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Chapter Text

Karina DID IT AGAIN!!!!!

Oh!! This one made me start jumping up and down, screaming and crying!!

Absolutely beautiful!!!

Chapter Text

Tommy was back home.

Normally, that wouldn’t be such a scary thing, but Thommy wasn’t Tommy anymore. Tommy, he was a stranger. This stranger was dark, broken, and grieving. He felt nothing, and his eyes held nothing. He was worse than what he’d been before the war. He’d lost Grace two weeks ago. Grace, no one understood the hold that she’d had on Thomas. He’d held onto her, loving her for two years while he’d tried moving on without her in his life. Then, she showed up, and the wedding ring on her finger hadn’t stopped Thomas Shelby from claiming her as his. Thomas put a baby in Grace, and he’d held onto her, refusing to let her go. Tommy and Grace had only been married for two months. That was nowhere near long enough for them to create some memories together.

It had all been a sad and terrible affair. It all started the day that Tommy and Grace got married. If she were honest, it was all Lizzie’s fault. Lizzie had decided to stir some fires by bringing Angelo Changretta to Thomas’s house. The Shelby men responded by burning down Angelo’s restaurant. Lizzie was ‘in love’ with Angelo. At least, that’s what she claimed, but… Autumn saw the way Lizzie looked at Tommy. Lizzie had loved him a long time, but Tommy never returned her feelings. John loved Lizzie, but Tommy made him marry Esme. So, Lizzie seeing Angelo had caused John to grow angry, fueling his prejudice towards Italians. When Mr. Changretta asked for a peaceful meeting, John threatened Angelo. Polly said to apologize, but John and Tommy refused to allow it. John attacked Angelo, blinding him while Tommy gave the order to destroy 2 of Mr. Changretta’s clubs. Mr. Changretta put out a hit on Tommy. The gunman had aimed at Tommy, but Grace had been struck and killed instead. She’d died in Tommy’s arms, bleeding out while Tommy’s heart broke.

Now, they are all seated in the parlor waiting for their first family meeting with Tommy, and she is apprehensive. Polly and Michael came into the room; Polly was holding an envelope in her hands.

“Right,” Arthur said, standing up and letting the fireplace poker fall from his hands. “Let's go.”

“Uh, we've already seen him.” Polly said calmly.

But no matter how calm the words were, they still caused the room to become tense. Autumn inhaled as Arthur and John glowered at Michael. There was an order to things, and Tommy picked Michael over them.

Ada spoke up clearly, trying to shift the blame away from Michael. “He wanted to see people in a particular order.”

“I can normally read him,” Polly explained as she approached Arthur. “But he’s difficult to read, so be careful.”

“I thought it was a f**king family meeting.” John groused. “All of us together,” I thought.

“John,” Polly explained. “He's grieving. To see everyone together would be too much.”

John flipped Polly’s hand off his shoulder. He was angry. Autumn thought it was strange that John could be so cold towards Tommy. He himself had been a widower. He’d come back from the war to find his wife dead. Tommy had his wife die in his arms. A little understanding wasn’t too out of order.

“Yeah, well,” Arthur moved towards the library, patting John’s shoulder. “Come on, John.”

“Arthur, we need him back.” Polly said firmly. “Sabini and Solomons have already sent condolences and flowers, so it won't be long before they come trotting up the A1 like wolves.”

“Go on. There's a timetable.” ada said quickly.

“Only good news!” Polly reminded them.

“There is only good news, Polly.” Arthur groused as he and John walked away.

After a moment, Polly turned to her. “Well? Have you thought about it?”

She shook her head as she whispered. “No.”

“Thought about what, Poll?” Ada inquired.

Polly smiled tightly at her as she said. “Alfie Solomons asked for permission to court our Autumn. He’s waiting on an answer.”

“Alfie Solomons?” Ada shook her head. “Alfie Solomons wants to court Atumn?” Polly nodded, and Ada shook her head. “I don’t know why he asked her.”

Autumn didn’t want to talk about it. She cleared her throat. “I’ll get T-Tommy a sandwich.”

“Tommy didn’t want to see you,” Ada said. “You’re not on the list.”

That caused an even more awkward silence. She inhaled as she looked downwards at her feet. “Go on ahead.” Polly said. “You’re the one that Tommy’s least likely to yell at. He might eat it.” Autumn nodded as she hurried towards the kitchen. “We’re not done talking here!”

“Poll, leave her be,” Ada said as Autumn hurried out of the room. “I don’t think she’ll go for Alfie Solomons. He’s too much of a bear.”

She hurried out of the room before Polly got a chance to object. Tommy never ate much, but she knew there was some leftover ham. She made him a simple ham sandwich on white bread with some mustard and mayonnaise. She did add some cheddar and watercress. She inhaled as she slowly walked into the library. Tommy, Arthur, and John looked up at her before turning back to their business.

She moved slowly so as not to startle Tommy. “They'll have passenger lists. They can get you to the point of departure. You pick him up, and you bring him to me. Who's he got travelling with him?” Arthur mumbled something as she handed Thomas his sandwich. “What?”

Arthur shifted in discomfort before stating. “His wife.”

“So shoot her.” Autumn dropped the plate at Tommy’s words. “And bring him to me.” He turned and looked at her before saying. “f**k off, Autumn.”

She straightened up and took a few steps away as John cleared his throat. Uh, Tommy, Mrs. Changretta was a teacher at our school.”

Autumn gasped aloud and covered her mouth, shock spreading throughout her body. Tommy…wanted to kill Mrs. Changretta?? But she was their teacher! Autumn had loved Mrs. Changretta; she was the best teacher that she’d ever had. She was kind, and she helped Autumn with her stammer. Things had gotten tense when the war started, and no one wanted her to be friends with Mrs. Changretta. They hadn’t seen each other in years, but it broke her heart to think of Tommy ordering her death!

The fact that John, who hated Italians, was uncomfortable with killing Mrs. Changretta spoke volumes. Arthur shook his head slightly as he attempted to reason with Tommy. “She's a good woman, Tom, a good woman.”

Tommy was silent for a moment, looking from Arthur to John as if they were mad out of their minds. “Well, if she's a good woman, then she'll go to heaven, eh, Arthur?”

She covered her mouth as Tommy took another drag on his cigarette. He couldn’t have become so heartless as to shoot an old woman. They’d already killed Angelo and driven all the Italians out of Small Heath. Now, Tommy was going to kill two old people!? people they knew!! Why?? They killed so many people!! But this time, they actually knew the people! She’d grown up with them! They’d all grown up with them! Mr. Changretta gave them clothes that Luca and Angelo outgrew. Mrs. Changretta knew that they were poor and couldn’t afford much. She gave them sweets and other lovely things when she could. She overlooked John and Arthur’s behavior in school. Tommy had been her favorite of the boys. The fact that Tommy could have her just killed without even thinking about it was mind-blowing.

Tommy handed John a piece of paper. “Just do what's on the list, nothing else. Then burn it. Don't speak on the phones. The f**king Secret Service is listening.” She stared at John, who looked at her. He was the sibling she was the least close to. But she shook her head as he looked at her. John didn’t take the paper. “I want the old man alive. I want to do it myself.” She let out another gasp, and Tommy looked at her. His blue eyes were so dark that they were almost black with every toxic emotion that was bottled up in him. “You got something to f**king say, Aututhm?”

Arthur shook his head. “No, she doesn’t.”

She inhaled as she said. “W-will you let Mrs. Changretta---

“No.”

She exhaled. “Tommy, she wasn’t involved.”

“That’s too f**king bad,” he stated. “Because neither was Grace. The old man will know what it feels like when he watches his wife die in front of him.”

She was silent for a moment before adding. “K-killing them won’t bring Grace back.” His head shot up, and the whole room went tense. “You know, she wouldn’t want you to k-kill people in her name.”

Thomas shouted without even blinking. “Get the f**k out of here, Autumn!!”

She jumped. “ Tommy---

“Out,” Arthur said as he grabbed hold of her arm and shoved her out of the library. “Out now!”

“But---

Arthur slammed the door in her face, and she covered her mouth. Could they really do it? Could they honestly kill Mr. and Mrs. Changretta? This whole thing…it was like a waking nightmare. She couldn’t believe it. The world, it seemed, to grow red around her. There was so much blood around them; their family was tainted and haunted by it. People died every day. Naturally or unnaturally. But to be brutally murdered and gunned down in such a disgusting, sordid fashion, it made the world even darker. Yes, the world was already a cold, cruel, and evil place. But people sure as hell didn’t mind contributing to the darkness with their actions. They’d continue to spew more of their hate and toxic darkness into the world and then cry that there wasn’t enough light in the world. It all had to stop.

“Since my f**king wife took a bullet meant for me!!!” Thomas shouted on the other end of the door, causing her to inhale sharply.

The way he shouted that out gave her chills. She couldn’t fault Tommy for being in so much pain. Tommy hadn’t loved anything or anyone since Greta until Grace. But he’d latched onto Grace in a way that none of them understood. She wouldn’t even truly call it love. There was almost like a madness, an insanity that took over Tommy. Maybe that’s what love was, and it would explain why Tommy had been so broken, but this. He was losing his mind, and there was nothing that anyone could do to put it back together again. Grace had held him together, and then she’d broken him by dying.

“Do this, John.” John shouted from the library, startling her. “Do that, John. Kill your f**king teacher, John!"

There were a few minutes of silence, and then John came out of the room with a sickly white face. He didn’t want to do this; she knew he didn’t. She inhaled as she croaked. “John---

“Shut up, Autumn.” He said as he walked past her. “Tommy gave us orders.”

“B-but they… she was our teacher.” Autumn inhaled. “P-please. Don’t do this…”

John stopped in his tracks before turning towards her and spitting out. “You always were a f**king wop lover, Autumn.” Arthur came out of the room. “Tommy’s orders are that they die. So, they f**king die.”

Tears filled her eyes. She thought that she had no more tears to cry, but she couldn’t stop crying. Her head ached, her heart ached, and it was breaking. She felt too conflicted now. Her heart ached for Tommy; it truly did. But she’d known Mr. and Mrs. Changretta for most of her life. How could she be alright with Tommy ordering them to die? She knew them so well! And Angelo…her heart broke when she found out that he’d been killed a few days ago. Mr. and Mrs. Changretta probably didn’t even get to bury him properly because they were on the run.

Arthur shook his head as he said. “Nothing to be done, Autumn.”

“But,” she choked on her tears as she said. “S-she was like a m-mother to me. Mr. Changretta… He was a good man. I c-can’t believe…that you and John can kill them. So easily.”

John walked off with a huff. Arthur glanced at John and mumbled. “Liverpool.”

She frowned. “What?”

“They’re in Liverpool. You’ve got till Saturday.”

And with that, Arthur walked away from her. Three days. That was all the time she was allowed to try and find Mr. And Mrs. Changretta before they were murdered by her family. There was enough death in this world, and she couldn’t bear to lose two more people this year. There’d been enough death. The taste of death hung around this family like a shroud, and none of them would ever be free from it, but she sure as hell wanted to be free of it. She only had one prayer: that she could be free from all this one day.

Chapter Text

Saturday, August 30th, 1924

She was late.

She’d tried hard to find them, but without Thomas’s resources, it had been hard. Because she was a Shelby, nobody Italian trusted her. The Changretta family was well loved and respected within the community. Thomas had all the Italians driven out of their homes, and there was a lot of resentment towards the Shelby family. So she’d become frantic as Saturday approached.

Then Saturday, by the grace of God, she found one of her old friends, Mrs. Bertazolli. Mrs. Bertazolli had been reluctant to tell her at first, but when she explained that her brothers had laid a trap for the Changrettas, Mrs. Bertazolli told her where they were. They were boarding the RMS. Laconia, traveling 3rd class in order to avoid detection. She knew Tommy, though. He’d have men inside waiting to kill them. While Mrs. Bertazolli headed off to call some Italian men to make sure that the Changretta’s were able to board safely, she ran towards the ships. She couldn’t get past without having a ticket. However, she had a feeling that would happen, so she had her passport and money. The third class was full, so she had to buy a first class. She managed to get in line for the third class, and no one stopped her.

It was crowded, so she began to look through the crowd. She spotted some blinders moving through the crowd. So she followed that man. She lost him briefly for a second, but she kept moving forward. Sure enough, she heard Mr. Changretta yelling for the police. She managed to push through, and her heart sped up as she saw them from a distance away being escorted to the dock by a police officer! That was the trap. The blinder made them think that they were in danger, and the officer took them to their actual deaths.

