Chapter 7

MIRA

The gentle sway of the yacht rocks me subtly, like a lullaby whispered by the ocean. My stateroom is quiet, the only sounds the distant hum of the engines and the soft rustling of the waves against the hull. I sit on the edge of the bed, staring at the phone in my hand, lost in thought.

Lorenzo. His name circles my mind, intertwining with images of his dark eyes that hold so many secrets, so much depth. Despite the danger that seems to wrap around him like a shroud, there's a gentleness in him, a protective side that he shows me. It's both comforting and confusing.

I sigh and pick up my phone, knowing I need to send a message to Lila. She's a worrier, and the last thing I want is for her to panic. I compose a quick text, keeping my tone light.

Me

Just got home from the airport! I'm exhausted. Call you soon. Love you!

The lie tastes bitter, but it's necessary. I need her to believe everything is normal, that I'm safe and sound. I hit send before I can second-guess myself and then set the phone down on the nightstand.

A few seconds later, her return text comes through.

Little sis

I'm dead on my feet, too. I work all day tomorrow and the next day so I won't be around much. I'll call when I can.

For once, I'm grateful for my sister's busy schedule. Hopefully, by the time she gets around to calling me, I won't have to lie to her about what's happening.

I get up and walk over to the small porthole, staring out at the endless expanse of dark water. The moon's reflection shimmers on the surface, casting a silver path that seems to lead straight into the unknown. Much like my life now, ever since Lorenzo stepped into it.

There's a gentle knock on the door. It's one of the crew, bringing a tray with a pitcher of water and a glass. I thank them quietly, taking the tray and placing it on the table. The routine helps settle my nerves, and soon, I find myself climbing into the plush, comfortable bed.

I snuggle under the soft covers, the cool sheets gradually warming with my body heat. The bed is luxurious, a far cry from my modest bed back home in Florida. It feels like I'm floating away from reality, cocooned in this temporary safe haven.

But sleep doesn't come easily. My thoughts are consumed by Lorenzo's protective nature and the way his strong presence makes me feel safe despite the chaos. I close my eyes, his face etched behind my eyelids. Those dark, intense eyes of his seem to see right through to my soul.

Finally, exhaustion takes over, and I drift off into a deep sleep. My dreams are vivid, filled with images of Lorenzo. We're back on the yacht, but everything is bathed in an ethereal light. He's standing at the edge of the deck, looking out at the horizon, his posture both powerful and solitary.

I approach him, my footsteps silent on the wooden deck. When he turns to me, his eyes are as dark and mysterious as ever, but there's a softness there, a vulnerability that he keeps hidden from the world.

"Lorenzo," I say, my voice echoing around us.

He reaches out, and I take his hand, feeling the warmth and strength in his grip. "Mira," he replies, his voice a soothing balm. "You're safe with me."

The dream shifts, and we're in a place I don't recognize. All around us, I see an endless ocean under a sky filled with stars. We're alone, but I don't feel afraid. Instead, there's a sense of peace, of understanding that transcends words.

He pulls me close, and I rest my head against his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart. It's a sound that anchors me, reminding me that, even in the midst of uncertainty, there is a place of safety. There's a person who stands as my protector.

When I wake, the morning light filters softly into the stateroom. I lie still for a moment, the remnants of the dream lingering in my mind. His dark eyes and reassuring presence are engrained in my thoughts now, a part of me.

I stretch, feeling the gentle sway of the yacht as it continues its journey. Today is a new day, with its own challenges and uncertainties, but there's a sense of resolve within me. Whatever happens, I know I'll face whatever comes with Lorenzo by my side.

The bathroom is small but well-appointed, the shower offering a steady stream of hot water. I let it wash over me, trying to clear my mind and settle my nerves. Thoughts of Lorenzo linger, his dark eyes haunting my dreams and waking moments alike. There's a strange comfort in knowing he's nearby, even as the dangers of his world encircle us.

After drying off, I slip into my swimsuit and pull a lightweight summer dress on over it.

Taking a deep breath, I open the door and step out into the hallway. A security guard stationed down the hall nods at me, his expression professional but not unkind. "Good morning, Miss Jones. If you're ready, I'll show you to the main deck."

I nod and take a deep breath to calm my nerves. "Thank you."

The hallways of the yacht are quiet, the gentle rocking of the vessel creating a soothing rhythm. As we walk, I try to focus on the serenity of my surroundings, rather than the turmoil churning inside me. The security guard leads the way, and I realize his presence is both reassuring and a reminder of the stakes.

We climb a set of stairs and the passage opens up, leading to the main deck. The space is breathtaking with wide views of the endless ocean and the morning sun casting golden hues over everything. The air is fresh and crisp, carrying the scent of salt mixed with sunshine.

Lorenzo stands by a table set for breakfast, his back to me as he gazes out at the sea. He looks every bit the powerful, enigmatic figure that has taken center stage in my life. When he turns, his expression softens, and a genuine smile touches his lips.

"Bambolina," he greets me, his voice warm. "Good morning."

"Good morning," I respond, feeling a sudden flutter in my chest.

He gestures to the table, a spread of breakfast delights awaiting us. My mouth waters when I glance at the huge array of fresh fruit, pastries, bacon, and sausage along with a huge pot of steaming coffee. "I hope you're hungry."

I chuckle a little when I see a mimosa sitting at my place. The sight and smell of the food make me realize just how hungry I am. "I am, thank you. This looks wonderful."

We sit, and as I sip my coffee, I can't help but marvel at the contrast between this serene moment and the chaos that surrounds us. Lorenzo watches me, his eyes holding that familiar intensity, but there's a gentleness, too.

