Lascivious Luca

Anne Marie Citro

Published by Anne Marie Citro at Smashwords.

Copyright 2019 Anne Marie Citro

This is a work of fiction. Any resemblance of characters to persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental. The Author holds exclusive rights to this work. Unauthorized duplication is prohibited.

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Editing by: C&D Editing

Cover created by: Ravenne Villanueva

ravennedesign@gmail.com

This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, places and events portrayed in this book either are from the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, establishments, events, or location is purely coincidental and not intended by the author. Please do not take offence to the content as it is fiction.

Trademarks: This book identifies product names and services known to be trademarks, registered trademarks, or service marks of their respective holders. The authors acknowledge the trademarked status in this work of fiction. The publication and use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.

This book contains mature content not suitable for readers under the age of 18. This book contains content with strong language, violence, and sexual situations. All parties portrayed in sexual situations are over the age of 18.

Table of Contents

Title Page

Copyright Page

Dedication

Note to the Reader

Chapter 1: Everybody Hurts by REM

Chapter 2: Closer by Nine Inch Nails

Chapter 3: Landslide by Dixie Chicks

Chapter 4: With a Little Help From My Friends by Joe Cocker

Chapter 5: Bring Me To Life by Evanescence

Chapter 6: I Won’t Back Down by Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers

Chapter 7: Lean On Me by Bill Withers

Chapter 8: Stand By You by Rachel Platten

Chapter 9: See You Again by Wiz Kalifa featuring Charlie Puth

Chapter 10: Boy by Lee Brice

Chapter 11: Perfect by Ed Sheeran

Chapter 12: Piece by Piece by Kelly Clarkson

Chapter 13: One Day You Will by Lady Antebellum

Chapter 14: Most People Are Good by Luke Bryan

Chapter 15: Break On Me by Keith Urban

Chapter 16: Hurt by Christina Aguilera

Chapter 17: Your Arms Feel Like Home by 3 Doors Down

Chapter 18: Bad Moon Rising by Creedence Clearwater Revival

Chapter 19: Distance and Time by Alicia Keys

Chapter 20: Let’s Stay Home Tonight by NEEDTOBREATHE

Epilogue: DNA Doesn’t Decide by Eli Savage

Thank you

Acknowledgments

Sneak Peek

Dedication

When I started this book, my dad was sick. Many times, I would sit at his bedside and write. Sadly, on July 1st, my dad passed away, and the world lost a great man.

I was one of the luckiest women in the world, because I had so many fabulous years with him. He was the most lovable, kindest man to ever grace this earth. And he was the hardest-working man I ever knew. He worked at his business until he was eighty-one years old, and I know he would have been happy that I used my writing to heal. I lost focus for a while, but my writing has always been my salvation and my escape. So, I let it soothe my hurt.

Every strong man I write about has a little bit of my dad in him. My dad was a very religious man too. Because of that, I know Heaven is a better place because he is there, making it beautiful.

We always think our parents are invincible, but sadly, I learned that’s not true. Take the time to tell your parents how important they are to you.

This is not goodbye; it’s simply a ‘see you in the next life.’

I love you, Daddy!

Note to the reader:

I have included a small glossary of Italian slang words. Some Italians might disagree with the meaning, but it is slang and regional. The meanings used in this book are what I grew up knowing.

Amore mio - my love

Bambini - babies

Bambino/bambina - baby boy/baby girl

Bella - beautiful

Bellissima - gorgeous

Basta - that’s enough

Capisci - do you understand?

