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Chapter 6

LORENZO

The drive to the yacht is swift but feels interminable as the bumps in the road test the ancient shocks on the vehicle Luca hired to take us to the marina. My thoughts keep drifting to her and those aqua-blue eyes, her soft curls, and the moment in the elevator that's burned into my memory.

As we round the corner, the expanse of the marina comes into full view, the yachts lined up like regal sentinels of the sea. Each one is a testament to luxury, but there's one in particular that catches my eye.

"There it is," Luca says, pointing ahead. "Our ride."

"I'm not sure Lorenzo should let you choose any more fucking rides," Antonio grumbles from the front seat as the wind blows through the open truck windows.

My gaze follows his finger, landing on a massive yacht that stands out even among its lavish neighbors. It's gleaming white, with sleek lines and a modern design that exudes opulence. The sheer size of it is impressive. There's no doubt it's an imposing floating palace meant to command attention and respect.

But as we get closer and I read the name painted in elegant script on the bow, I can't help but laugh.

"Hot Moves?" I say, raising an eyebrow at Luca and Antonio. "Seriously?"

"The name alone will throw our enemies off." Luca shrugs and I have to admit his ploy is ingenious.

"Good job, my friend," I tell him as we step out of the rusty old pickup truck that's seen better days at least fifteen years ago.

"Is that why we used this," I point back at the faded blue thirty-year-old vehicle, "to get here instead of a limousine?"

"The Grimaldis will be on the look-out for a limousine or armored SUV." My second in command deserves a raise for this level of ingeniousness.

A few hours later, I walk into the yacht salon to find Mira looking both surprised and confused as she turns to find me standing in the doorway.

"You?" she says, her voice a mix of surprise and nerves. "What's going on?"

I take a deep breath and step closer, knowing winning her over depends on how I handle this situation. "I'm sorry you've been dragged into this mess. There are things about me and my life that are complicated. Dangerous. You've become involved, unwittingly, but involved nonetheless."

Her eyes search mine for answers, fear swirling in their aqua-blue depths. "I don't understand. What kind of danger?"

"There are people after me," I say plainly. "People who wouldn't hesitate to use you to get to me. We've arranged for you to be taken somewhere safe, but we need to move quickly."

The gravity of my words sinks in, and she stares at me with her mouth hanging open. "Why would anyone think they can use me against you?"

"Because, bambolina, I've never paid attention to any woman in my life." It's embarrassing to admit, but I know the only thing that will win her over is the truth. "Once I started paying attention to you, my enemies realized you are important to me. And you are important to me. Vital, in fact."

Her mouth opens and closes silently for several minutes as my words sink in. "This is crazy."

"I know it sounds insane, bambolina, but we'll figure it out together. I promise to keep you safe while we get to know each other," I add, my voice softer. "Whatever it takes."

She swallows, looking between me and Luca, who stands nearby. "I don't really have a choice, do I?"

A sense of relief washes over me, but the real challenge lies ahead. As I walk her to the stateroom where she'll be staying, her eyes linger on the sprawling, dark sea. I instruct the crew to set sail immediately, knowing time is of the essence.

In the privacy of the cabin, I tell her, "I know this is overwhelming," I choose my words carefully, "but it's the safest way to keep you out of harm's way. We'll be in New York soon, and from there, we can figure out the next steps."

She nods, her hands clasped tightly in her lap. "Thank you," she says quietly. "For protecting me."

I meet her gaze, the connection between us undeniable even in this moment of chaos. "I'd give my life to protect you," I whisper, knowing my life will never be the same again.

The cabin is cozy, the warm light illuminating her features. She looks like a porcelain doll with her blonde curls framing her heart-shaped face, her skin smooth and fair, and her eyes wide and filled with curiosity mixed with the slightest hint of wariness.

"Why?" she asks, her voice as gentle as the evening breeze. She clears her throat. "Why would you do that for me?"

Moving to stand by a small table, where a vase of fresh flowers adds a touch of color to the room, I admit, "Because meeting you woke up something deep inside me."

She walks over, her movements graceful, almost ethereal. "I don't know what that means."

I lean against the table, studying her. "To be honest, I don't either."

She tilts her head slightly, a soft smile on her lips. "What are we going to do about our shared confusion?"

There's something about the way she looks at me, those doll-like eyes holding a depth of emotion that I can't quite decipher. It's both disarming and entrancing.

"I guess we'll have to figure it out together," I say, my voice low and earnest.

She steps closer, her presence like a balm to my weary soul. "And if I decide I don't want to be a part of this?" She signals to the opulent stateroom. "Are you going to let me go home?"

I take a deep breath, reaching out to gently take her hand. "You deserve better than this. Better than me and my world… but I don't know if I could give you up. I hope I never have to face a reality without you in it."

Her fingers intertwine with mine, and she looks up at me with an intensity that takes me by surprise. "I don't know where this crazy pull between us came from." I'm preparing my arguments if she flat-out rejects me, but Mira surprises me. "But I'm willing to take a chance and see where it goes."

Her words hang in the air, a beacon of hope in a life I've seen so grim. The sincerity in her eyes touches a place within me that I've kept guarded for so long.

"You won't be sorry, bambolina," I admit, my thumb brushing softly over the back of her hand.

For a moment, we stand there, a quiet understanding passing between us. It's a fragile connection, but it's real.

I pull her gently into an embrace, feeling the warmth of her against me. "I'll protect you, bambolina. No matter what."

She rests her head against my chest, her voice soft and unwavering. "I know you will." Her sweet curves melt against me, causing all the blood in my body to flow straight to my cock, but I ignore the fucker and concentrate on my girl.

Holding her close, I feel a rare peace, a subtle shift in the world I've known. The yacht continues its journey through the night, but for now, this cabin serves as a sanctuary where the harshness of reality can't quite reach us.

Mira may look like a fragile porcelain doll, but she has a strength that surprises me. And maybe, just maybe, she's the light I've been searching for in this relentless darkness.

The yacht cuts through the water, each mile putting distance between us and the impending threat. As we settle into the journey, I make a silent vow to protect her, to keep her safe from the abyss of my world.

Because somehow, this beautiful, innocent woman has become a beacon of light in my dark, treacherous existence. And that is something worth fighting for.

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