He glanced back, meeting her gaze. "I will behave, Nonni," Luca assured her, a hint of mischief curling at the corner of his lips. "I'm not a maniac."
She arched a brow, clearly unconvinced. "You say that every time, and yet my rosary beads continue to suffer from overuse."
"Then pray for my soul a little less and for my patience a little more."
"My prayers cover everything," she retorted dryly. Nonnina remained where she stood, watching him until he disappeared up the stairs.
When Luca stepped into the bedroom, Bianca had just settled into bed, the sheets gathered around her as she adjusted the pillows behind her. She looked up at the sound of his entrance, her expression brightening instantly.
"Amore mio," she said, startled but pleased, instinctively moving to swing her legs over the side of the bed to greet him properly.
Luca lifted a hand, stopping her with a simple gesture. "Stay," he said quietly.