Ciao - hello or goodbye

Cara mia - my darling

Coglione - asshole or male testicles

Cucciolo - cub/puppy

Dolcezza - sweetness

Dio mio - my God

Fanculo - fuck

Jesus Christ - Gusù Cristo

Jesus Mary and Joseph - Gesù Maria e Giuseppe

Piccola amore - little love

Shamo - stupid or idiot

Stunad - moron

Scustumad - stupid person

Testa di cazzo - dickhead

Toplina - little mouse

Va Bene - all right

Vaffanculo - fuck it

Spanish Translation

Bebé - Baby

Jesus Christ - Jesucristo

Mamacita - Mommy

Chapter 1

Everybody Hurts by REM

There is a turning point in everyone’s life, and Luca knew his had been the day his dad and brother had been gunned down. Nobody could live in North America and not hear about a mass shooting, whether it was in a school, a bar, or a shopping mall. It was sad, but Luca was like most of society—desensitized. He felt horrible for the victims and always donated to their families. But once the initial shock settled and the money was sent, like the headlines, he moved on to the next tragedy. That was before Ground Zero was Luca’s own family.

He didn’t think he would ever be able to wrap his head around the fact that a man would one day wake up and decide to kill scores of people he had never met. Life was tough, and everyone felt the world was against them at times, but what could have happened that particular day in the shooter’s life to motivate him to randomly eradicate the lives of Luca’s family members?

Luca was playing a gig in his hometown. They were performing one of the songs his brother Alessandro had written, when he caught a glimpse of a couple of guys backstage, nattering like a bunch of little girls and showing each other their phones. He couldn’t understand what had caused their frenzied commotion. They played two more songs before he got his answer.

In hindsight, he wished he had never put his guitar down and stepped behind the curtain, where the owner of the establishment pulled him aside.

"Luca, I need to talk to you over here, where it’s quiet," Jimmy told him somberly.

"What’s up?"

Everyone was staring at him with expressions he couldn’t decipher.

"There’s no easy way to say this. There was a shooting at the music festival."

Dread filled Luca’s chest as his heart twisted into a knot. The physical responses stole his ability to speak. There were thousands of people at the festival; what were the odds his dad and Marcello had been hurt? Things like that didn’t happen to his family.

Oh my God, he had to get a hold of his brothers. His mamma would lose her mind until she got word that they were okay. She shouldn’t be alone.

His mamma, Valentina, was only five foot four, but she was quick with a cuff to the side of a head or a pinch to the sensitive skin under an arm if any of her sons crossed the line. His mamma had to be tough, because their dad’s job took him away from home a lot, and she had to raise five sons, who now all hovered around six feet, practically alone.

Jimmy waited, but Luca said nothing.

"Luca? Did you hear me?"

Still nothing.

Jimmy grabbed his shoulders and shook him. Luca, can I call someone?

The jarring brought him out of his stupor.

He took his phone out of his back pocket and dialed Marcello. Come on. Answer, coglione, he whispered into his phone as he paced backstage, while his fellow musicians watched him unravel.

When Marcello didn’t answer, he dialed his dad. Still nothing, but the rational part of his mind reasoned it was probably pandemonium there, and they wouldn’t hear their cell phones.

Next, he tried his brother Sabastian, who answered on the second ring.

"Hello?"

"Sabastian, have you heard?"

His brother sounded way too calm. He couldn’t have known.

"Heard what? Speak up. It’s really loud in here," Sabastian yelled above the music and the noise from the group of guys he was playing poker with.

Luca didn’t want to drag it out, so he just blurted out, There was a shooting at the music festival. Dad and Marcello are there. I tried calling . . . They’re not answering.

"No goddamn way! Hold on. Steve, turn off the music and put the TV on CNN."

"Where are you? Text me the address. I’m coming to get you. Luca was frantic, knowing he couldn’t face his mamma alone. We need to get to Mamma. I don’t want her to hear through the media."

He looked at the owner of the bar. I gotta go. Pack up my shit for me, and I’ll pick it up tomorrow.

Jimmy grabbed his arm. Luca, we’re all praying for your family. You need anything, you call.

Luca nodded his thanks before he booked it out of the bar and ran to his Jeep. This couldn’t be happening. But somewhere inside his mind and deep in the pit of his stomach, he knew their lives would never be the same after tonight.

Sabastian sent the address, and Luca texted back to have their other brothers meet in front of his parents’ house in twenty minutes.

