still trapped in the alley. Eventually, I managed to get my feet to carry me home.

When I arrived home, a hungry Spot greeted me. “Well, don’t tell me you’re that hungry,” I chuckled as Spot patted the floor with his paws. I laughed as I got him some food. “I need another nap, kid.” I watched him eat his first bite before I went back to lie down. 

Hopefully, this time, he is not haunting my dreams. I lay there for what felt like an eternity, yet I did not sleep. The taste of him lingered. Why was I thinking about this? The first time someone kissed me in years. I drifted off, thinking about the way he held me and pressed his lips against mine. Of course, he was there in my dream again. But thankfully, before he was too close, I woke to the sound of Spot barking. Someone was at the door knocking.