Between Two Fires

^.^ Chapter 17 ^.^

"It's rude not to answer someone's message, you know," I roll my eyes.

"Yeah well It's also rude to come to someone's house in the middle of the night and scare them half to death. You didn't seem to have a problem with that." I lay back down on the rock feigning ignorance but really I just close my eyes to avoid looking at him. Last night had been a close call and the closer he was the harder it was to forget his face, close to mine.... I shake the thought out of my head. I should have known sooner that it was Luca who returned my phone but the thought had never occurred. Stupid I know...

"Wow. I returned your phone and I still don't get a thank you even when you know it was me." With a dramatic sigh he crouches down beside me on the rock, facing me. Unlike me he looks relaxed. As if last night hadn't happened and he hadn't punched someone or almost kissed me. 

Once again, I ignore those thoughts and sigh audibly answering him. "Maybe I would have thanked you if you had told me who you were. Instead of negotiating with me and hiding your identity." I huff and plug one of my earphones back in.

"I wouldn't say i hid it. If i was trying to hide it you still wouldn't know. I basically told you last night by sending you that text." I look up at him as he crouches beside me, his head looking out at the sunrise. I take the chance to admire his profile but I'm caught in the act when he turns his gaze sharply back down to mine. "Nice singing by the way. Even though I played for you when you were in desperate need - " He adds in a dramatic tone, "I still haven't gotten the chance to tell you that." I blush and look away from his piercing eyes muttering a quick thanks.

He takes a deep breath, "By the way, did you not notice the sign that said 'danger' down there?" He raises his eyebrows at me expectantly, waiting for an answer. I'm thankful for the change of subject.

"Yes I did. Your point?" I stare back at him defiantly and shift my position leaning back on my elbows instead of lying flat on the rock.

He rolls his eyes, "Did you come to Australia to get into danger or to have fun?" 

"Hmmmm," I pretend to look thoughtful before sporting my cheekiest smile, "A bit of both?" Ignoring his scowl I pull my phone out after another buzz. Wow I was popular this morning.

It's a text from Lea asking where I was and if I would be back soon so she could make breakfast. I text her back telling her I will be back soon and pocket my phone. 

"Who is it?" Luca asks but he doesn't try to take a peak at my phone like most people. 

"Lea. I think she just woke up - says she is going to make breakfast for us." I sit up beside him, dangling my legs and looking at the waves crashing below my feet.

He laughs and stands up. "Then for your own safety, I suggest you hurry back and get breakfast at the diner or make it yourself. My cousin is good at many things but food is definitely not her forte." He holds his hand out for me to take and I accept the offer but flinch as he pulls me up. My forgotten hip stinging as its stretched from the pull up.

He notices and lets go of me, "Are you ok? Is it your hip?" he looks concerned. I hadn't expected such a reaction from him so it takes me a second to reply.

"Uh- y-yeah I am ok. I forgot to put cream that's all."

"Are you wearing your bikini under the beach dress?" He asks instead. 

"Yeah. Why? I don't plan on swimming back to the shore or anything." I laugh lightly. He takes a step closer and before I can stop him he lifts my dress up on one side just enough to see the bruise.

"Luca! Wh-!" He stops my hands with one of his and inspects the bruising. Thankfully I was wearing my black cycling shorts over my bikini making this situation more bearable. I knew it wasn't much to a guy like him but I didn't go around showing my body to every guy I met. And although he would eventually see me in a bikini it felt different when there weren't a lot of other people also dressed in bathing suits.