She kept her eye on them, grateful that she didn’t have any luggage. Everyone shot her sour looks as she pushed past them, keeping an eye on the officer’s hat. Mr. And Mrs. Changretta moved quickly, tattling that they were actually terrified to death. She was scared too! Tommy, he was ruthless. She didn’t want to think about what he’d do to them! The way he’d have Mrs. Changretta killed in front of her husband! She understood why Tommy wanted to be so cruel, but she couldn’t bear to see that happen.

She got held up by an inspector, who demanded to see her ticket. She showed it to him, and he said she was in the wrong place. She started to lose sight of Mr. and Mrs. . Changretta. She took her ticket, pretended to tuck it inside her purse…and then ran after them! The man shouted and blew a f**king whistle, but she was fast. She always was the fastest runner. She saw them go out a door, which led them out onto the beach. She ran down the pavement, falling once, but she got up and ran through the sand.

But it was too late.

She arrived to see Arthur, John, the policeman, and two other men waiting for them. Mr. And Mrs. Changretta… It broke her heart to see the two of them holding tightly onto each other! They’d dropped their bags and were holding tightly onto each other. They’d been married for over 40 years; she couldn’t imagine being with anyone that long and then having that person taken away from you. Never to see them again, never to touch or kiss them again. It was beyond wrong to involve Mrs. Changretta in this feud; she was innocent!

“Not until I know my wife is safe!” Mr. Changretta said firmly, not caring that he was outnumbered. He loved Audrey so much.

“Arthur!!” She shouted, causing everyone to turn and look at her. “John!! D-don’t!!” She begged. “D-don’t do it!!”

Arthur looked at her, his jaw set. “You had your shot, Autumn. You failed.”

“She's safe.” John said solemnly. “We're not going to harm her. Let's just get a move on.”

Those words were a relief, but she couldn’t bear to see them separated. “Look, we're disobeying Tommy's orders just by talking to you.” Arthur said solemnly. She opened her mouth, and he cut her off. “Don't push it, please. Come with us. Let him go.”

She shook her head, holding even tighter onto Mr. Changretta. She inhaled as she approached Arthur while Mrs. Changretta begged. “Let him go, too. Say it's done. Say he's in the harbor. He can do you no harm from New York.”

“I can't do that, Mrs. Changretta.” Arthur said quietly. “I can't do that. Sorry.”

“Arthur,” she begged. “please---

“We’ve got witnesses,” he said quietly. “I’m not going to tell Tommy why I let the man who killed his wife go.”

“You b-both killed the man who p-pulled the trigger!” she stated. “It was an accident!”

“That doesn’t matter,” Arthur said. “Tommy wants to kill him himself.”

That moved Mr. Changretta into action. He nodded. “Ok, ok. Audrey, listen.”

Audrey’s eyes widened, and she shouted. “No!”

“Listen to me!” Vicente shouted at her, startling her for a moment. He instantly lowered his voice, not wanting his last words to be yelled at her. “Go to the cafe in Mott Street. Bonito will take care of you.”

Audrey shook her head as she threw her arms around Vicente’s neck. “Let him go, too,” she begged. “He's an old man! I gave you sweets and cakes!”

She remembered that. They’d been poor. So very poor, but Mrs. Changretta always had something for them to take home. She always remembered their birthdays, and she managed to give them something without making it seem like charity. She’d been so gentle and kind to them! She turned to Arthur. “Please, we can’t---

“Mrs. Changretta, there are rules.” Arthur said firmly. “Your husband knows the rules. Come on, old man.”

“No!” She snarled at him.

“Arthur, please!” She begged him. “This isn’t right, and you know this!”

“Sorry.” John inhaled as he pulled out his gun, cocking it. “We're disobeying orders here.”

“John!” She screamed. “Stop it! Please!” She took a step forward, only to be grabbed by Arthur. “Don’t!! Don’t!! You know this isn’t right!!”

“Shut up, Autumn.” Arthur said. “You shouldn’t have come here.”

“I don’t want them to die!!” She cried. “Please!! Just let them go!!”

“Let him f**king go!” John shouted as he pointed his gun in Mrs. Changretta’s face. That was possibly the saddest but most beautiful thing that she’d ever seen in her life. Mrs. Changretta stared John down, fear on her face, but she held tighter to her husband. That kind of love…it was a beautiful thing. God forgive her, but Tommy and Grace never had a love like that. Grace betrayed Tommy and then abandoned him when he chose his family. She never stood by him, and she certainly didn’t stand by her first husband. That man killed himself when Grace told him how she was pregnant with Charlie. That love that Grace and Tommy shared. There was something tainted about it. It wasn’t pure like this.

“You have 10 seconds, or Tommy’s orders stand.” She gasped in shock as Arthur repeated. “They stand!”

She shook her head. “No.”

“One.” Mrs. Changretta didn’t move. The fact that John had his gun pressed up against her cheek…she didn’t move! She was unwilling to leave her husband! “Two!”

“Please!” She begged as tears finally started pouring down Audrey’s cheeks.

Mr. Changretta took a step forward, grabbing hold of her and kissing her deeply. “Three.” They didn’t flinch. Watching them cling to each other and kiss each other for the very last time broke something in her. She couldn’t let this happen. She’d known them for almost her entire life—over 20 years! They couldn’t die like this.

Mr. Changretta broke the kiss first. He looked into Audrey’s eyes and declared. “I love you forever.”

“Four.” And with that, Mr. Changretta turned and walked away.

Arthur released her, and she went up to Mrs. Changretta, who was standing there, the blood draining out of her face. She actually took a few steps forward…to go after her husband!!

“Mrs. Changretta,” she caught her arm and stopped her. Mrs. Changretta promptly started fighting her. “Listen to me.”

“No!!” She shouted. “No!!”

“If you want him to live,” that made Mrs. Changretta stop fighting her and stare at her. “Take the gun from my purse. Now.” As a rule, Autumn didn’t carry a gun. But she was running all over Liverpool by herself, so she had to have protection. Mrs. Changretta inhaled shakily as she grabbed the gun. “Use me as a hostage. If they don’t believe you…shoot me in the shoulder.” Mrs. Changretta nodded. The officer had walked away, so she took that moment to scream. “Arthur!!!”

Mrs. Changretta fired the gun in the air. Everyone spun around and stared at her. Autumn kept her hands up in the air, tears flowing freely down her face. She was crying because this was the one chance that she had to get Mr. and Mrs. Changretta to safety. She didn’t mind taking a bullet to the shoulder, not if it ensured that they were able to get them to New York safely.

“Let him go!” Audrey ordered as they all ran towards her, their guns drawn. “Let my husband go, now!!”

“Autumn!” Arthur said. “What the f**k---

“Don’t kill her,” she begged. “If something happens to me, don’t kill her! Swear it, Arthur!”

“Let her f**king go!” John shouted as he put his gun to Mr. Changretta’s head. “Right now or I’ll blow his f**king brains out!!”

“I’ll shoot her where she stands!” Mrs. Changretta threatened as she pushed the gun into Autumn’s neck. She let out a cry, silently praying that Mrs. Changretta was a good shot and wasn’t about to accidentally kill her. “Let him go!”

“Audrey!” Vicente spoke to her in Italian. Audrey responded back, and he went still. She hoped that she had told him that it was a plan.

John shook his head. “I don’t believe you. Autumn was your favorite. You wouldn’t kill her.”

Mrs. Changretta moved the gun to Autumn’s shoulder…and fired. Autumn screamed and doubled over as the bullet tore through her shoulder. John and Arthur jumped, and their faces went pale as the blood started dripping down the front of her dress. It was a good shot, but she began to feel sick and woozy instantly.

“Alright!” Arthur shouted. “Alright! We’ll let him go!”

John frowned. “ Arhtur---

“Shut up, John!” he inhaled. “Mr. Changretta, go to your wife.”

Mr. Changretta hurried over to her. He kissed his wife briefly as she said. “Get the bags. Quickly.”

“Right,” Arthur said. “We let him go; now you let her go.”

She shakes her head. “Not until we’re on the boat.”

“Give her f**king back!”

“Not until we’re on the boat!” Mrs. Changretta snapped. She gave Autumn a little push forward. “Move!”

Autumn did, and she felt as if she were in a haze. A bag was pushed into her right hand. Mrs. Changretta had fortunately shot her in her left shoulder. Audrey took her last bag, and they moved towards the dock. Her head was reeling, and she’d lost her hat. She looked back to see John and Arthur following at a distance behind them.

She wasn’t sure how she was able to find the strength to move up the dock. Mrs. Changretta removed her scarf and draped it around Autumn’s neck to hide the blood. They showed their tickets and passports. She asked a porter to bring Mr. and Mrs. . Changretta’s bags to her first-class room.

They then leaned over the edge of the railing. Arthur, John, the two men, and the officer were below in the sand, watching them. They needed a ticket to board, so they were cut off already. Mrs. Changretta relaxed and said quietly. “I’m sorry.”

“It’s alright,” she inhaled sharply as she said. “I’ll live. B-but so will the t-two of you.”

“Thank you.” Mr. Changretta said as he hugged her, being careful not to hit her shoulder. “That was hard for you.”

“Actually,” she inhaled as she confessed. “It’d be harder for me…to know that the two of you were dead and not d-do anything ab-bout it.”

“Breathe.” Mrs. Changretta said quietly. “They’re finishing up with the passengers, and then they’ll let you off the boat.”

“Grazie,” she said softly.

Mrs. Changretta exhaled as she said. “I wish…that we had time to spend. Get to say goodbye and thank you properly.”

Autumn was silent for a moment, and then she said. “I could just stay.”

Mr. Changretta shook his head. “No, your family would miss you.”

She was silent before speaking. “I’ve always wanted to visit New York. Just for a day or two. See the Statue of Liberty and all those other places.” She bit her lip before admitting. “I’d love to b-be away from them for a few days. Everyone is so angry.”

Mr. and Mrs. Changretta exchanged looks. “You could stay with us. Our son, Luca—you haven’t seen him in ten years, but he’s got a big house.” He explained. “And after what you did, it would be our honor to have you as our guest.”

It was so tempting. She glanced at the gangplank and saw that the men were preparing to pull it up. She had a decision to make. A decision that wouldn’t make her family happy, but it was the right one for her at the moment.

She smiled as she said. “Let’s go to New York, then!”

“Alright.” The boat whistle caused her to jump for a moment. Mrs. Changretta handed her back her gun. “Come. Let’s go to our quarters and have a doctor look at your shoulder.”

“I’m sure it’s fine. I’m sure it went straight through.”

“Still,” Mrs. Changretta said. “You will want to visit New York. We cannot have you being injured.”

She turned back and looked at Arthur and John, who were now running towards the gangplank along with the other two men. She took the gun from Mrs. Changretta and held it up. The officer was looking at her, and he shouted at Arthur and John. The two of them stared as she held up the gun, showing it before throwing it in the water.

There had been enough killing. She didn’t care what her family thought, but it was time for peace. She knew that Tommy would find her actions unforgivable, but she didn’t have it in her to let Mr. or Mrs. . Changretta die. There was enough blood on everyone’s hands as it was. They’d forgive her in time, but she’d never have been able to forgive herself for turning a blind eye to the Changretta's. It would take a week for them to get to New York and another week to get back. If she stayed a week in New York, they’d have a month to forgive her for her decision to help. She could only pray that she wouldn’t regret this.

Chapter Text

September 6th, 1924

“Do you see him?” Audrey asked.

“No. Not yet, but he’ll be here, my love.”

Autumn smiled.

It had been an interesting week. They’d been at sea no more than an hour when the captain and several armed men burst into her first-class cabin to see Mrs. Changretta digging a bullet out of her. Mr. And Mrs. Changretta had been promptly arrested on sight while the captain ‘rescued’ her. Fortunately for her, the captain was a godly man who took a moment to listen to her.

Tommy had sent a telegram, alerting the captain that she’d been held hostage. Autumn had countered and told them that Tommy was her brother and he was grieving. She took the time to explain that he was blaming Mr. and Mrs. Changretta for the loss of his beloved wife. The captain had been skeptical at first, but then she’d told him about how brutally Angelo had been murdered. The captain then wired the hospital to ask for confirmation of the murder, and when it was confirmed, he let the changrettas go. He promised that they wouldn’t be disturbed again. Tommy’s plan failed again. He tried bribing the captain into turning the ship around, but he refused the bribe.

