"Please," she whispered again. "This is not what you think."
"Then I need you to listen to me and go down to my car. Now."
Veronica shook her head immediately. "I can't… Luca, I cannot. Please." Her voice trembled, her eyes already stinging with tears as she took a step toward him. "I know you."
Luca's jaw clenched so tightly it looked like it hurt. The muscle ticked at the side of his face, his teeth grinding together as his hand trembled faintly at his side. He had nowhere to put the anger—no outlet, no release—and it was building fast, pressing against his control.
His eyes searched her face again. "Are you hurt?" he asked.
Veronica shook her head quickly, almost frantically. "No… no, I'm not. I promise. I swear. I'm good, very good."
Then, without another word—he lowered his hand and slipped the gun back into his pocket.