Ten minutes later, Luca pulled up to the address, where Sabastian was waiting by the curb with eleven guys standing a few feet away. Luca hadn’t even come to a stop before Sabastian grabbed the handle and opened the door.

When Luca looked into his older brother’s eyes, he knew it was worse than he thought. And Sabastian didn’t sugarcoat it as he got in.

"They’re reporting fatalities. They haven’t said how many yet. It’s not good, Luca. A lot of people were hurt or killed. There were hundreds of fans being shot at as they ran for their lives. The pictures on TV were brutal. We just have to pray it wasn’t them. Sabastian was searching his phone for updates. Social media was being bombarded with countless videos and pictures from the scene. This report says the band on the stage were all accounted for."

Relief caused Luca’s shoulders to drop. That was the best news he had ever heard.

Nobody on stage was hurt. His heart cracked as he repeated it to himself over and over, while tears filled his eyes. He felt sick for the families who wouldn’t get the same news, but he was so damn thankful his family was okay.

Luca’s relief was so tangible that he had to pull over and just let it all out.

Sabastian smacked his shoulder. They’re okay. Let’s get to Mamma.

Luca put the Jeep back in gear and sped to his parents’ house. When they arrived, Alessandro was already there, but not Santino.

Alessandro was out of his car and at the side of the Jeep before they opened their doors. He looked panicked, so he must not have heard the same report they had.

Sabastian filled him in as soon as he jumped out.

"Do you know who Dad was playing with?" Alessandro asked as he paced like a wild animal.

"It doesn’t matter. They said none of the musicians were hurt," Luca answered.

They all turned as they heard Santino peel around the corner. He was hyperventilating when he shot out of his vehicle.

"What have you heard?" he asked as he jogged toward his brothers.

"They said Jason was playing, and no one in the band had been hit," Sabastian answered.

"Dad and Marcello weren’t playing with Jason. They were with Luke."

"That’s good. It probably means they weren’t anywhere near the stage." Luca was the voice of reason.

The door was opened then, and Valentina Savage stood in the doorway in her housecoat. What are you boys doing here?

Luca swore under his breath. They hadn’t had time to formulate how they were going to tell her. Hey, Mamma. We need to talk to you.

Their mamma’s disposition changed instantly, and the pitch of her voice rose. What’s wrong?

The four boys headed toward her.

"I asked a question. Now, one of you better answer me. What’s wrong?"

Sabastian took the lead. Mamma, let’s go inside. He led the rest of his brothers into the house.

"Sabastian, you’re scaring me. Just tell me what’s going on."

Santino and Luca took over, leading her into the family room and easing her onto the couch.

Sabastian started to speak. Mamma, I need you to be strong and believe that everything is going to be okay.

Mamma gripped Luca’s hand so tightly it hurt.

"There was a shooting at the music festival, but from what we understand, there hasn’t been any reports of musicians being hurt."

Luca’s eardrums nearly burst with the pitch of his mamma’s scream.

"Oh, Dio mio! No! Tell me you’re lying. It’s not true."

Luca tried to comfort her, but she flew out of her seat.

"Where is my phone? I want to talk to Daddy."

Luca was right behind her, trying to stop her. Mamma, I already tried to call. They’re not answering. It’s crazy there right now, Ma. They probably can’t hear their phones.

She swung around. I don’t care! Your dad always answers my calls, no matter what. Find my phone. I have to talk to Daddy. She started to sob as she grabbed the front of his shirt. Please, Luca, help me.

"Here, Mamma. I got it," Santino yelled from the kitchen.

He rushed back into the room and handed her the phone, but she was shaking so badly that Luca took it from her hand. They all knew her password was amore, the Italian word for love. Amore for her husband, and amore for her five sons.

He scrolled to his father’s name and pushed the connect button. It rang and rang, but his dad didn’t answer. Finally, it went to voicemail. He looked at his mamma with a stoic expression and left a message. Dad, it’s Luca. We heard about the shooting. Call as soon as you get this message. He choked on his closing. Love you, Dad.