After the doctor patched her up, Mrs. Changretta helped her into one of her dresses. It was a simple one, just plain gray and a little oversized on her, but she made do. They spent most of the day talking and catching up on everything that had happened. It was wonderful talking to them again. She did make sure to give Mr. and Mrs. . Changretta some privacy so they could have some time alone with each other. Those two, even after being married for over 40 years, hadn’t diminished their love for each other. They were the main reason why she hadn’t married. Her parents didn’t have a loving marriage; the Changrettas did. So, she wasn’t going to marry until she found a man who loved her as deeply as Mr. Changretta loved his wife.

“Ah, there he is!” Mr. Changretta waved.

Mrs. Changretta smiled as she said. “You haven’t seen him since he went to America, almost fifteen years ago. I don’t think he’ll remember you.”

“I’m not very memorable.”

She laughed as she shook her head. “You are, Autumn. Don’t worry. One day, a nice, handsome man will snatch you up. If you weren’t too young for my Luca, then I’d match the two of you up myself.”

She blushed and shook her head as she said. “Don’t worry. I’m never going to marry.”

“Oh, you will.” Mrs. Changretta rubbed her shoulder as they followed Mr. Changretta. “You’re a good girl with a good heart. There will be a man out there somewhere who will recognize that and love you for it.”

“Papa!” She looked up to see an extremely tall man, Luca Changretta, she assumed, wrap his arms around Mr. Changretta. The two men talked briefly before Luca kissed his father on both his wrinkled cheeks and hugged him tightly. That made her smile for a moment. She never really knew her father. Only saw him five times or so before he vanished forever. She didn’t even get to see him the one time he came to visit before stealing from them and going to America. It was also comforting to see that she’d helped rescue a very good man, and she knew this because she could see how much Luca Changretta loved his father. “You’re safe now.” Luca said. “I have my car waiting for you and Mama.”

“Thank you, my boy.” Mrs. Changretta stepped forward as Luca released his father and turned to his mother. He gave her a few pecks as well before holding tightly onto her. “I thought I’d never see you again.”

“You’re here, in America,” he promised as he ran his hand up and down his mother’s back. “You will both be safe. You will not want for anything. Ever.”

God, that was so sweet to hear. She smiled sadly as she watched the scene unfold before her. She was happy but sad at the same time. She’d wanted something like this with someone in her life. She knew that she never would. Luca said something in Italian, and two men showed up and took his parents' bags.

“Let’s get you home.” Luca said. “I’ve had your room prepared. You must be exhausted.”

“In a moment.” Mrs. Changretta stepped back and waved her over. “Luca, I’d like you to meet Autumn Shelby.”

Luca looked at her…and this bolt of heat shot through her entire body, nestling in her stomach as this pair of green eyes locked with her blue eyes. She was without words. She saw what Mrs. Changretta meant about Luca being older than her, but at the moment she didn’t care. He was about ten years older than her, but dead God, he was the right amount of handsome for her. He had a large Greek nose, but she found that extremely attractive. He was very attractive and distinguished looking in his deep green suit. He had an orange leaf pinned to his lapel and a light green handkerchief. He was very well dressed, and she felt like Cinderella standing in front of the prince in all her rags and ashes on her face.

She inhaled as he continued to stare through her. “Autumn Shelby?”

“Si.” His father said. “She helped save us from her brothers. Without her, we wouldn’t be standing here together.”

“She’s a good girl, Luca.” His mother said. “She let me use her as a hostage to get your father freed. She even let me shoot her in the shoulder to force them to let him go! She saved his life.”

Luca stared at her, surprised on his face. “You did that?”

She nodded. “Si.” God! Why had she said ‘si’?? She wasn’t Italian, and she made a fool of herself in front of him.

He exhaled as he stepped forward, removing his deep green fedora. “Grazie.” Oh, God. What was going on with her?? his rough voice… It made her warm all over! “You let my mother shoot you so that my father’s life would be spared.” She nodded as he took her hand. “You then…got on the boat, stayed with them, and then accompanied them here to make sure they arrived safe?”

She nodded as she croaked. “Yes.”

“Grazie, that was very brave of you. My parents are everything to me.”

He leaned forward to kiss her on the cheek. Flustered, Autumn turned aside…only to have his mouth land on hers. She inhaled sharply and let out a faint whimper against his lips. She felt her entire face flame and burn in embarrassment! She hadn’t meant to do that. She went to pull away… But he had the nerve to grab her around the waist and hold onto her!! She let out a whimper against his lips as he leaned forward and kissed her a little more deeply than was appropriate. Well, they were complete strangers!! He shouldn’t be kissing her at all! Nor should she be allowing it! If her head weren’t spinning, she’d have the strength to lift her hand up and slap him! But the moment he broke that brief kiss and stared at her with those green eyes, she didn’t want to hit him. She couldn’t hear anything because her heart was pounding so loudly in her ears. The sound of a whistle blowing brought them back to earth.

He cleared his throat as he said. “I’ll find a spot for you in my home when we arrive.”

“That,” she croaked. “That’s n-not necessary. I c-can stay in a h-hotel.”

“No!” He shook his head as his parents also expressed their disapproval. He inhaled as he said. “I’m going to bring you home with me.”

Dear God! The way he said that…it was almost enough to make her pass out! He was looking at her so intensely that she wasn’t sure what to do!

“Then it’s settled!” His mother said from behind him. It just occurred to her that they didn’t see Luca kissing her because of his height. She inhaled and took a step away from him, trying to ignore his hand trailing down her back. He was…very…she didn’t know. "Direct" is one word for it, but it was just strange. She inhaled as his mother said. “But first, we need to take her shopping. I ruined her only dress, and she’s too young to wear one of my dresses.”

She shook her head. “I’m fine---

“I know just the place, Mama,” he said as he stuck one hand in his pocket. “You get yourself a few dresses too.”

“Luca,” she shook her head. “I’m too old---

“Nonsense, Audrey.” Mr. Changretta said. “You are still as beautiful as you were the day I married you.”

Audrey actually blushed, causing Autumn to smile at them. She jumped, however, when Luca placed his hand on her back. “If no one’s too tired, I do have a box at the theater. They’re playing a collection of classical music.”

Mr. Changretta looked to Mrs. Changretta for her opinion, and she nodded. “I’m not tired.”

“Me neither, but,” his father chuckled. “That music always makes me sleep!”

“Do not snore, Papa,” Luca teased. “And all will be well!” He turned towards her and walked. “And you? Will you join us for this evening?”

She flushed and licked her lips as she croaked. “Yes. If I’m not encroaching---

“You’re not,” he said swiftly as he held her gaze. “I insist. So, buy yourself a pretty evening dress. Something in blue.”

She flushed even harder. Good grief! This man! She didn’t know what was going on right now. Only when they sat in the car and he took hold of her hand did she realize what was happening.

Luca Changretta was making a pass at her, and she was allowing it. Why was she allowing it? Because to her complete shock and confusion…she wanted him to make a pass at her. That one kiss burned her lips and left her inappropriately wanting more. Her family was now forgotten as she admired the beautiful blue sky. However, when it started raining, did she realize that the sky was actually gray? It only appeared to be blue in her eyes, probably because Luca kept looking at her out of the corner of his eye while he engaged with his parents. Something…was starting between them, something strong, and it scared her to death. Surprisingly, she found getting shot a lot less intimidating because she knew that she was going to live. It wasn’t a serious place to get shot, and Mrs. Changretta had missed all the bones.

But if Luca Changretta kissed her again or touched her…she was going to fall apart. It was strange because when Alfie Solomons touched her, she wanted to run away. But Luca’s touch…it lingered, and she’d never had a touch on her skin that felt like a kiss. Nor did she ever have a kiss that made her want to be kissed again. She’d only been in America for less than an hour, and already, trouble was brewing. She just didn’t know what it was yet.

Chapter Text

“Luca!” Luca jumped as his father patted him on the shoulder. He exhaled as he rubbed his eyes. “My boy, did you not hear a word I said?”

He shook his head. “No, Father. I’m sorry.”

His father shook his head as he looked where Luca was looking. He and his father were sitting in two chairs watching the two women in their company come out of the changing rooms and discuss their dresses. Autumn Shelby. She was absolutely beautiful. The most beautiful woman that he’d ever seen in his life. She was perfect, with beautiful blue eyes that looked like the clearest of sapphires. She was absolutely arresting; he couldn’t take his eyes off her. She’d worn his mother’s old dresses, but she still was a beautiful woman. She had no makeup, her hair was a mess, but she was still absolutely gorgeous. The fact that she was a Shelby…it didn’t mean a thing to him. She’d defied her family in order to protect his parents. He would never forget that as long as he lived. He was in her debt forever, but he didn’t know what to tell his heart. They’d look at each other, and he’d forget to even breathe when he looked at her.

“Luca!” His father said again, causing him to exhale. His father’s tone was sharp. “She is not staying.”

“Papa---

“I know, she saved our lives, but she’s a Shelby,” he exhaled deeply. “I like her; she’s a beautiful girl, but she’s too young, Luca, and you know that her family will never accept you as a suitable husband.”

He turned back to Autumn, who was in a glittery, silvery blue dress that fit her perfectly. “No harm in looking.”

“No,” he shook his head. “No harm at all. As long as that’s all it is.”

He nodded. “Yes.”

It wasn’t simply looking. He was dangerously attracted to this woman. She was beyond perfect. His father cleared his throat as he said. “Luca? Thomas Shelby, he knows we have her. He will come after us.”

“No,” he shook his head as he said firmly. “He won’t. This is my territory, and I’m not going to let anything happen to you.”

“I know, but,” his father exhaled as he said. “You might want to have her call her family.”

Luca shook his head as he said. “Later, it’s 5:00 in the morning over there. Don’t want to wake them up. I’ll have her send a telegram and arrange a phone call so they expect the call. It is $75 just to call overseas.”

“Vicente!” He and his father looked up as his mother approached in an orchid-colored dress. He smiled as he watched her walk up to his father, who smiled at her. His father loved her in purple. “What do you think?”

“You look so beautiful, la mia bella violetta.”

He stood up and moved towards Autumn, who was watching them with a contemplative smile on her face. She noted him approaching, and her face went a pretty shade of pink. “Hello,” she croaked.

“Hello.” He studied her a moment. There was…something going on between them. He didn’t know what it was yet, but he could feel it. He turned towards his parents and watched them. “You talked my mother into a new dress. Congratulations.”

She bit her lip and said softly. “These dresses, mr. Changretta---

“Call me Luca,” he asserted. “After what you did for my parents…we’re way past formalities.”

“Alright, L-Luca.” She had a stammer. Cute. She cleared her throat. “These dresses are… They’re a bit expensive.”

“Mi cara, I can afford to buy you this whole store.” He turned towards her. “Buy whatever you like. Please,” he requested. “It would make me happy if you would.” She looked up at him; her blue eyes danced nervously across his face. “My mother and father, they’ve always been very close. I don’t think… I ever saw them spend a night apart. If he died… I think that my mother would have died as well.”

“I know,” she said softly. “I remember… Your father would pick your mother up every day after school.”

He nodded. “I remember that as well. He always bought her roses.”

“V-violets, when in season.”

“They married in March,” he explained. “He said she had violets in her hair. So, he always calls her his beautiful violet.”

She smiles. “That’s sweet.”

He studied her for a moment before asking her directly. “Are you engaged?”

Oh, she went a brilliant shade of pink as she shook her head. “N-no.”

He nodded. “That’s good.” She looked at him as if she knew why he was asking but wasn’t sure. He cleared his throat and said. “I’m not engaged either.”

“Ok.” She was silent and then said. “Is there a reason why you wanted to know?”

Because I wanted to know if I had any competition before I made a move on you. he thought as he said. “No, I was thinking about if I have to notify anyone other than your family that you’re alright.”

She shook her head. “Just f-family.”

“No one else?”

She shook her head before admitting. “They w-want me to consider m-marrying Alfie S-Solomons.”

Ah, so they had someone in mind. “He’s a…bit old for you. Or so I’ve heard; I never met the guy.”

She exhaled as she said. “It’s not his age…it’s him. He’s like a big bear. He’s very g-gruff and hard to r-read.”

“Ah,” he nodded. “So… You want someone with a bit more finesse?”

She nodded but avoided looking at him. “Yes, b-but gentlemen are in short sup-ply in B-Birmingham.”

That, he could be. He studied her and then asked. “What causes you to stammer?”

She inhaled sharply. “Sorry.”

“Don’t apologize. I like the stammer, but I’m curious if it’s stress or certain words.”

She frowned as she asked. “It’s b-both. ‘B’ and ‘P’ are what I have trouble with.”

He nodded. She was nervous around him. Time would tell if that was a good or bad thing. “Well,” he assured her. “I have all day, and you sound very charming, mi cara.”