I Googled him last night and found out more than I wanted to know. A part of me knows I should be terrified of the powerful mafia boss, but I can't find those feelings. Instead, I'm filled with unexplained hunger and the desire to see where this relationship could lead.

"How did you sleep?" he asks, his tone casual but his gaze searching.

"I slept well, thank you. I had… interesting dreams," I admit and almost smack my forehead at the slip of the tongue. I feel my cheeks warming under his scrutiny, and I barely resist the urge to squirm from the heat shining from his dark brown eyes.

He raises an eyebrow, a hint of curiosity in his expression. "Interesting how?"

I hesitate, wondering how much to reveal. "Just… scenes of the ocean and being safe. It's strange, considering everything."

"Dreams can be strange like that," he muses, his eyes never leaving mine. "But sometimes, they reflect our deepest hopes."

We eat in comfortable silence for a while, the sounds of the ocean a soothing backdrop. As I pick at a piece of pineapple, I gather my courage to ask the question that's been on my mind.

"Lorenzo, what happens now?"

He pauses, setting down his fork. "Now, we head back to New York. I want to make sure you're safe, and to do that, I need to deal with the threats against us. Against you."

I nod, understanding the necessity, even as a knot of fear forms in my stomach. "And after that?"

He reaches across the table, taking my hand in his. The warmth of his touch is both grounding and electrifying. "After that, we see what the future holds. But no matter what, I promise you, Mira, I will keep you safe."

For a moment, the world narrows to just the two of us, the vast ocean a silent witness to this fragile connection. Lorenzo's eyes, so dark and intense, offer a haven I hadn't expected to find in such turbulent times.

"Thank you," I whisper, squeezing his hand. "For everything."

He smiles, allowing what feels like a rare and genuine expression. "You don't need to thank me. I want to take care of you."

We finish breakfast, and for a while, we simply enjoy the tranquility, the unspoken bond between us growing stronger with each passing moment. Despite the dangers that lie ahead, I enjoy the quiet time with him.

Lorenzo and I spend the morning lounging in comfortable deck chairs, the gentle sway of the vessel and the endless expanse of blue helping me to forget all my worries.

A few minutes ago, I moved from the lounger in the shade to the one next to Lorenzo's in the full sun. I let out a contented sigh as he hands me a bottle of sunscreen. "You should put some more on," he says, his voice smooth and rich. "You know how easily you burn." Boy, do I ever. The slight sunburn I got two days ago has faded, but I know it would be all too easy to reinjure my sensitive skin.

"I could use some help with my back," I reply, trying to keep my tone casual but feeling a flutter of anticipation in my stomach.

He takes the bottle from me with a slight smile that makes my heart skip a beat. "Of course."

I turn my back to him, feeling the warmth of the sun on my skin. A shiver runs through me as his hands, strong yet gentle, begin to spread the cool lotion across my shoulders. His touch is electric, sending a tingle down my spine. He moves slowly, methodically, his fingers working the sunscreen into my skin with a tenderness that takes my breath away and causes my virgin girly bits to wake up.

Each stroke of his hands is a whisper of warmth, a promise of something deeper. I can feel his breath, soft against my neck, and it takes all my willpower not to melt completely under his touch.

"Is this alright?" he asks, his voice a low murmur, close to my ear. His warm breath brushes against the sensitive spot under my ear, causing goosebumps to break out all over my body.

"Yes," I moan, my eyes closing as I give in to the sensation. "More than alright."

He continues to massage the sunscreen into my skin, and I lose myself in the moment, the light coconut scent of the lotion mingling with the salty sea air, the feeling of his hands a grounding presence.

Finally, when I feel I can't take the sweet torture any longer, I turn to face him, my cheeks flushed and my heart racing. I lift my face to his, my lips parting slightly in invitation. The world seems to hold its breath, the space between us charged with an undeniable electricity.

He hesitates for the briefest moment, his dark eyes searching mine, and then he leans down, his lips meeting mine in a kiss that is both gentle and possessive. It's as if the world stops spinning, and all that exists is this connection between us.

The kiss deepens, his hands slipping around my waist, pulling me closer. I wrap my arms around his neck, losing myself in the warmth and intensity of his embrace. His lips are soft yet demanding, each movement sending waves of heat through my body.

Our surroundings fade away, the sun and the sea and the distant horizon all melting into the background. All I can think about is Lorenzo and the way he tastes, the way his muscular body feels against mine, and the unspoken promises in his touch.

When we finally pull apart, breathless and dazed, he rests his forehead against mine, his eyes dark and filled with an emotion that mirrors my own. "Mira," he whispers, his voice thick with desire and something deeper, something I can't quite name.

"Lorenzo," I reply, my own voice barely more than a breath. "This feels..."

"Right," he finishes, his thumb gently stroking my cheek. "It feels right."

We spend the rest of the day in a beautiful haze, lounging on the deck, sharing stolen kisses and whispered conversations. The sun begins its slow descent, painting the sky with hues of pink and orange, but I hardly notice, too caught up in the magic of the moment.

As the evening falls, we find ourselves still entwined in each other's arms, the world around us bathed in the soft glow of twilight. There's a sense of peace, of something profound and unspoken settling between us.

In this fleeting escape from reality, in the safety of Lorenzo's arms, I realize that despite the dangers and uncertainties that lie ahead, I've found something truly precious. And it's a feeling I won't let go of lightly.

For now, we have this moment, this day on the yacht, and the promise of tomorrow. And as I rest my head on Lorenzo's shoulder, I know we'll face whatever comes next together.