He saw his mamma’s eyes go from fear to absolute terror before she screamed, Call Marcello!

Luca didn’t argue; he did what he was told, with the same result.

Mamma collapsed to her knees, screaming into her hands, Please, Dio, let them be okay! Don’t take them from me. I’m begging. Please!

Alessandro and Santino lifted her as Alessandro got tough. Stop it, Mamma. They’re going to be fine. You have to be strong for Dad. You know he wouldn’t want you upset. Come on; let’s put the news on and see if they know anything else.

Sabastian went to the kitchen, and Luca followed him.

"What are you doing?" Luca asked.

"I’m phoning the Las Vegas police to see if I can get any information. After trying half a dozen times, he disconnected with frustration. The line is busy. I guess thousands of people are trying to get through. I’m going to call the Allentown police and ask them if they can find out any information."

"Good idea," Luca said. He would have never thought of that.

Luca was stuck in the middle of five boys. He had two older brothers, Marcello and Sabastian, and two younger, Alessandro and Santino. They were half-Italian and half-American.

Their dad, Shawn Savage, had met his mamma, Valentina, the first night of the Umbria Jazz Festival in Italy. She had sung vocals for the hometown favorite jazz band just before his band had gone on.

Valentina had stolen his heart the minute he heard her sing. He was six years older than the eighteen-year-old girl he saw again in the audience. They met after his performance and had been inseparable during the ten-day festival. And at the conclusion, Shawn promised Valentina he would come back to Italy after the Marciac, France Jazz Festival concluded.

Valentina’s papa hadn’t been happy about his daughter dating an American musician, but he figured Shawn wouldn’t be coming back, so he had let it play out. Everyone was shocked when, fourteen days later, Shawn showed up. Then, after three weeks, he asked for Valentina’s hand in marriage.

Valentina’s papa had known his sixth of seven children was headstrong, so he had decided to support their decision instead of having his young daughter sneak away to chase the young man back to America. Six weeks later, the young couple were married, and then she flew to her new life in America.

Shawn’s parents welcomed their new daughter-in-law into their home, where she and Shawn stayed until their first son was born and they could afford a house of their own.

Luca’s dad was still a musician, who toured with bands that needed a larger stage presence. Shawn was a talented musician who could play any instrument, and who had taught all his sons how to play.

Each of Shawn’s sons had their hands in the music industry. Luca was a director, turning songs into beautiful videos. He was quite accomplished for his age, and respected in the industry. Nobody could make the meaning of a song come to life like Luca. Although he was accomplished, he never lost his love of playing in a band and picked up gigs whenever time allowed it.

They sat in the living room, watching all the coverage of the shooting, until someone knocked at the door at six a.m. Then they all rushed to the door, hoping against hope that it was Marcello and their dad. When Sabastian opened the door, though, two police offers stood on the front step.

Valentina screamed, as she rushed forward, "NO!" and slammed the door in their faces.

Luca’s heart shattered, knowing as well as his mamma why they were at the door.

Sabastian and Alessandro grabbed an out-of-control Valentina and tried to calm her down, as Luca headed out to apologize and receive the news they all knew was coming.

"Are you Shawn Savage’s son?"

Luca’s heart dropped in his chest, and a sheen of sweat covered his brow. Yes.

"Sir, we’re so sorry to have to inform you that your father and your brother, Marcello Savage, were killed last night in the Las Vegas massacre. Our deepest sympathies are with you and your family. We would like a grief counselor to come to the house and help your family through this difficult time."

Luca dropped his head as tears fell from his closed eyes. Mamma had to be told that Dad and Marcello were gone.

"Please, come in," he offered as he turned, opening the door wider. Then he walked in with the police behind him.

Valentina took one look at his tears and started to howl. She broke out of the hold Sabastian and Alessandro had on her and flew at Luca, pounding on his chest as she screamed, "NO! NO! Don’t you dare tell me they’re dead. Luca, please, tell me they’re okay. That they’re coming home. I just want them home, where they belong. I want my family back!"