She jerked as she asked. “How’d you know my middle name is Cara?”

That was one hell of a coincidence. “Mi cara, in Italian, means ‘my dear,’” he explained. “I didn’t know that your name was Cara, but…I do now.”

“Oh.” She rubbed her neck. “P-pardon me.”

He chuckled as he said. “You can say whatever you want to me.” He looked to where his parents were at the jewelry counter. His father was trying to talk his mother into accepting whatever gift of jewelry he wanted to buy her. He glanced at Autumn, and again, she was smiling at them. He inhaled and asked her. “Are you staying long in New York?”

Her face saddened a little bit as she said. “A week, I think.”

A week—that didn’t give him much time. He cleared his throat before asking her. “Would you like to go out dancing with me?” She flushed. “There’s a band with this great trumpet player, Louis Armstrong. My parents, they don’t like jazz, and while I’m not terribly fond of it, it is good for dancing.”

She inhaled as she said softly. “I don’t want to be an inconvenience.”

“No,” he shook his head. “The pleasure would be mine.” She bit her lip, and then he repeated. “Go out with me. Please.”

She blushed as she looked up at him. She studied him carefully and then nodded. “Alright, Luca.”

“Tomorrow evening, perhaps?”

She nods. “Alright.”

“Good,” his heart began to race in his chest. “It’ll be nice but casual, so make sure you have a dress for that as well.” She nodded. “And if you’re not tired, perhaps I’ll take you for a walk and show you the sights.”

She licked her lips and asked. “With your parents?”

“No, they’ve seen New York. You’re visiting, so,” he inhaled as he said. “It’s best that I show you around instead of someone who’s…not familiar with the area.”

“I see,” she nodded. “Alright. Yes, I’d like that.”

“Alright,” he inhaled as he said. “Also, I think we should send your family a telegram and let them know that you’re alright. That way, they aren’t worried about you.”

She rolled her eyes. “They’re not worried; they’re angry at me.”

“Yet you saved my parents still,” he pointed out. “You…are a strong person. I don’t know what happened yet, not completely. But I do know it takes a great deal of strength to make a move against your family like that. Something tells me…that you’re the quiet one, yet you still chose to save my parents’ lives.” He tilted her chin up and made her look at him. “That tells me…that you’re very brave and have a deep code of honor.” She inhaled deeply, blinking back tears from those beautiful blue eyes of hers. “Doing the right thing is never easy.”

She licked her lips as she croaked. “Too many people have died. I’ve known your parents too long. T-Tommy was going to torture your father.” His blood began to boil, only to reduce to a simmer as a tear trickled down her face. “And I c-couldn’t let that happen.” She exhaled rapidly. “I know…that I’m going to be called a traitor and kicked out of the family when I return home.”

He wouldn’t be surprised. The Shelby family…they held grudges, and that was well known. He’d made a call while the ladies shopped and told his contacts to reach out to the ones they had in England to see how bad everything was. He hoped that this was something that he could smooth over with Tommy Shelby.

He exhaled as he said. “If they do…you can always come back here to New York. You’ll be safe here, with me.”

He should have added ‘and my family,’ but no, he didn’t want to. He wanted her to be with him.

“Luca!” His father said, drawing him back to the present. He turned to see his parents walking towards them. Autumn shifted and took a step back. She was shy, but she also seemed to know that if this thing between them continued to grow, it would cause problems. Frankly, he didn’t care, and he wanted to know more about her. He only had a week with her, and he wasn’t going to squander each precious moment that he got to spend with her.

Mrs. Changretta's dress

Autumn's dress

Chapter Text

For the millionth time since she’d been in the company of the Changretta family, her heart broke. They’d been walking in Central Park when Luca had asked about Angelo. She’d walked away, watching from a distance while his parents told him that her brothers had killed his brothers. Luca had shed tears without a sign of shame. Angelo’s death—she didn’t approve of it any more than she approved of Grace’s. They were both mindless killings. Everyone suffered with that loss, and neither Grace nor Angelo would be brought back to life.

She sat down on a bench and watched the children running around in the park. God, she wished that she could be that age again. Absolutely everything had been alright via comparison to today. Back then the biggest concern was where one’s next meal came from instead of worrying about getting shot while walking down the street.

A hand on her shoulder caused her to jump, and she exhaled when she saw Luca. He cleared his throat. “I need you to send a telegram to your family.”

She nodded as she stood up. “Alright.” They walked for a moment, not speaking until she whispered. “I’m sorry for your loss.”

He was silent before he spoke. “I actually believe that you are,” he inhaled sharply as he said. “It’s like…a part of me is missing.” After a moment he said. “I’m sure you must miss your sister-in-law as well.”

“I barely knew her.” She explained. “I don’t think we met more than ten times. But… My heart does ache for Thomas and their son, Charlie.”

He frowned. “I thought…my parents said the boy was from her previous marriage.”

“No.” She exhaled. “Tommy got her pregnant while she was married. Her husband killed himself.”

He exhaled as he said. “What a dark world we live in.”

“You’re a gangster.” She reminded him. “Blood must be something you’re familiar with on a daily basis.”

“Smuggler, actually,” he said. “I try to avoid bloodshed if I can.”

She nearly smiled at that admission. “Wouldn’t that make you vulnerable?”

“No,” he cleared his throat as he said. “You know what they say about the quiet ones being the ones to watch?” She inhaled as she nodded. “So, I let the rumors talk for me. People are hesitant to draw up against me because they don’t know what I’m capable of.”

“That’s clever.”

He was silent for a moment, and then he said. “We’ll make an arrangement for your brother to call the house tomorrow around this time.”

She exhaled as she said. “He will be angry.”

“Yes.” Their hands brushed, and heat shot up to her cheeks. “Considering how sensitive this was, I’m surprised that you put everything aside for my family. Not that I’m ungrateful; I’m in your debt for life.”

“No.” She said. “You’re not.”

“They’re my family, and you may have lost yours for a while.”

She exhaled as she said. “Our family is very different from your family. You stick together, and you listen. Ours…we’re all just soldiers in one bloody army, and everyone follows orders.”

“Tommy’s right?” She nodded. “He’s the one who wants you to marry Solomons?”

“Yes.” He was a bit too curious about her opinions on marriage. However, if he was interested, which she doubted considering how her family was on the edge of war with his. “As I told your mother, I don’t think I’ll ever marry.”

He mumbled something in Italian that sounded like swearing. When she glanced at him, he was shaking his head. “Are the men in England so scared of your brothers?”

“That and a combination of other issues like my s-stammer---

“There is nothing wrong with your stammer!!” He stated as he gestured with his hands, causing her to laugh. He seemed genuinely annoyed. “What’s the matter with the fucking English? Eh? You should try meeting a man other than the English!”

“Your mother, she said you’d know some Italian man, possibly.” Oh, that sobered him up fast. In fact, his jaw locked in place. He took a match from his pocket and stuck it in his mouth, swirling it around. “Maybe I’ll have better luck with an Italian.”

“Si,” he cleared his throat before taking her hand. Her heart jumped. He was VERY direct and a bit bold, but at least she didn’t have to guess what was on his mind. That was a refreshing change from all the other men that she’d encountered. “Well, let’s see what I can do about that.”

After she sent off a telegram, alerting her family that she was alive and well, Luca added the number to his house and told them to call at 6:00 PM. It would be 1:00 PM. Luca said that they’d have lunch, and her family might have finished lunch, so they were bound to be in a better mood with a full stomach. She had to admire his optimism. He had no idea just how sour her family could be.

It had been a fun day. After the telegram had been sent, they rejoined his parents in Central Park, where they found them indulging in an ice cream cone together. Luca found the ice cream man, and he showed up with a vanilla for himself and a strawberry for her. When she asked him how he’d managed to pick her favorite flavor, he said it was because he was matching her dress; that way if it spilled, it wouldn’t show. But he said he’d make a note that strawberry ice cream was her favorite.

His parents then changed the subject and started planning what to do. They said that they’d take tomorrow off and just rest around the house. Luca said he was taking her on a tour of Little Italy after talking with her family, which was news to her! He said afterwards that he was taking her to that jazz club. His mother had tacked on, saying that he should try to take her to as many places as he could before she went back to England. Oddly enough, she didn’t want to start thinking about her return, especially since she’d just arrived. Mr. Changretta had told Luca that perhaps a few of his men could take Autumn on the tour, but Luca and his mother shot that idea down.

After the ice cream, Luca had his chauffeur take them to his house. He said he had an errand to run, but he’d be back in time for dinner and the show. Autumn had been shown to a beautiful guest room of white, gold, and black details. It was absolutely lovely. Once she’d finished unpacking the few things that she had, she went down, and his housekeeper, Maria, gave her a grand tour of the house. It was possibly the most beautiful house that she’d ever seen, with four stories. There was a pool in the backyard along with some citrus trees. The yard wasn’t overly large, but it was designed to feel like it was bigger than it was.

Dinner was served at 6:30, and it was risotto alla Milanese with sausages. It was absolutely lovely. Luca arrived, and he told everyone that they needed to be in the car by 7:00 because the show started at 7:30. Fortunately, she hadn’t picked out an overly crazy dress. It was a simple, sparkling blue dress. She hadn’t picked the color blue because he’d requested it. Blue was her favorite color, and it was very flattering on her. After putting on some deep pink lipstick and brushing her hair, she stepped out of her guest room as Luca was stepping out of the master bedroom.

He paused and looked at her in such a manner that she felt as if she were going to hell! No, she was already in Hell because every inch of her was burning. She inhaled as he crooked a finger towards her, telling her to approach him. God, she could barely walk a straight line with him looking at her the way he did.

He smiled at her, a mischievous smirk on his face as he reached into his pocket and pulled out a white pearl necklace. She shook her head. “I can’t---

“You can,” he said. “I had business, and after completing it, I had to get a pair of cufflinks.” He turned his arm sideways so she could see the solid gold cufflinks. “I saw this on my way out the door.” He moved behind her and clasped the pearl necklace around her throat.

She moved her hair out of the way. “Thank you. You don’t have to b-buy me gifts.”

“What if I enjoy it?” He asked near her ear, causing her to jump.

She swallowed uneasily. “L-Luca ---

“Si?” he asked as he slowly ran his hands down her bare arms. “Principessa?”

She exhaled sharply. “W-what are you---

“Luca,” she jumped at the sound of his mother’s voice. She went to take a step forward, but he held her in place. After a second, he took her hand and turned her around to face his parents. His father had a slightly suspicious look on his face, which put her on edge. Did he see the way Luca was touching her, and did he not approve? “Look at what your father got for me.” She held up a small nosegay of violets. “I didn’t even see him get these for me!”

Luca chuckled as he looped her arm around his. “That’s Papa for you. He’s a crafty one.”

“Indeed he is.” His mother smiled and kissed his father on the nose. “Ti amo, mio marito.”

Luca chuckled, and he said. “Shall we go? I don’t want to be late. They start with Paganini's "La Campanella" and the A minor Caprice.”

A man who knew and appreciated classical music. That was a rare thing over in Small Heath. Well, listening to classical music was a rarity as well. When they arrived in front of Carnegie Hall, she felt like Cinderella arriving at the prince’s castle for the first time. She got out of the car, and Luca took her hand again. He led her into the grand hall and then removed her coat. He then had her lead the way with him up to their box. The view…was absolutely astounding, and she was beyond excited. She listened to records, but never before had she been privileged to hear music like this on such a scale.

And it had been a true honor to hear it performed in such a beautiful place as Carnegie Hall. She had tears running down her cheeks after hearing the first few notes. It was…an experience that she couldn’t believe that she was actually witnessing. Then Luca touched her face. She jumped and turned towards him, his thumb grazing under her eyes. She shot him a smile as she realized that he was wiping away her tears. She didn’t mind being touched as a rule; it’s just every time he touched her, it was like being shocked with electricity.

At intermission, they got up to stretch their legs. She went to the powder room real quick to make sure that her face wasn’t too streaky after crying. She couldn’t help it; the music was simply beautiful. She kept a pencil in her purse at all times, so she circled the names of the pieces that she loved so she could add them to her record collection. Afterwards, she returned to their box to find Luca and his father in a heated but hushed argument.

Luca was especially agitated, but the only word that she understood out of his argument was her name. “No!” His father said. “I told you, no! Not her! Not a Shelby!”

She froze, and Luca looked up, his eyes narrowed a little bit. He said something to his father in Italian. His father turned around and exhaled sharply. He shook his head and repeated something in Italian before walking back into the box and closing the door behind him.

