Chapter 43

He slid the papers back into their drawers, aiming to tidy his desk before leaving the workplace, craving the fresh air outside.

He felt Luca's eyes on him and faced the black orbs, frowning, "What are you looking at?"

Luca shrugged, "Nothing much."

"Good. Didn't want to hear it anyway."

"You're getting Gretta worried being in this place twenty-four seven," Luca said it anyway, "and you know how she gets when she's worried."

Derinem pushed the last pen into the drawer, shutting it, "She's worried I haven't told her how Damon fares."

"You're overthinking it," Luca sat up straight, knowing he had brought up a sensitive topic; he could see the pain spreading on Derinem's face.

"Yeah, I get it," he grinned, running his fingers through his hair. Snatching the glass again, he made his way to the bar, lifting the refilled cup to Luca. "There are times I feel like I'm avoiding her. What if she sees in my face what happened to her granddaughter?"

"You