Luca tried to wrap his mamma in his arms, but she was fighting like a wounded animal, not wanting to hear the truth.

"Mamma, I’m so sorry. They didn’t make it."

"NO! You’re lying to me!" Valentina screamed louder.

Valentina loved her children more than her next breath, but in the face of such loss, she snapped and slapped Luca as hard as she could across the face. Liar!

His head snapped sideways, and he stumbled. It stung like crazy, but not as much as his shattered soul.

Sabastian and Alessandro grabbed each of her arms as Santino screamed, Mamma, it’s not Luca’s fault!

Hearing her youngest son reprimand her for attacking and blaming her third child brought the reality of what she had done into focus, even through her haze of her misery. Oh, Dio mio, I’m sorry, bambino! Valentina looked first to Sabastian and then to Alessandro, and they dropped their hold. She flew into Luca’s arms and pulled his head down. She rubbed his red cheek marked by her hand and kissed it. I’m so sorry, Luca. I didn’t mean to blame you. I-I just can’t live without them. No-no-no . . .

He held her tightly as she crumbled in a fit tears and sorrow. It’s okay, Mamma. Don’t worry about me. I understand. He guided her tiny body with her broken heart to the couch in the family room.

Ironically, he thought of the room that would never again be the family room because part of their family was gone, and now it was simply a room filled with heartbreak.

It was hell dealing with the loss of his dad and brother. Marcello hadn’t only been his brother; he had also been his best friend, so essentially, he felt like he had lost three people.

The torment of watching his mamma trying to come to grips with what had been done to their famiglia was heart-wrenching and changed the man he had always been. Luca wasn’t sure he ever wanted to love a woman so completely that, if she left him, it had the power to destroy him.

Later on, Luca and Alessandro went to Vegas to identify the bodies and bring them home to their final resting place. Luca would never forget seeing the two strongest men he had known lying on cold, metal gurneys. Both had been shot in the back, the medical examiner had said, and had most likely died instantly. He prayed that they had—that they didn’t know what had happened.

Luca’s biggest regret was not being able to say goodbye. There was so much left unsaid, whether it was because they were men, or he just thought they would have a lifetime to say it, was beyond him. If he learned anything from the horror of their tragedy, it was to not leave anything unsaid or undone.

Waiting for the funeral was almost as bad as the actual burial. Luca had never thought of his mortality, but burying his brother, who had only been twenty-seven months older than him, brought it to the forefront of his mind. He wasn’t sure if he was scared to face death, or if he was afraid there wasn’t anything after this life. How could he be sure? That was what drove him insane.

He had been raised to believe in God, but now he questioned whether He existed. When the natural progression of life was taken out of order and two people who still had so much left to do on this Earth died, it caused Luca to wonder what His plan was.

Luca wished he could shut his mind down and go back to the carefree days of thinking about his next project, or some hot woman he wanted a piece of.

The remaining brothers had many conversations about the future over the two weeks between the shooting and the funeral.

Their old man had intended to retire this year and give his beloved wife a chance to live out her dream of running a B&B. Their dad had bought a beautiful piece of property about forty-five minutes from Allentown, near New Tripoli, ten years ago. There, Shawn Savage had expanded on his wife’s dream of running a B&B and decided to create a mini-resort for bachelor and bachelorette parties.

During Shawn’s years of traveling with different bands, he had seen a lot of drunk and out-of-control bridal parties in large, unsafe cities. Therefore, he wanted to create an exciting environment with lots of activities to keep them entertained, but also safe.

For years, all the Savage men had been working to build the resort as a surprise for their mamma. Unfortunately, his dad and Marcello hadn’t lived long enough to see his mamma’s dream come to life.

The four sons decided to band together, leave their jobs, and make the resort a success. However, Valentina had been overwhelmed when she had learned about it and had fought with them. Each of them was determined to see all their hard work become a success, though. Hence, Savage’s Buck & Doe resort was created.