She inhaled uneasily as she approached Luca. “I should g-go.”

“No.” He cut her off firmly. “You’re not going anywhere.”

“B-but, I don’t.” He moved towards her. “want to cause trouble.”

Luca grabbed her around the waist and pressed her against the wall. She let out a gasp as she looked up at him, her heart pounding violently in her chest. He studied her carefully as he said. “You’re not going anywhere, Autumn Cara Shelby. I’ll see to that tonight.”

She swallowed as she croaked. “W-what?”

He exhaled as he caressed her face gently. “You already know, il mio dolce fiore.”

“But---

He pressed a little kiss to the corner of her mouth, effectively silencing her for a minute. She let out a shaky exhale, vexed to find her hand trembling. He found her hands as he said. “Don’t be afraid of me, principessa. You don’t need to be afraid anymore.”

She couldn’t think of a damn thing to say to him. Fortunately, the sound of applause informed them that the intermission was over. Luca led her back to the box, and he pulled his chair closer to hers. She could feel the eyes of his father upon them, but it was Luca’s eyes on hers that were making her shiver. However, she wasn’t scared. She knew that something was going to happen, and whatever it was was going to change her life forever.

Chapter Text

It had been a lovely evening, even if it did have its tense moments. The music had been beautiful, and Luca had been a perfect gentleman towards her. Mr. Changretta kept shooting looks at Luca. Mrs. Changretta was completely oblivious to how there was some tension between the two of them. She didn’t know what was going on. It scared and intimidated her beyond her imaginings. It was so strange. Luca’s words confused her so much. How was he going to stop her from going anywhere, and what did he mean by her already knowing? She didn’t know, and it was so confusing for her!

Nothing happened that night.

Luca let her go up to her guest room without giving her a second look. She inhaled as she went to her room. She changed out of her evening dress and hung it up. It had really been a lovely night. She put her program on the little writing table. Her eyes fell on the phonograph. She looked through a few records, making sure to turn the volume down after selecting a record with assorted compositions by Claude Debussy. She smiled as the familiar sound of Arabesque No. 1 began to fill the room. She then sat down at her vanity, removed her makeup, and began brushing out her hair. She brushed it every night, 100 strokes.

As she listened to the haunting music, her mind strayed to Luca for a moment. What did he mean about her not going anywhere? Did you have a plan, and if so, what was it? What was going on with his father? Why was his father acting suddenly as if she were a great problem after she’d saved their lives? She had an idea for a moment that perhaps she’d made a mistake, but no. Luca was a man of honor; she could see that in his eyes. Maybe his father wasn’t as honorable and wanted to use her as a bargaining chip, but Luca wouldn’t allow it. However, that idea was put out of her head as soon as she thought of Mrs. Changretta. She wasn’t going to allow anything to happen to Autumn. She was safe here, regardless.

Luca said she was safe as well. He told her not to be afraid of her. She wasn’t sure why he’d told her such a thing. She wasn’t scared of him. She knew that she should be. She’d heard enough about Luca from Mr. and Mrs. Changretta to know that he was just as dangerous as Tommy, if not more so. It made very little sense to her. He moved like a gentleman; she could feel it in the way he held her hand or guided her to her seat. He was naturally protective, probably because his father had brought him up that way. She could see the way he’d been influenced by loving parents who were still deeply in love with each other after nearly 40 years together. She didn’t know how old Luca was, but she was twenty-six. At most, he was 14 years older than her, but that didn’t bother her, even though it should. She preferred spending her time with older men because they had their lives planned out and put together. The younger ones irritated her!

Someone knocked on the door, and she absentmindedly said, “Come in!” Then she remembered that she was in her slip. “Oh!”

 She dropped her hairbrush as the door opened behind her. She stood up and looked around for her robe. However, when she saw Luca Changretta enter her room…she just froze. For a moment they just stood there as Reverie, one of her favorite pieces, played. There was not a sound in the room except for the music as Luca stared at her. He looked at her as if she were some rare and precious jewel that had come into his possession. She was used to men looking at her as if she were the only steak left on the plate. His look…it was so very different, and it made her heart pound violently in her stomach.

He exhaled as he approached her, unwinding the sash that held his white cotton robe closed. She shivered, and her face heated as he approached her. She didn’t know what to do. She didn’t know what to say! She’d never been approached by a man like this before, especially at this time of night. At first, she thought he’d come in for something, but this was the guest room. So, what could he possibly need from the guest room? But when he removed the robe, revealing that he only wore his trousers, she knew what he’d come here for. He’d come here for her. That’s what he’d meant when he told her that he’d see her tonight. She wasn’t scared, not exactly; well, maybe a little bit. But right now she was more terrified that she was going to throw up that risotto from earlier this evening.

He pulled off his robe, revealing that he was bare-chested and his feet were bare as well. The only thing he was wearing was his dark trousers from earlier tonight. He’d removed his belt, so his trousers were hanging very, very low on his slim waist. He approached her slowly, and she could only look at him, her face growing warm as her heart thudded violently in her chest. He was looking at her with desire, which scared the hell out of her because no man had ever wanted her before until this moment. His stare was so intense that she felt as if she were going to be burned alive.

He cleared his throat as he placed his large hands on her waist and tugged her towards him. She gasped at his touch. She was unable to make a sound or even breathe, and her legs were shaking. He caressed her face and studied her closely. Her heart was soothed and calmed by his soft and gentle touch. She didn’t feel anything that made her feel like she was in danger. She remembered how she’d felt with men backing her up into a smoky corner of the Garrison. This felt nothing like that. She licked her lips as he continued tracing her face with his hands.

Suddenly, he leaned forward slowly to kiss her. She inhaled as their lips met for the first time in a proper kiss. She wasn’t an expert kisser by any means. She’d been kissed a few times, but this. This was something new and special. Her head spun, and she felt herself gripping his waist cautiously as he claimed her mouth as his. His kisses were gentle at first, almost as if he were teaching her how to kiss. No, he was making sure that she was alright with him kissing her, and she was. All thoughts about how complicated their ‘relationship’ could make things for their families began to leave her mind as his kisses grew more and more passionate. Her hands moved up his back to grip his shoulders. He pulled her closer to him, and she shivered as she felt, well, him against her body. The satin slip wasn’t really giving her any coverage.

Suddenly, he picked her up and moved towards his bed. She whimpered against his lips as he put her in the center of the bed. He broke the kiss, and she lay there, her heart threatening to burst, her lips on fire, and her pulse racing while her entire body trembled. Luca stood at the side of her bed before undoing his trousers and removing them along with his shorts in one swift move. She gasped as he stood there, not a hint of embarrassment about him as he stood there, completely naked before her. She’d never seen a man fully naked before, and she wasn’t able to stop staring at him. Heat flooded her entire body, and liquid began to puddle between her legs. He was a lot more well-built than she’d assumed he was. He was slim, but he had muscles, just not an abundance of them. He was like a sculpted Greek god by Michelangelo. His cock…dear God, she didn’t know what to do or where to look! He was hard, and from what little she knew about the male anatomy, he appeared to be completely erect.

He didn’t look away from her. He maintained eye contact with her as he carefully got into the bed. She swallowed and inhaled raggedly as Luca parted her legs and got between them. She was still wearing her shorts, which were probably soiled by now. She couldn’t stop this…liquid from trickling from her body. Luca arched against her; his hardness brushed her damp entrance, and she let out a cry, which instantly made her cover her mouth. He smiled, a smile that said he knew something that she didn’t and he was pleased with whatever it was he knew. He leaned forward, causing her to shrink back into the pillows as he kissed her. She whimpered as his mouth lazily explored and manipulated her mouth. She found his forearms and held onto them tightly. He let out a groan against her lips, which caused her face to heat and flush. She wasn’t scared, nor was she panicking, which confused the hell out of her right now.

He reached between them, and his fingers found the waistband of her wet underwear. She let out a whine as he removed them as he broke the kiss. He glanced at her before looking down to draw her underwear down her legs as she inhaled frantically for air. She didn’t know what to do! Well, she liked Luca; she really did! But, she was going to be going back to England soon! Tommy, he’d just lost Grace two months ago. He would never, ever, let her be with Luca Changretta. Wait a minute!? Did she…did she want to be with Luca Changretta? She must because she was letting him touch and kiss her! Now, he was removing her clothes, and she still didn’t have it in her to tell him to stop. That was the moment that she realized that she didn’t want him to stop.

He discarded her shorts before reaching for her slip. He moves slowly, his face inches away from hers as he draws the slip up and over her head. Sensations like she’d never before felt flooded her entire being as she lay there, temporarily paralyzed under the heat of his gaze. He hesitated a moment before reaching out and taking her breast in his large, warm hand. He glanced at her, a strange, barely readable look in his eyes. She let out a loud whimper as he thumbed her nipple while he fondled her breast. She couldn’t look away from him. His other hand slipped between her legs, and she let out a loud shudder as he touched her there. When he slipped a long finger inside her, she was unable to stop a cry from escaping her mouth.

“Shh,” he finally spoke for the first time. “Il mio dolce fiore. Not so loud.” How was he able to speak in such a calm and collected voice? “My parents are just down the hall. No need to let them know what’s going on in here between us until we announce our engagement tomorrow.”

She nearly fainted right there. What!? He’d said… Her eyes widened as she stammered. “E-engagement?”

He nodded as he stated calmly. “Just about to make the engagement official.”

He kissed her, and she grabbed onto his forearm. Her mind was reeling. Engaged? She was going to be engaged…to Luca Changretta? Was this what Luca and his father had been arguing about?? Luca, he wanted to marry her? How!? After everything that happened, could he even consider wanting her? But did she want him? She let out a cry as he continued to move his finger inside her trembling body. When she cried out again, he kissed her to help muffle the sound. She grabbed hold of his neck and shoulders as he kept preparing her. She whined as he kept thrusting his fingers into her. She didn’t know what she was supposed to do, so she just held onto him and responded to him and his kisses.

Luca inhaled deeply, his breathing growing more and more uneven as he kept kissing her. She liked being kissed by him, far more than she should admit!! Her head was spinning out of control, and her world broke. She let out a cry against his mouth as she orgasmed for the first time. Luca exhaled hotly, his fingers curling inside her as she lost control over herself. She lay under him, gasping as he kissed her a few more times before grabbing hold of his cock and aiming it in at her entrance. She glanced down, stammering and debating what she should or shouldn’t say in this moment.

He did. “If you don’t want this…you need to tell me right now.” He exhaled hoarsely as he asked in a strained voice. “Yes or no, Autumn Shelby?”

She thought rapidly. She had two very different options. She could say no and spend her time with him before going back home. Her family would undoubtedly throw her out of the house—that is, if Tommy didn’t kill her first. She could then return to Luca, if he’d still want her, and get to know him better first. Or, she could tell him yes and let him take her. She’d be engaged to him somehow, even though he hadn’t proposed to her. She could stay in America and not have to worry about her family. She’d have Luca, and something in her was telling her that choosing him was the right decision.

Luca waited patiently for her to nod at him and croak out. “Yes.”

He exhaled in relief. “Grazie, principessa.” She blushed as he kissed her before reaching for his cock. She jerked as she felt the head near the entrance, and she gasped. She looked downwards, but he shook his head. “No,” she swallowed as he tilted her face up to look at him. “No. Eyes on me when you take my cock.” Her face heated in embarrassment as he declared in a low and hungry voice. “I’m going to take your virtue, and then… I’m going to put our baby in you.”

She gasped. “Baby?”

“Yes. You’ll be a good mother.” She cried out as he started to enter her. “And I can tell…you’re going to make an excellent lover and wife for me.” He shook his head as he leaned forward and kissed her nose. “I have waited…a very long time for you to walk into my life. I am not going to let anyone take you from me.”

That said, he kissed her, and Autumn didn’t know what to do other than respond to his kisses. She whimpered as he began to slowly push into her. Her nails dug into his back as her body adjusted to him being inside of her. He broke the kiss, letting her pant hotly against his lips as he began to fill her.

 Sì, ora sei mia. Mia sposa, mio amore, ora e per sempre. Devo prenderti, ora!

She gasped and then cried out as he made her take him fully to the hilt. “Oh! Oh God!” She gasped, grabbing hold of her stomach as Luca penetrated her fully. She was no longer an innocent; she was now a woman. The way Luca was looking at her…it was like nothing she’d ever known or seen in a man’s eyes before. He was…she didn’t understand this. The way he was looking at her. He scared her and made her feel beautiful at the same time.

“And with that,” he said in a shaking voice as he looked down at her. “You’re mine, Autumn Cara.”

