Chapter 15

LORENZO

The penthouse feels unusually quiet today, the absence of Mira's laughter and Lila's animated chatter leaving an unsettling void. I've been pacing the rooms for the better part of an hour, a strange sense of unease settling in my chest. It's a feeling I can't shake that gnaws at me, making me restless.

I walk to the large windows, looking out over the city skyline. The view, normally a source of comfort and power, does little to ease my mind today. Thoughts of Mira flit through my mind. She should be back by now.

I check the time on my watch and then my phone again, hoping for a message or a call to let me know they're on their way. Nothing. My fingers tap a restless rhythm on the side table as I prowl the living room, every fiber of my being on edge.

Over the years, I've learned to trust my instincts, and every single molecule in my being is telling me something is wrong. I can feel it in my bones, a deep, primal instinct that's kept me alive through countless battles and betrayals. The air seems heavier, charged with an electric tension that heightens my senses.

Where are they? Anxiety sharpens my thoughts into a focused concern.

I don't care if I come off as an overprotective caveman, I'm texting her and telling her to get her gorgeous ass home. I pull out my phone as footsteps echo in the hallway. I turn just as Antonio strides in, his face a mask of urgency. His usual calm demeanor is replaced with a look of strained intensity, and instantly, my heart drops. Fucking hell. I can't survive without Mira.

"What is it?" I demand, voice steely, every muscle in my body coiling as terror cuts through me.

"Lorenzo," Antonio begins, his voice tight. "There's been an incident."

My mind races, a flurry of scenarios flashing through my head. "What the fuck happened?" I ask, trying to keep my voice level even as dread creeps into my veins.

Antonio steps closer, his eyes locking onto mine with an intensity that speaks volumes. "The SUV was sideswiped at a red light. Mira, Lila… they've been hurt."

"Where are they?" My voice is barely more than a growl, raw and filled with fear I can't hide. "Is she alive?" I need to know she's still breathing. We can deal with anything else.

He places a hand on my shoulder as if to ground me. "They're being taken to the nearest hospital. Renaldo and Mario are with them, and they appear to have minor injuries. I came to inform you immediately."

My chest tightens, my world narrowing to a single point of focus. I need to get to Mira and reassure myself she's okay. "Let's go," I say, already moving toward the door, every second feeling like an eternity.

The ride to the hospital is a blur of frantic thoughts and pounding adrenaline. Antonio drives with a sense of urgency that matches my own, weaving through the city streets with a precision born of necessity.

My mind is a storm of fear and determination. I can't lose her. Not now. Not ever.

Arriving at the hospital, I barely wait for the car to stop before I'm out, striding through the entrance with Antonio at my heels. The sterile smell hits me immediately, the bright lights harsh and unforgiving.

"Where are they?" I bark at the nurse behind the desk, my voice commanding and leaving no room for hesitation.

"Who are you looking for?" Her bored, quiet professionalism makes me want to slam my fist through the goddamn window she's standing behind.

"Fucking hell," I growl as Antonio steps up and takes over for me.

"We're here for Mira and Lila Jones." Before the nurse can answer, Renaldo walks over and signals for us to follow him.

As we approach the last room at the end of the hall, I catch sight of Mario standing guard outside the room. His expression is grave, and he straightens as we approach.

"Are they okay?" I ask, my voice a blend of authority, barely contained terror, and rage.

"Stable, but Mira was unconscious for a while," Renaldo says. "Lila is mostly unharmed, but they're both shaken."

I take a deep breath, forcing myself to focus. "I need to see her," I say, pushing past and entering the room.

Mira lies on a hospital bed, her face pale but peaceful, a stark contrast to the chaos I'm feeling inside. Lila is sitting in the chair next to the bed, awake but looking dazed, her eyes widening with relief when she sees me.

"Mira," I say softly, crossing swiftly to her side and taking her hand in mine. She stirs slightly, her eyelids fluttering.

"Lorenzo," she whispers, her voice weak but unmistakably hers. "I knew you'd come."