At first, the time Luca spent with his family was a constant reminder that his best friend and dad were never coming back. When he was frustrated, there were so many times he picked up his phone to text Marcello, only to realize he would never receive an answer. When he was completely out of his mind, he would head over to Leather & Lace Gentlemen’s club.

The owner, Reece, had been a friend of Marcello’s, and also to Luca, since the older two had graduated high school. Reece had purchased the gentlemen’s club from the previous owner.

If Luca’s mamma had learned Marcello and Luca were hanging around a strip club once a week, she would have smacked them shitless, then taken them to confession. Valentina had been raised a strict Catholic and had a very low opinion of what she perceived as a hedonist lifestyle. Although she had known Reece since he was a young boy, she thought he was the owner of a dance club, which, in Luca’s mind, wasn’t a lie. His mamma just didn’t need to know the dancers wore G-strings and pasties.

At the funeral, Reece showed up with one of the gorgeous bartenders who had recently started at his club. Luca had never spoken to her because she worked strictly for the waitresses. He figured Reece was dating her, until he introduced her as his sister, Brooklyn, and then told Luca that she was mute. Reece had never talked about his family, except to say his father was a piece of shit and not worth the dirt on his boots.

Brooklyn was absolutely stunning, and it broke Luca’s heart that she couldn’t talk. He wasn’t surprised, though, because he had learned that life wasn’t fair or kind.

Six months after the funeral, the resort was almost ready to go. They had decided on activities, and one excursion was going to be a weekly trip to a strip club. The resort had purchased a minibus, and all the brothers had gotten their bus license.

It was nine p.m. when he walked into the club. Luca’s job tonight was to approach Reece about a joint venture.

The bouncer knew Luca was Reece’s friend and waived the cover charge. It was early, so there weren’t a lot of customers.

Hey, Reece, how’s it going?

Reece shook his friend’s hand from the other side of the bar. Good, buddy. You? How’s the resort coming along? You want a beer?

Luca took a seat at the bar. Yeah, sure. Thanks. Actually, I’m here on official business. The resort is about a month from opening, and we’re trying to nail down all the excursions.

Really? That’s great. How’s your mom? Reece asked as he opened a bottle of beer and slid it to Luca.

Luca tipped the beer at his friend in thanks, then took a sip before he answered, She’s finally getting there. Being busy has helped, and we hired a young woman as secondary chef. Poor little Emmy is as timid as they come, and Mamma has taken her under her wing. She loves having someone to mother, and it’s nice for Mamma to have a woman at the resort.

Reece grabbed a cloth and started wiping the bar down. Does Valentina know you’re here? he asked with a smirk, knowing Luca’s mother would kill him.

Actually, she does, because, like I said, I’m on official business. She just doesn’t know you’re the owner, and I’d like to keep it that way.

Hey, Luca, you here for a free lap dance? Hilary, one of the dancer/waitresses, asked as she headed to get drinks for her table.

Reece turned to see her wink at Luca. All of you know he’s too afraid of his mamma to ever accept a lap dance. The one time he does, sure as shit, someone would see and report back to her, and we’d both be dead by lethal flying shoes.

Hilary laughed as she put her tray on the serving area. You can’t be serious, Reece. Luca, you aren’t afraid of your mommy, are you?

Luca smirked as he took another sip. "Have you ever seen The Godfather?"

She nodded.

My mamma is the female version, and I’m not partial to finding a horse’s head in my bed.

They all laughed as Luca noticed Brooklyn standing up. She must have been stocking the beer fridges under the bar.

"Besides, Mamma taught us guys to respect women, and she would definitely think that was objectifying women instead.

Hey, Brooklyn, nice of you to pop up. He smirked at her.

Luca had been in the club too many times to count, but this was the first time he got an instant boner.