That, however, was something she already knew. Somehow a part of her knew that she belonged to him the moment she laid eyes on him, and he’d apparently felt the same way about her. Their souls recognized their soulmate with a glance

Chapter Text

She was his. Relief like he’d never before known flowed over him the moment that he buried himself in Autumn’s wet innocence. God, she was so f**king perfect and beautiful.

He kissed her, causing her to moan as he continued moving inside her. He wrapped his arms tighter around her body as he took her. She whimpered as he made her his, gently taking her. “My God, you’re so beautiful, mi principessa. Perfect for me. Beautiful.”

“L-Luca,” she stammered as she caressed his face with a trembling hand. “P-please.”

“I know.” He kissed her softly. “I know. I’ll take care of you.”

She let out a soft whine and relaxed. If he were honest with himself, he’d have expected her to scream when he entered her room. But she’d stood there as if she’d known he was coming. Despite his warning to her earlier in the evening, she looked surprised for a moment, and then he saw that she knew. She knew that he’d come to claim her. He’d moved very slowly, touched her gently, and made sure that she wasn’t objecting to this. She’d softly relaxed in his arms, and her touch was curious. Her mouth…was so sweet and inexperienced. Her innocence was clear, and he knew that he had to move very carefully with her tonight.

Tomorrow, he’d make the announcement to his parents. His father would object because he felt that he was trying to create another war. As a rule, Luca would have agreed that taking a woman to his bed, especially since her family was the cause of his brother’s death, was a mistake. But autumn had chosen to save his parents. She had a strong heart, and he admired her willingness to do the right thing even though she was scared. The marriage would be ideal for keeping peace between the families, but that wasn’t why he’d come to her tonight. These feelings growing between them could not be ignored. It had been growing and blossoming from the moment they’d innocently kissed at the docks. He’d told her that moment that he was bringing her home; she just had no idea that he’d decided to let fate take them to this moment, and it had.

“Are you alright, principessa?” he asked. She let out an exhale as she nodded her head in consent. Her tongue was always tied up when she was nervous, so he had to watch her face and eyes carefully for little expressions. Fortunately, her expressions were always transparent to him. He kissed her, and she let out a moan. She reacted easily to his kisses; he hoped that she’d respond just as nicely to his lovemaking.

He withdrew from her and slid back into her. She let out a whine and clenched tightly around him. He moved slowly, waiting for her to relax a little bit, which she did as she became more comfortable with the sensation of him inside her. He wrapped his arms around her shoulders and held her close to him. She felt so small and frail in his arms, but she felt right. He hadn’t slept with too many women, as he always wanted to feel something for that woman. Autumn was the last woman that he’d ever sleep with in his lifetime.

When she was able to take more from him, he sped up his movements slightly, causing her to let out soft sounds of pleasure underneath him. She was smiling a little; he could feel it against his lips. He pulled away to look at her face, to see the smile that was on her face, and there it was. She had tears in her eyes, but they were happy tears. She touched his face, her fingers curious but confident. Her fingers said as much as her eyes did; at times it felt as if their souls spoke to each other. Words weren’t necessary at times, and he was glad; he’d always wanted a connection like this with his wife. There was never a doubt in his mind that she was his wife.

She let out a gasp and then a sharp little sound as he finally found that spot inside her that gave her pleasure. He nodded at her, instantly memorizing its location. He withdrew and thrust back into her. She gasped and dug her nails into his back. She wasn’t scared; her eyes were filled with wonder and elation. He kept thrusting into her, hitting that spot every time as she clutched him. As they both grew close, she instinctively wound her legs around his waist, letting him take her deeper. Oh. Her eyes were fully blown when she finally came with a cry.

“Ah!” She grabbed ahold of his shoulder and neck tightly as he flooded her with his seed. “Oh!!” He kissed his crying bride as she held him close. She knew. She had to know just as surely as he knew that they were meant for each other. “Luca.” She murmured his name softly. “Luca.”

“Mi cara.” She was still holding onto him with her legs wrapped around his waist. Luca exhaled deeply as he kissed her collarbone. “You,” he vowed. “From this moment on…will be known as Autumn Cara Changretta, my wife.” She pulled away and looked up at him. “My wife, my lover, my friend, the mother of my children,” he ran a shaking index finger down her cheek. “You are mine.”

She inhaled and nodded quietly. “Yes.”

He exhaled as he told her to her face. “I want you. This isn’t about a merger or anything between our families. I want you.”

“I know.” She confessed with a deep pink blush on her cheeks. “I—I want you too.”

“Good,” he nodded as he said. “Because you will have me for a very long time, il mio dolce fiore.”

He kissed her, and she sighed as she snuggled close to him. Every kiss, every touch sparked a fire between them. Within ten minutes, she was gasping and growing wet for him. She inhaled sharply as she asked innocently. “C-can we d-do that again?”

He smiled at her as he nodded. “Give me a few more minutes, principessa, and I promise, I’ll make love to you.”

“Grazie,” she murmured, letting him know that he would do anything to make this woman happy. The first time she said ‘grazie’ to him had been at the docks, and he’d been captivated. By the time she tripped over the word ‘pardon,’ it was too late for him. Cupid’s arrow had arrived too late, for he was already head-over-heels in love with her, and he was going to stay in love with her.

When Autumn awoke, she realized that she wasn’t alone. Surprisingly, the realization of waking up with a man’s arms around her waist, his legs twined between hers, and an erection against her back didn’t scare the hell out of her. Probably because everything had been so right and natural between them last night that waking up together was equally natural.

She let out a yawn, and Luca’s arms wound tighter around her body. She smiled faintly; he must have been awake, but he was just holding her, waiting for her to wake up. It was late; the light in the room told her it was close to 9:00 in the morning. Luca kissed her deeply as he. “You’re…so beautiful. My princess.”

“Luca,” she moaned as she took hold of his hand and held it tightly. He slipped his hand between her legs, causing her to gasp as he touched her there. Regardless of her being sore, her warm body instantly grew wet for Luca.

“Mi cara.” He let out an approving rumble, and he then thrust into her from behind.

“Oh!” She gasped as he rolled her onto her stomach and continued pumping into her. “Oh God!”

“You,” he said as he held onto her. “are perfect, from every angle.”

“L-Luca,” she gasped as he took her. “W-we’ve d-done this t-three times.” Twice last night, this made it three times.

“Might as well stop counting.” He exhaled roughly as he kissed her neck. “You’re going to be having sex with me for many years.”

Her head dropped forward as she whined. It was too much; it felt too good, and he was buried deeply in her. Each stroke had her clenching tightly around him. “I-I’m going to die.”

“No. You won’t die. Not from this.” He rested his hand on her stomach, causing her to moan. “Never…from making love.”

She grabbed hold of his hand and whined. He was so good to her. They barely knew anything about each other, but she felt as if she knew everything about him. She didn’t know how this connection worked between them. He was such an amazing man, soft and gentle in ways that she didn’t think a man could be. He must not have served in the war; that was the only reason that she couldn’t see darkness in his eyes. It didn’t take long, and Luca came deep inside her right as she came. She let out a moan as he pulled her onto her side and held onto her, his cock still buried inside her.

For a long time, neither of them spoke. Luca ran his hand down her hip as he kissed her. “I don’t mean to wear you out, mi principessa. But I want you too much.”

“I know,” she said quietly. She understood. She was on fire for him as well, and she wanted him to take the lead until she knew how to please him properly.

He was silent before asking her. “You want to have children, right? Because I do.”

She nodded as she said. “Yes. Four.”

“Two of each?”

She nodded as she whispered. “Yes.”

“Good, we think the same way.” After a long silence, he said. “It might be a good idea to get you pregnant before you contact your family. When’s your cycle due?”

She flushed as she confessed. “N-next week.”

He nodded as he said. “Perfect time then. If my seed takes…you can go back home. Tell your family that the f**king feud is over. That I’ve put my baby in you, and I am going to take you as my wife.”

She stares at him and whispers. “I can’t go back home.”

“Why?” he asked.

“P-Polly,” she inhaled. “And Tommy. They’d…make me get rid of the baby,” her voice faltered for a moment as she admitted. “I want your baby.”

He shakes his head as he says. “Well, you’d better stay here with me then.” He studied her before asking. “If you’d like to.”

She bit her lip before admitting softly. “Yes, I would.”

He exhaled as he said. “Once we’ve finished talking with your family, I’m going to take you out and buy you an engagement ring.” Oh, he didn’t waste time. But he probably knew just as she knew. This…it was happening. “My father has concerns because of your brothers, but…I’m not worried about them. They’re a week away.”

She cleared her throat as she asked. “Will we…marry soon?”

He exhaled as he said. “Today’s Sunday; I’d marry you today.” Good grief, she flushed hard. “But I want to hear what your family sounds like once we’ve talked. I’m sure, if they’re agreeable, that you’d like to have them there.”

She nodded. “Yes, but it may be hard for your parents.”

“Si, but,” he exhaled. “Our marriage brings peace for them, but…it means more to us.” She nodded. “They’re your family, and you’ve a right to want them there. So, yes, they will be there. They also live in England, and I live in America, so you won’t see them as often. It will be a minor inconvenience that they will have to endure for a day.”

“I’m sorry.”

“They owe you their lives.” He said simply. “They can endure your family for one day.”

He kept placing kisses on her shoulder, and after a few moments, she asked him. “W-what did you say to me last night?”

“When?”

“In Italian.” She licked her lips, and she said. “I think you said… Sì, ora sei mia. Mia sposa, mio amore, ora e per sempre. Devo prenderti, ora!”

He stared down at her, a smile on his handsome face as he declared. “My God, you’re really f**king smart.”

She shakes his head. “I’m not.”

He exhales deeply. “Oh, you f**king are.” He cupped her face in his hands. “My God, you really are. You remembered all that from last night? You only heard it once, and you…spoke it perfectly. So yes, you are very f**king smart.”

She blushed as she asked him. “W-what did you say to me?”

He inhaled before saying carefully turning her onto her back. Her face warmed as he spoke with such gentle passion. “Yes, you are mine now. My bride, my love, now and forever. I have to take you now!”

She swallowed as he drew close to her. “Say it.” She whispered.

He frowned slightly. “Say what?”

“You know.” She inhaled as she said. “I know you want to say it…and I want to hear you say it.”

He studied her a long time, and then he said. “I’m falling in love with you.”

She shook her head. “Three words,” he paused, so she added. “I already know.” Those green eyes of his widened as she confessed. “I knew it…when I saw you for the first time. I'd have never let you touch me like this…if I wasn’t sure that,” she swallowed. “You were the one for me. So,” she inhaled as she requested. “Tell me, Luca Changretta.”

This time, the words came out of his mouth easily. “I love you, Autumn Shelby.”

She nodded as she stretched up to kiss him deeply. “I love you.” He held her close as her mind became a perfect haze. She’d known; she’d known it at the first glance. For a moment, there was just them as he kissed her deeply. Once again, things got heated between them again. “W-we’re going to be late for breakfast.” She panted as he began to take her again.

“Yes…we f**king are.”

He didn’t sound like he cared, and frankly, neither did she.

Chapter Text

“Are you ready?” Luca asked as they stood outside the parlor where his parents were conversing.

She nodded as she asked. “Are you sure they won’t be mad at me?”

“They might, but I don’t care.” Autumn blushed as he ran his hand through her hair. “I want you…as my wife. I don’t care what my father says. I’m going to take you as my wife.”

Luca kissed her, and she moaned as he held her close. Oh! He wasn’t supposed to be this wonderful after knowing him for just one day, but he was. There was something inside her that was content and satisfied when he held her close. She’d heard of soulmates, she’d read about them in enough books, and she knew that animals mated for life. This had to be what was going on with her and Luca. There was no other reason for this… magnetic connection between the two of them. She let out a sigh as she caressed his face. She was so lucky to have met this man, even if it was going to unleash so much drama with both their families.

After a few little pecks, Luca took her hand and led her into the room. His parents were talking to each other in Italian. When they walked in, both his parents stopped talking. “Ah, Luca!” his mother stood up with a smile on her face. “We couldn’t find you!”

He chuckled as he walked up to her and hugged her. “I was upstairs, Mama.”

“I know, but your maid said that you weren’t there when you had your breakfast this morning.”

She rubbed her neck in embarrassment. “Sorry, I was occupied. Did my maid not go wake Autumn?”

“Oh, we told her not to disturb her.” His mother said. “I was so sure that she was tired, especially after such a long voyage.”

“Well,” Luca smiled as he turned and held his hand out for her. “That was thoughtful of you, Mama. You were right. My fiancee and I did not want to be disturbed,” his father choked on his coffee. “So thank you for that.”

