Chapter 111: Chapter 111: Unveiling Tensions
The next morning, the atmosphere was calm, but Luca couldn't shake off the memory of last night's subtle tensions. As he lay in bed, his thoughts kept drifting to the conversation with Marcus. The guarded tone, the cautious looks—it was clear that Marcus's concerns were deeper than he had let on. Luca knew there was more to uncover if he was ever going to earn Marcus's full trust.
Ethan stirred beside him, his warmth a comfort in the cool morning. "You're up early," he murmured, his voice still thick with sleep.
Luca turned to face him, gently brushing a strand of hair away from Ethan's face. "Just thinking about last night," he admitted. "I feel like there's more to your brother's worry than just general protectiveness."
Ethan sighed, propping himself up on one elbow. "Marcus has always been overprotective, especially when it comes to my relationships," he said. "But after my last breakup, he got even worse. It… wasn't a good situation."
Luca's brows furrowed, concern tightening his chest. "What happened?" he asked softly, his hand resting on Ethan's arm in a reassuring gesture.
Ethan hesitated, as if weighing how much to reveal. "Let's just say it ended badly," he said, his voice tinged with a hint of old pain. "Marcus saw how broken I was, and he's been extra cautious ever since. I think he's just trying to make sure I don't get hurt again."
A pang of guilt shot through Luca as he realized how little he knew about Ethan's past. He had been so focused on their relationship's present and future that he hadn't considered the shadows lingering from Ethan's past. "I'm not like them, Ethan," he whispered, leaning closer. "I won't hurt you."
"I know," Ethan replied, his hand moving to cup Luca's cheek. "You're different, Luca. That's why I fell for you." He leaned in, pressing a tender kiss to Luca's lips, and the moment soothed the anxieties that had started to build.
But as they pulled apart, Luca's determination only grew. He wasn't going to let the ghosts of Ethan's past ruin what they had. If earning Marcus's approval was part of proving himself, then he was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
Later that afternoon, Ethan and Luca decided to go for a swim at the pool, hoping to unwind and enjoy the day together. The sun was bright overhead, casting shimmering reflections across the water. As Luca dipped into the cool pool, a sense of clarity washed over him. The tension from the previous night started to fade as the refreshing water embraced him, and the weight on his shoulders seemed to lessen.
Ethan joined him, splashing playfully as he swam over. "Race you to the other side?" he challenged, a mischievous grin lighting up his face.
"You're on," Luca replied, already diving into the water. For a moment, it was just the two of them—carefree, laughing, and lost in the moment. But as they reached the pool's edge, the real world and its complexities came rushing back. There were still things left unresolved, and Luca knew he couldn't rest until he faced them head-on.
End of Chapter 111
To Be Continued...
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