Brooklyn was tall, probably a couple of inches shorter than his six-foot frame. She had a long mane of glorious, wavy, auburn hair. Even with makeup on, he could see a light dusting of freckles across her cheeks and along the bridge of her delicate, slender nose. But her eyes were the showstopper. They were bright green, like the color he had always imagined of Irish foothills. He would swear on his life that they twinkled when she looked at him, but it must have been the reflection of lights in the bar.

She had on a yellow, plaid shirt that was tied under her ample breasts and jean short-shorts that started just above the cheeks of her ass. Her legs were a mile long and shapely. To top it off, they looked sexy as hell in the cowboy boots she wore. She had a matching freckle on the bottom of each butt cheek, and they were begging to be worshiped.

She had an amused smile as she watched him look her over. She had obviously caught the entire conversation and saw the humor in his words versus his actions. Luca felt his face get hot on both accounts.

He teased Emmy, their new chef, all the time about blushing, yet here he was, blushing like a little girl.

That was incredibly rude. I apologize. You’re just so beautiful.

Her expression dropped from humor to disappointment, and then she turned away and made the drinks Hilary was waiting for.

Stop eyeing my sister, or I’ll be the first to tell Valentina, Reece growled out.

Luca’s embarrassment skyrocketed. Shit. Sorry, man. He dropped his eyes to his beer and started to peel the label off.

Reece had never seen Luca act like this, and he didn’t know if it was funny or annoying as hell. So, you were saying you’re here on official business?

Luca pulled himself together, tapped on the bar five times, and looked up. Yeah, I’m here because we want to join forces with you and bring our bachelors here one night a week, with reserved seating. It would be anywhere from ten to thirty guys.

Reece whistled. That would be great for business. Then he thought for a minute. How about if we give the resort the cover charge and we keep the alcohol sales?

Luca hadn’t considered a payback. Sounds like a great plan. Benefits both of us, and it will help pay for the maintenance on the bus and gas. Cool. I’ll know exact numbers the day before we come, so you never have to reserve more than we need. I thought we would bring them around ten p.m. and leave at one a.m.

Reece stuck out his hand to seal the deal with a broad smile. Excellent. Thanks, Luca.

My pleasure, Luca answered as he watched Brooklyn head into the back room. Redirecting his eyes back to Reece, he said, I was also hoping you could give me a name of a dancer who might be willing to teach pole dancing classes to our female guests. They need to be reliable and be able to work a couple of days a week.

Reece made a face that Luca couldn’t discern, making him wonder if he had caught him watching Brooklyn again. Then Reece pressed his fingers to his mouth while he thought. Hmm . . . well, honestly, the best person for the job would be Brooklyn. She teaches all my girls, and you wouldn’t believe the difference in the quality of performances since she started. She took professional dance lessons for years and was hoping to get into ballet, but life changes, and here she is.

Luca was uncomfortable with his next sentence, but it had to be asked. I don’t want you to take this the wrong way, but how is that possible when she’s mute?

Reece shook his head. No offense taken; it’s a legit question. Brooklyn choreographs all the routines. The women here know how to dance, so all she has to do is demonstrate and run through it a couple of times. Then she corrects any problems. Not sure how it would work for a room full of women who aren’t familiar with the basics. Let me think about it and see if any of the other girls here would work. He leaned in. Although, they aren’t the most reliable bunch.

Yeah, Luca kind of figured that might be the case.

Any help would be great. Okay, well, let me settle up my bill because we start trying out all the excursions the resort offers tomorrow, except this one, thank God. I’ll touch base with you in a couple of days.

Brooklyn came back out with another box of booze as Reece answered, Beer’s on the house to seal the deal. And thanks again. I think this will be profitable for both businesses. He extended his hand to Luca.

Luca got up and shook his friend’s hand. See you around, Reece. Nice to see you again, Brooklyn. Take care. He pushed in his stool as he watched Brooklyn wave from over her shoulder.

Damn, she was still pissed. Maybe, just this once, he would be thankful she couldn’t talk and give him an earful.

Brooklyn watched as the gorgeous man walked out of the club. He never once turned to look