“What?!” His father hacked as his mother stared at them in shock. “W-what’d you say?”

“Mama. Papa.” He inhaled as he tugged her into his side. “I asked Autumn to marry me last night. She agreed, and the engagement was made official last night.” Crash! His mother dropped her cup of coffee. He exhaled as he said. “I’ll call someone in here to clean that up, Mama.”

“Hold on!” his father said. “What do you mean, engagement?? The two of you just met!”

“We know that,” he said. “But…we like each other a lot. This cannot be a surprise to you, especially after you told me not to get involved with her.”

“You what?” His mother turned to his father. “Vicente! You told Luca not to get involved with Autumn? Why?”

“My love,” his father said. “I have nothing against her. I like her. She’s a good girl, intelligent and kind. But,” he exhaled uneasily as he said. “She is a Shelby! Her family…they will not let them marry in peace.” His mother went still. “You saw what they did to Angelo, and that was over a whore. What do you think they will do to Luca if he marries their little sister? They’ll think that he forced her!”

“No.” She inhaled. “I’ll s-say I wanted to m-marry him.”

Mr. Changretta exhaled as he said. “Look…this marriage is not a good idea. if her last name weren’t Shelby…this would be a great day for our family.”

Luca exhaled as he said. “We’re going to get married, be it tomorrow or next week with her family present. But…we are getting married.”

She nodded in agreement. “Yes.”

Someone knocked on the door, and he turned to see his housekeeper standing there. “Mr. Changretta, there’s a long-distance call from England in your study.”

Her heart jumped in her chest at those words. Luca nodded. “Thank you.” Luca placed his hand on her back and guided her out of the parlor. “They’re early, so they must be anxious. This way.” Her heart pounded in her throat as he went to the room across from the parlor. He glanced at her. “I’ll have Maria talk with you about the house. I’m sure…you’ve got things you’d like to change.”

“N-not yet.”

He nodded as he picked up the phone. “It’s our house now, so I want you to make yourself comfortable in it.” He cleared his throat. “Hello. Yes, you may put through that long-distance call.” He turned to her and reached for her. “Come here. You can listen in.”

Hello? That was Thomas. She knew his growl anywhere.

“Hello,” Luca said calmly. “This is Luca Changretta---

Where the f**k is my sister? He was direct and to the point as always. He was still angry, so this wouldn’t go well.

Luca’s brow arched as she cleared her throat. “I—I’m here.”

The whole house exploded. Autumn!?!? That was Polly. Are you alright?!?!?

“Yes, I’m f-fine.” Luca ran his hand through her hair, momentarily distracting her. “I’m safe. I’m in L-Luca’s house.”

Luca Changretta’s house? That was John. He hurt you?

“Your sister,” Luca said calmly. “was, for all intents and purposes, a guest in my house. She joined my family for dinner, and last night we went to Carnegie Hall in my private box. We’re going out dancing later tonight.”

She shook her head as she admired the expression on Luca’s face as he talked about her. He never hid his affection for her, even when he first saw her. She blushed as she remembered how he’d sneakily stolen a kiss from her.

Is Autumn a prisoner?

“N-no, Thomas,” she assured him. “I’m a guest.”

Then get on a boat and get back here. He said harshly. Arthur told me what happened, and I know that you let Mrs. Changretta f**king shoot you on purpose. So, get back here and we’ll deal with this.”

She looked at Luca, and he shook his head. She licked her lips and said. “I c-can’t go.” The line went still. “I d-don’t want to.”

Don’t care. Get on the boat.

She looked at Luca, begging him to tell her family because she couldn’t. He grabbed her hand and held it close. “What Autumn is trying to say is last night, I made her an offer of marriage.”

What the f**k---

“She accepted my offer of marriage,” he stated. “We’re going to marry.”

No, you’re not.

She exhaled. “ T-Thomas---

"Autumn," he said harshly. Get on the f**king boat.

She inhaled as she said. “I w-want to marry Luca---

I don’t care. I don’t f**king care. You get back on the boat… or I’ll come over there and put a bullet in his head.”

She tightened her grip on Luca’s hand. “W-we’re getting m-married tonight. So, no. You won’t----

You will NOT marry him!! Thomas shouted. His family murdered my wife!!

“And you murdered my brother.” Luca said firmly. “What I feel in my heart for Autumn, it’s pure and right. This marriage…it will end the feud between our families.”

I want the feud. Send her back… or you have war.

Thomas, hold on a minute. That was Polly objecting. If they’re married, that means---

I don’t care! Those are the terms. Send her back, or I’ll have all of you f**king killed and bring her back.

Click. Thomas hung up.

She inhaled uneasily. This… Not much had been said, but it was enough to let her know that this was a disaster. She inhaled and turned to Luca, who was clearly thinking things through. After a moment he looked at her and said. “Sunday wedding?”

She stared at him for a moment and then shook her head. “No.”

He exhaled. “Autumn---

“Tommy p-probably already has men here, w-watching the house.”

His eyes widened for a second, then he nodded. “Yes. He probably sent them out on the next boat to keep an eye on you.”

She bit her lip and said. “Today is Sunday.”

He blinked in surprise. “Today?”

She nodded. “Yes.”

He was silent a moment before he spoke. “Autumn, I want to give you time, and I want to do it right with you.”

She exhaled as she said. “It doesn’t matter to me.”

“It matters to me,” he said as he caressed her face. “We’re only getting married once. It should be done right.”

“I know, but,” then an idea hit her. “What if we fake a wedding?”

He frowned. “Fake it?”

“You could b-bring a priest, make it look like we got married, and then send a telegram?”

He grinned as he caressed her face. “I told you, you’re very smart, mi cara. I bet your family uses you for all sorts of plans.”

She shook her head. “They keep me out of the business.”

“That I agree with, but keeping you out of strategy…that’s a bad idea.” He leaned forward to kiss her. “You’re f**king brilliant.”

Autumn stammered out something, but he silenced her, making her forget everything. For that moment, all was well. Her family wasn’t threatening him, the past hadn’t happened, and the only thing that mattered was their approaching wedding, which would take place next Sunday. It was a little fast, but there was time for them to do it properly. She’d have a white dress, get married in a church, and see him in a suit. She hoped that with the telegram being sent today, there’d be a phone call or something from her family that would offer some kind of reconciliation.

“Luca!!” his mother said sharply, causing them to both jump. “You’re not married yet!”

Autumn began blushing as she realized that Luca had backed her up into the desk and his one hand was under her skirt. Luca exhaled sharply as he said. “Mama, we are engaged.”

“You don’t even have a ring on her finger! Luca!” She inhaled sharply. “Please! Show some respect.”

Luca nodded. “You’re right, Mama. I’m going to go take her out to get a ring for her. Ask Maria to call Father O’Malley. Her eyes widened. “Ask him to come here and discuss wedding preparations. We’ll talk more then, alright?”

Two hours later, they were ‘married.’ There was an antique diamond wedding ring on her hand, and she was ‘Mrs. Luca Changretta.’ Luca had spotted Tommy’s men, and he waved them into the house and let them witness the ‘wedding license’ being signed. Autumn told the men to go tell Tommy that they were married and that there’d be a formal wedding next Sunday if they wanted to witness it.

They heard nothing. Silence was a good thing. Right?

Chapter Text

September 13th, 1924

Knock, knock.

Luca set down his pen and said. “Come in.” Autumn came into the room, her blue eyes wide, a nervous smile on her face, and exhaustion radiating from her. He stood up and asked. “Mi cara, what is it?”

“I need a minute.” she gasped out. “There’s too much going on.” He nodded. “Your m-mom is directing the f-food and the m-music, and I f-feel like I’m losing my m-mind!”

“Il mio dolce fiore,” he said as he cupped her trembling face in his hands. “Calm down.”

“I’m t-trying,” she said in frustration.

“Hmm. I must not be kissing you properly.” He leaned forward and kissed his frustrated bride. She let out a few whimpering protests, but she soon relaxed and wound her arms around his neck. After a few more kisses, she’d forgotten all about the wedding. He knew that she wasn’t nervous, not in the real sense. Autumn was just used to hiding in the shadows, and his mother wanted a big, fancy, New York wedding. The invitations had gone out, the food preparation had been done, and their wedding cake was getting delivered tomorrow morning at 9:00.

He was finally getting married, but there were other things that were a bit more concerning at the moment. Her family had arrived this morning in New York. He knew to expect a visit from them; he just wasn’t sure when. Polly, Arthur, and John had come over. Ada was already in Boston, so it was a possibility that she’d met them at the boat today. They wanted Autumn back; he didn’t blame them. She was an amazing woman, but he wasn’t a fool. He wasn’t going to let this woman out of his life. Not after she’d been f**king made for him. They’d spent nearly every hour in each other’s company. They spent hours each talking after making love to each other, talking about personal and intimate things.

They shared their hopes, their dreams, their secret desires, and plans for their future together. Autumn, while shy at first, found her voice with him. Her stammer—he f**king loved it. He shouldn’t, but the way she pursed her lips when concentrating or stammering over the letter ‘P’ was absolute perfection to him. She was perfect, and she was so beautiful. She was kind, sweet, gentle, and intelligent. They both had the same love for the arts; she liked to dance, and she loved classical music. She hated jazz, though, and her poor English taste buds were having a difficult time adjusting to flavor after being fed years of wallpaper paste. The first time she tried puttanesca and declared it too spicy, he thought she was mad. But then he had to remind himself that she didn’t know what good food was.

They argued too, about the silly little things. And by silly, that was her getting a salary, which she HATED. She didn’t really know how to shoot, even though she carried a gun, so that meant she was getting a bodyguard to escort her when he wasn’t around. She HATED that even more than the salary! She said she could buy the bodyguard off, and he pointed out that she had a budget and he didn’t. They didn’t argue about children or religion. She said once their first child was born that he had to stop working on the weekends. He didn’t like that idea at first, but when she described her childhood with negligent parents, he agreed. He didn’t want their children not to know him.

They both wanted four children, but she’d told him quietly that she could be persuaded to have maybe a fifth child. The hardest part of their marriage was arranging for her to be able to see her family, if they’d all be allowed to come. She thought that Ada and Arthur would break first, but they’d see reason. But there’d really have to be strict boundaries put in place. They knew that things would be difficult, especially for Thomas. But they were both too besotted with each other to imagine marrying anybody else. There was no one else in the world for them.

“Luca.” She whimpered. “P-please.”

“Si, si,” she murmured as he pulled her sleeve down to access her collarbone. She was wearing a beautiful blue and gold lace dress with flowers. She gasped loudly as he began to devour her skin. “Mia, bellissima principessa.”

“P-please,” she begged as she tugged at his belt. “Luca, m-make love to me.”

“Si.” He lifted her up onto his desk. She smiled as he undid his trousers, and she tugged her delicate, lacy undergarments down to her knees. He shook his head as he slipped his fingers into her entrance. She was so wet that he was able to slip both fingers inside, causing her to gasp. Once he freed himself from his trousers, he slipped fully into her wetness.

“Oh! Oh, God!” She gasped as she pulled him to her. “Luca, amore mio.”

He kissed her as he began to make love to her. She wrapped her legs around his waist, and he picked up his pace a little bit. His wife was stressed, and he needed her to be relaxed. It didn’t take too long for them to reach their climax together. She let out half a shriek against his lips as he came in her. He exhaled, his breathing heavy as he sat back, carefully pulling her off the desk with him. She clutched his neck as he sat in his chair, making sure that she straddled him. She moaned as he rocked her on his cock as he held her tightly. God, she made him so happy. She pressed gentle and tender kisses alongside his jaw.

“God, I love you so much,” she said as he ran his hand through her dark hair. “I love you.”

“I know. I love you too. You…make me so happy,” he told her quietly. “I cannot imagine waking up… and looking at the face of another. You are the one for me.”

“I felt it when you looked at me.” She said quietly. “I could barely breathe.”

“Same.” He leaned forward to kiss her again. “That’s why… I kissed you. I needed to make sure that you were f**king real.”

“Luca.” He kissed her, and his world spun. She moaned as she cupped his face in her hands. God, she was going to get him wound up again.

WHAM!!

Autumn and he jerked apart as the library door splintered open! To their complete shock, her entire f**king family came pouring into the room with their guns drawn! He had to admit, it was scary, if only for a second, to see John, Arthur, and Polly enter with several men, also with their guns drawn. However, that fear vanished, only because of Autumn clenching down so tightly on his cock that she could have broken it in two!