"I'm here," I say, my voice cracking with emotion. "I'm right here. You're safe."

She tries to smile, the effort both achingly beautiful and heartbreaking. I brush a strand of hair from her face, my heart swelling with a mixture of relief and fierce protectiveness.

Lila looks over, her eyes filling with tears. "She… she called out for you. It was all she could think about."

I nod, choking back the lump in my throat. "I will always come for her."

Antonio and Renaldo step into the room, their presence a reminder that even in this sanctuary, the outside world waits. But for now, for this moment, I focus solely on Mira, my fierce resolve solidifying into an unbreakable promise.

"Rest now," I say softly, leaning in to press a kiss to Mira's forehead. "I'm here. We'll get through this. Together."

As her eyes close, finding solace in my presence, I sit by her side, my hand tightly holding hers.

As Mira drifts off to sleep, her breathing evens out, and I gently release her hand. Each step away from her bedside feels like I'm leaving a part of myself behind, but there are questions in need of answers and actions I need to take. I walk to the door, casting one last glance at her peaceful form before stepping into the hospital hallway.

The fluorescent lights cast a stark, unyielding glow on everything, amplifying the sterile scent of antiseptics. Antonio and Luca are waiting just outside, their faces a mix of concern and steely determination. Renaldo stands a bit further down the hall, talking quietly with one of the nurses.

I motion for Antonio and Luca to follow me to a more secluded corner, away from prying eyes and ears. I need answers, and I need them quickly.

"Tell me," I say, my voice low but charged with an intensity that brooks no interference. "Was this accident deliberate? Was Mira targeted?"

Antonio shakes his head, his eyes meeting mine with unwavering seriousness. "We don't think so, Lorenzo. From the initial reports, it looks like a careless driver ran a red light and hit the SUV. Renaldo overheard a paramedic telling a cop the asshole was drunk off his ass."

Luca nods in agreement. "It doesn't appear to be a planned attack, but we're not taking any chances. We're going to investigate thoroughly, and I've already put some of our best men on it."

I swallow hard, the tightness in my chest easing but not disappearing. "I want surveillance footage pulled from every camera on that street. I want the driver's identification, background checks, everything. We can't assume this was random."

Antonio's eyes mirror my own intensity. "Agreed. We'll start with traffic cams and local businesses. If there's anything suspicious, we'll find it."

"And increase security for Mira and Lila," I say, my voice firm. "No gaps. I want them covered at all times."

Luca places a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "We'll handle it, Lorenzo. You focus on Mira right now. Let us do the groundwork."

I nod, clenching and unclenching my fists to dispel some of the residual tension. "Thank you."

They turn to leave, but Luca pauses, looking back at me. "She's strong, Lorenzo. She'll pull through this. And we'll make sure nothing like this happens again."

I nod again, appreciating his words but feeling the weight of my own fears and responsibilities pressing heavily on my shoulders. As they walk away, I take a moment to gather myself, leaning against the cool wall and taking deep breaths.

The thought of losing Mira, of her being in harm's way because of me, is unbearable. I've built an empire, navigated treacherous waters, and faced countless threats, but nothing compares to the raw, visceral fear of seeing her hurt.

I straighten and push off the wall before making my way back to the room. The door opens quietly, and I step inside, the sight of Mira's sleeping form bringing a rush of conflicting emotions. Relief, protectiveness, and a steely resolve flow through my soul as I resolve to keep her safe no matter what.

I sit back down beside her, taking her hand in mine once more, and feel the warmth and the faint thrum of her pulse. The day's events replay in my mind, but beneath the fear and the wrath lies the clear, undeniable truth. I love my little bambolina and will protect her with every ounce of my being.

No one will ever harm her again while I draw breath.

As the night deepens, I stay by her side, my mind a razor-sharp focus on the days ahead. There will be answers, there will be justice, and through it all, Mira will know that she's safe with me, no matter the cost.

For now, though, I take solace in her presence, grounding myself in the simplicity of her touch and the love that binds us for all eternity.