Chapter 17
I stared out the window of the Honda as we pulled away from Antonio’s estate, my mind racing. The tears I’d been holding back finally broke free, at single drop sliding down my cheek.
“I should’ve just disappeared somewhere… died quietly.” My voice cracked. “Now they’re after you because of me.”
The car jerked to a sudden stop, tires crunching on gravel. Lorenzo shifted in his seat, his hands coming up to cradle my face. His thumbs brushed away the wetness on my cheeks.
“Look at me, cara.” His voice was soft but firm. “Did you hear what Antonio said in there? I’ve had the entire underworld in my grip for years. Dominic and Camilla?” He scoffed. “They’re playing games they don’t understand.”
“But-”
“No.” His fingers tightened slightly. “You survived them once. Now you have me. And I promise you, they’ll learn exactly what happens when someone tries to take what’s mine.”
The intensity in his green eyes made my breath catch. There was something both terrifying and comforting in the way he said ‘mine‘ – like a shield and a sword all at once.
“I can’t bear the thought of them hurting you,” I whispered.
Lorenzo’s laugh was dark and rich. “Oh tesoro, they won’t get the chance. But I love seeing this protective side of you.” His thumb traced my bottom lip. “You’re stronger than you know, Valentina. Stop thinking you should have died. Start thinking about how we’re going to make them pay.”
I nodded, letting his words sink in. The drive back to his estate passed in comfortable silence, his hand resting on my knee, a steady warmth that kept me anchored.
The house lights welcomed us home, casting a golden glow across the circular driveway. Before I could reach for the door handle, Lorenzo was there, opening it for me. His hand found the small of my back as we walked up the
Step
Inside, the quiet wrapped around us like a blanket. I turned to face him, my heart racing at his proximity. “Thank you. For everything.”
“Come here.” He pulled me close, one hand tangling in my hair. The scent
Chapter 17
of his cologne mixed with leather and something uniquely him filled my senses. “You don’t need to thank me. Just stay.”
My fingers curled into his shirt. “I’m not going anywhere.”
“Good.” His lips brushed my forehead. “Because I’ve never felt this way about anyone, Valentina. The thought of you disappearing…” His chest rose with a deep breath. “It would destroy me.”
I lifted my face to his, surprised by the vulnerability in his eyes. This powerful man, who commanded respect with a single look, was letting me see beneath his armor. My hand came up to trace his jaw.
“I feel safe with you,” I whispered. “Like I can finally breathe again.”
Lorenzo’s fingers tightened in my hair, tilting my head back further. “You are safe. And loved. Never doubt that.”
The word ‘loved‘ sent a shiver through me. His lips found mine, gentle at first, then with growing intensity. I melted into him, letting the kiss wash away the fear and doubt that had plagued me for so long.
When we broke apart, both breathing heavily, he pressed his forehead to
mine.
“I love you, Valentina.” Lorenzo’s words brushed against my lips, making my heart skip.
I traced my fingers along his jaw, looking into those intense green eyes. “I love you too.”
His arms tightened around me, and in one fluid motion, he swept me off my feet. I let out a small gasp, wrapping my arms around his neck as he carried me up the marble staircase. The house was silent except for our breathing and his measured footsteps.
He pushed open his bedroom door with his shoulder, not breaking stride as he headed straight for the ensuite bathroom. The massive shower took up one corner, all glass and gleaming chrome.
Lorenzo set me down gently, his hands sliding to my waist. The heat in his gaze made me shiver despite the warmth of the room. His fingers found the hem of my blouse, pausing.
“Are you sure?”
I answered by reaching for his shirt buttons. The fabric whispered as it fell to the floor, followed by the rest of our clothes. Steam filled the air as hot water cascaded over us, turning everything dreamlike and soft.