He let out a groan as Polly Gray shouted at him. “Get the f**k off of Autumn!”

Before he could say a word, Autumn screamed at them. “We’re married! We’re married! Don’t!”

John and Arthur approached, and Arthur was the first to stop short. “Oh! Oh, f**k.” He turned and half covered his eyes. “Poll---

“What!?!!”

“They’re having, well----

Polly got close enough to see that they were connected, and her eyes widened in disgust. “Oh, Christ.”

“f**k, no!” John groaned. “Oh, f**k.”

“Look,” Luca said. “Everyone turn the f**k around and let me get out of my wife.”

“She is not---

“My wife.” He said calmly. “Now, all of you, put your f**king guns away and let us get dressed.” She exhaled as she tightened her grip around his shoulders. “Mi cara, it’s alright. Relax, principessa.”

“I can’t.”

“Try.” Luca let out a groan as Autumn clamped down on him. “Mi cara, relax. I need you to relax before you break me.” He lifted her up and set her on the desk. She gasped and turned to look at her family. “It’s alright, no one’s looking.” He let out a groan as he carefully extracted his cock from her. He noted that her hands were shaking as she pulled her undergarments back up. “Mhmm, come here. Come here.” She let out an exhale as he pulled her off the desk. “There you go.”

“Are you lot f**king dressed yet?” John asked.

Autumn nodded, and he said. “Yes, we’re dressed.” He kissed Autumn on the forehead before they turned around to face her family. Even though they were angry, their guns were down by their sides. He cleared his throat. “Where are my parents?”

“How the f**k do we know?”

“Polly,” she inhaled. “Can we p-please put the guns away?”

“No!” She snapped. “Tommy told you---

“Tommy’s not here.” She said sharply, causing everyone to stare at her. Luca ran his hand down her back. “I’m not leaving. I’m staying here.”

Her entire family stared at her. Polly stepped close. “What did you say?”

“I’m not coming b-back.” She inhaled as she said quietly. “I—I’m staying with my husband.”

“Husband?” John let out a groan as he said. “f**king hell! You, you really married him??”

“Yes.”

“Oh, f**k.” Arthur said. “We thought it was a f**king joke.”

“No!” Autumn said. “We’re married.”

“Then why the f**king ceremony out there??”

“Because,” Luca said patiently. “We wanted to marry properly, and I’d like to think that all of you believe that she deserves a proper wedding ceremony.”

“You shut the f**k up!” Arthur bit out.

“Stop it!” She said. “Just s-stop it!”

“It’s alright,” he murmured quietly.

“What the hell were you thinking?” John asked. “Going off and marrying him? The first man you f**king met!!”

“I wasn’t thinking of him as the first man!” She proclaimed. “I was thinking of him as the one.”

“Luca,” the door creaked open. “I need to borrow---

His mother froze in the doorway and gasped in shock at the sight of the Shelbys. He cleared his throat and said calmly. “Mama, can you tell the cook that there’ll be…three more for dinner? We’ll need a few more places set.”

She just stared at him and couldn’t move. None of this would be easy, but for the sake of his future wife, he would do it. She’d given him so much. His family and her heart. All he had to do was stop the world from exploding so they could move into their happily ever after.

Chapter Text

“For God’s sake,” Polly snapped. “Stop being childish and come home!”

“No!” Autumn shook her head. “I’m n-not a child, and I’m not leaving my home!”

“This is not your home.”

“We’ve been married for a week.” Luca stated with far more patience than she had at this moment. “It’s her home. Our marriage and our life. Frankly, none of you should even be here.”

“Shut up!” John snapped.

“John.” Arthur cut him off as he picked up his forkful of osso buco. “You’re in the man’s house.”

Autumn exhaled. “Thank you, Arthur.”

He nodded. “Still think you should come back with us.”

“I know, but,” she held up her hand, revealing her ‘wedding ring.’ “This means something to me. L-Luca and I liked each other the moment we saw each other.”

“He’s older.” Polly said. “A lot older.”

She shakes her head. “No, he’s just right for me.” She exhaled before stating. “I am not going to come back. I’ve listened to all of you yell at me and rant. Tomorrow, Luca and I are getting married properly without being worried about him getting killed before then.”

“Does it really not bother you?” John asked. “Do you know what they did to Grace?”

She glowered at him as she asked. “Does it really not bother you, knowing what you did that led to Grace and Angelo dying?”

He glowered at her. “This isn’t about me.”

“I disagree.” Luca stated firmly. “After all, it was you attacking my brother that led to the hit on your brother. Both of you men are married. Angelo had the right to follow his heart. You should not have interfered.”

“And right now,” John said. “Tommy’s f**king Lizzie, so she didn’t give a f**k about your wop brother.”

Luca jumped to his feet, knocking over his wine glass, and Autumn got up with him. “Get out!” She ordered before Luca could say a word. “Get out, John!”

John shakes his head. “No.”

Luca bit out. “Get out of my f**king house before I have you dragged out!”

John crossed his arms, and Arthur stood up. “John. Go.”

He glowered at him. “We aren’t afraid of him.”

“John.” Polly said tightly. “You were asked to go. So, go.”

“You,” Luca snarled. “I will deal with you, Arthur Shelby. Not this bastard.” THAT got John to his feet, and he grabbed his gun. Arthur tackled him, and Luca shouted for his men to come in. They did, and with an order, John was dragged out of the room. He exhaled and sat back down. He maintained eye contact with Arthur as he got up from the floor. “You’re the eldest; you speak for your family. I’m the eldest; I speak for mine. Now, you tell me what it is your family wants.”

Arthur looked stunned for a moment. Polly spoke up. “I am the---

“No.” Luca snapped his fingers and avoided looking at her. “This is a man’s business. After all, this all started because of a woman, and a woman is ending this.” Luca ran a consoling finger over her hand. “Now, my wife and I have been very happily married for a week. She is my heart, and I love her. So, I will not give her up, and any attempts to take her from me will result in a war between the families.”

Arthur leaned forward. “And what assurances do we have?” he demanded. “that this marriage isn’t being forced?”

Luca shrugged. “Considering what you all interrupted, I think it’s pretty obvious that it’s mutual,” he smirked before adding. “After all, she was on top of me.”

“Yeah,” Arthur said. “Yeah. I want to hear it from her.”

“For the billionth time,” Autumn stated. “Luca didn’t force me into marriage! He asked me, and I said yes, I wanted to marry him! It was actually my idea that we marry quickly before marrying again tomorrow.”

Arthur studied them before asking. “And what about Grace Shelby? Is she to be forgotten?”

“Is my brother to be forgotten?” Luca asked. “You lost a life, and we lost a life. The scales are even. This marriage—it should be respected, and that will allow peace between the families.”

Arthur exhaled and asked her. “So? We just never f**king see you again, is that it?”

She exhaled as she said. “This is my home now. You’re always welcome here.”

Luca exhaled as he said. “If it’s agreed that my parents will be allowed safety in England, we will spend several months in London. Probably from November to February each year.”

“Why those months?” Arthur asked.

“Family holidays,” he stated. “My parents have family and friends that they will miss, as you will miss Autumn. This way…everyone can meet in peace.” He held Arthur’s gaze. “Can that be agreed upon?”

Polly shook her head. “Tommy won’t----

“Agreed.” Arthur said. “I give you my word.”

Luca nods. “In three years or so, provided things between the families are well, we can discuss the possibility of working together professionally. But right now… I don’t think there’s any trust.”

Arthur nodded. “Right. But if she chooses to come back to us and says she wants out of this marriage…you let her go.”

Luca nodded. “Autumn is free to come and go as she pleases. She knows this. I’m not the one attempting to force her away from where she wants to be.” Luca extended his hand as he asked. “Peace?”

Arthur was silent a moment before nodding. “Peace.” He shook Luca’s hand, and Autumn exhaled in relief. “Are we allowed to come to the wedding tomorrow?”

“You’re all welcome, except for John.” Luca stated firmly.

Autumn nodded in agreement. “Yes. He’s not welcome. Not after that.”

Polly exhaled. “He’s your brother.”

“That he is.” She stated. “But I’m his sister, and he shouldn’t have insulted my husband. I won’t have him yelling and shouting during the ceremony. I was scared the whole time when Luca and I married because I thought Tommy’s men were going to break in and shoot him!” She shook her head. “I don’t want any of that on my wedding day. I want tomorrow to have only beautiful memories. If banning John ensures that, then I agree.”

Polly exhaled and nodded. “Fair enough.” After a pause, she asked. “Do you have a wedding dress and veil?”

“Yes,” she inhaled before asking. “Do you want to see it?”

Polly nodded. “Yes.” They both stood up and walked out of the room. As she ascended the stairs. “I don’t approve of this marriage, but if you’re sure that he’s the one you want---

“He is.” She stated. “When we looked at each other…it was as if our hearts just started singing and we alone could hear that one song. I knew, Polly. I knew it, and he knew it as well. Every day, it’s gotten stronger, and I am so in love with this man that I know that he is the last man in my life.”

Polly nodded and said. “Well, we shall see tomorrow. Is it a church wedding?” She nodded as she ascended the stairs with Polly. Tomorrow, she’d legitimately become Mrs. Luca Changretta, and she could hardly wait.

September 14th, 1924

Autumn let out a shriek as Luca came inside her. He let out a groan as he consummated the marriage, making Autumn legally his wife in the backseat of the car. He exhaled deeply before kissing her. She whimpered and clutched him. She was the most beautiful and perfect bride. She wore an older dress that clung to her beautiful body. It was covered in grey-blue beads, and the floor-length veil that she wore on her head completed the look. They’d married in church, and her brother Arthur had walked her down the aisle. There’d been a few hostile glances between the families, especially his parents. Tommy had called for an update and lost his mind, he was furious with Arthur. Ada hadn't gotten a moment to speak to Autumn, so he called back and paid for Autumn to talk to her. She'd been surprised, but as supporting as she could be with Thomas in the room. Things would be tense for a while until they'd all calmed down and gotten used to the idea of this marriage. Even his father tried briefly to talk him out of the idea, but he wouldn't hear of it.

The moment Autumn had appeared, all the tension left the church. When one was privileged to behold such beauty…it didn’t matter who was angry at whom. Such things became unimportant. He felt his heart swell to the size of Mount Everest when he looked at her; his heart was so full of love for her. John did show up, but he wasn’t allowed in. He was permitted to watch from the back. Arthur had ordered the men to take John out if he said one word. Autumn said that Tommy was the ‘man’ of the family, so having Arthur take charge would give him some confidence, and he had taken that confidence and run with it.

No one had objected, and the marriage had been perfect. She and Luca had hurried down the steps of the church with people throwing rice at them. There was a huge party at their house, because Luca knew so many people. Luca got her in the car, and they took off first before everyone else. He told the driver to keep his eyes on the road and take the long way home. He hadn’t planned on consummating his marriage in the back seat with Autumn, but she’d encouraged him, and he’d honored her wishes.

She exhaled as he kissed her. “I love you…so much, Luca.”

“And I love you more than I can say.” He would have kissed her again, but the car began to slow. He exhaled as he withdrew from Autumn’s warmth. “We’re home, Mrs. Changretta.”

She blushed. “Oh! I didn’t realize. I must look a mess!”

“You look perfect,” he said as they got themselves in order. Her veil hung on the floor in a tangled heap. He couldn’t help it. He loved her hair, and he loved touching it. The veil was in the way. After a moment, he got out and hurried around to her side of the car.

She smiled as she took his hand. “Grazie, amore mio.” He couldn’t resist her. She made him feel so young and happy. “Luca!” She laughed as he spun her around right in the middle of the street! “Luca, you’re insane!”

“Yes!” He laughed as he kissed her deeply. God! She was the love of his life. “Oh, I’m in love with you.” He declared. “I am so in love with you that I could shout it to the world!”

“D-don’t!” She blushed as she covered his mouth. “P-please.”

He laughed as he said. “You embarrass so easily, mi cara.” He pulled her against him as if they were dancing. He did start dancing with her, and she blushed. “I love you, and I don’t care who knows it or sees my love for you. You are the song that makes my heart sing. There is one love in my heart, and that love is only for you.”

She blushed as she said softly. “You’re my heartsong as well, Luca Changretta. I’m so glad to be your wife.” She inhaled before whispering. “P-Polly said that… I’m going to have a boy next year.”

He smiled at her as he leaned forward and kissed her deeply. He didn’t believe in ‘predictions’ and that sort of thing, but he believed in her. He believed in God, in love, and in all things that were beautiful. She wrapped her arms around his neck. They were together, and it was perfect. The world was perfect because they found each other.