Chapter 17

MIA

I opened my eyes to Lorenzo propped on his elbow, gazing down at me, framed by the sunlight streaming in the window.

I reached a hand to trace his jaw.

‘Hey.'

‘Bella.'

He leaned in, stroking my hair from my face as he gave me a long, gentle kiss.

I curved into his muscular body, nestling into his sinewed length.

His cock stirred as our embrace deepened, echoing the growing wetness between my thighs.

With a rumble, he moved away, panting.

‘I'd continue this, baby, but it's already 9 a.m., and I have a fucking crazy day ahead of me.'

I inhaled. ‘I have an online class at 11.'

‘Then we'd better get our act together,' he rasped.

His heat left me as he rose, moving with panther-like grace. His eyes never left mine as he led me to his bathroom.

We showered, exchanging heated glances and occasional kisses under hot running water before I ran from his arms and his room with only a towel to track down clean clothes in my designated guest room.

I found him downstairs in the kitchen, dressed in an elegant tee, an unstructured linen jacket with patch pockets, slim-fit pants, and leather sneakers like he'd stepped out of an Italian Men's GQ page.

I was in velvet sweats and a gym top. Winning.

Breakfast was simple yet delicious: eggs, broccolini on sourdough, as he liked it, and coffee, black and piping hot.

We ate in silence, relishing each other's presence, hands brushing, lips touching, fingers shaking any chance we got.

When our plates were clear, Lorenzo stood, his eyes far off, his mind shifting to work matters.

He returned to me, a thoughtful expression on his face.

‘Mauri and I need to meet with a few local contacts in Sydney. You'll need to stay and not leave the house,' he commanded, his tone severe.

I glanced up at him, giving him a side-eye. ‘I'm well aware of the rules. I might have been born to be wild, but I was raised wise. I promise I'll remain put and not escape.'

He shot me a slightly crooked smile that sent a rush of warmth through me. ‘Bene. Because if you do, I'll hunt you down and drag you back by your hair.'

‘Such a Neanderthal, baby,' I shot back. ‘So alpha.'

I laughed, loving the outrage and possessiveness in his eyes. ‘Sempre,' he growled.

Lorenzo's phone buzzed on the table, and he picked it up, glancing at the screen before answering.

‘Si, sto arrivando,' he murmured into the phone before turning to me. ‘Got to go. Mauri's got the car outside.'

He leaned in and tugged my head close, his hands sinking into my hair. ‘Stay safe, cara,' he rasped, kissing me with touching tenderness.

I smiled, caressing his strong jawline. ‘You too, honey. See you soon.'

With that, he slipped on sunglasses and headed out the door, the sound of his SUV fading into the distance.

I stood in the empty kitchen, soul aching, longing for him already.

But I also had to focus on my day.

To underscore the point, my alarm went off, alerting me my class was in less than an hour.

The Zoom lecture went off without a hitch until the end, when my professor announced that our Finance Theory 101 papers were due in a week.

I jolted, realising the corresponding handbook and texts were still at my apartment.

I had to refer them to them to complete the paper on time.

I also had no idea how long I'd be stuck at Lorenzo's house.

That's when I had a wild tear.

Linda. My housemate.

Perhaps if I asked her nicely enough, she'd drive the texts to me , I thought in fervent hope.

I pulled out my phone and dialled Linda's number.

She answered on the second ring with a groggy drawl. ‘Hey, Mia. What's up?'

‘Hi roomie, it looks like I'll be staying with my family friend for a while longer, but I can't leave the house. I left my finance books at my apartment. Do you think you might please bring them over to me? I'll do whatever it takes to pay you back: fuel money, Uber fee, drinks on me, you name it. I need them for a paper I must submit in a week.'

A slight pause lingered on the other end as Linda processed my words. ‘Mia, why can't you fetch them? Are you okay?'

‘I am, but I can't leave where I'm at right now. My friend insists on me staying put,' I admitted. ‘I have to finalise this report and can't do it without the books. Pretty please?'

She sighed and snuffled. ‘As much as I'd love to, I've got a cold. I'm under my doona, shivering with a fever.'

My worry for my paper was replaced by concern for her. ‘I'm so sorry, honey. How bad is it? What can I do?'

‘I'll live,' she muttered.

‘Look, forget it. I'll find another way.'

‘No, wait. Perhaps Tony can drop them. He's over here taking care of me. At least that's what he said; most times, he's on his phone or gaming on his iPad,' she chuckled.

Hope rose in me. ‘You think he'd mind?'

‘Nah, plus I think he's got the hots for you.'

‘I wouldn't want to lead him on -'

She laughed. ‘I understand, but he's cool; I'll ask him.'

She must have placed her device down as Linda gave a muffled shout, followed by an even more indistinct conversation.

After a minute, she was back. ‘He says he'll do it. Just text me what you need and the address.'

I let out a sigh of relief. ‘Thank you. I'll message you the info right now.'

With my mind already scrolling through the stacks of study materials room in my apartment, I typed out a list of the essential books I needed.

While I waited for Tony to arrive, I rearranged and rescheduled my Queen Clean clientele appointments, then rummaged in Lorenzo's kitchen for food.

I ate a cheese sandwich, with a fresh salad and coffee.

I tidied up, wiping down surfaces and placing dishes away.

I even found one of Lorenzo's sweaters in the living room thrown on a sofa.

Pushing my face into it, I breathed his essence in long and deep, pervaded by his musk-like scent that clung to the fibres, a mix of his cologne and unique, masculine aroma.

Longing and desire washed over me.

Damn this man, he was growing on me.

Just then, the front gate's bell went off.

I went to the door, where Tony's visage loitered on the security panel screen.

I buzzed him into the property and opened the front door, greeting him with a smile.

‘Tony, thank you so much for helping me out. You have no idea how much this means to me.'

On a whim, I hugged him; our awkward kiss was well behind us.

‘No worries, beautiful,' he rumbled, disentangling himself from me. ‘Linda begged and made 1001 promises, so I figured I'd help her a bit,' Tony replied, flashing a warm smile.

While sometimes a rogue, I sensed a measure of goodness in him.

He held out a shopping bag, which I assumed contained my precious finance books.

‘How is she?'

‘Grumpy, under the weather, coughing and spluttering through the apartment,' he added, waggling his eyebrows. ‘I couldn't wait to get away.'

I laughed, appreciating his lightheartedness. ‘I love your optimism. Come in for a coffee?'

His eyes lit up, and I regretted my words, not wanting to send the wrong message.

Still, I had to show my appreciation in some form.

‘Sure,' he said.

I stepped aside to let him in, my eyes darting to the street, hoping we were safe.

With nothing suspicious that stood out, I followed indoors after him, shutting the door behind us.

Tony wandered inside Lorenzo's home, whistling as he took in the luxe furnishings, art pieces and high-end fittings.

‘Who's pad is this?' he pried.

‘A family friend,' I hedged. ‘I'm helping out with a matter they have, and they need me here.'

I caught him poking his nose into the various ground-level rooms with a rabid curiosity.

Finding it a tad intrusive, I herded him into the kitchen with haste.

He placed my books on the counter, and I rummaged through the fridge, pulling out milk and pouring him a cup of coffee.

We spent the next half hour chatting and catching up. Our conversation was lighthearted and limited to frivolous topics, from music to the latest TV shows we were streaming.

I sensed he wanted to linger, so I brought things to a head. ‘I need to hit the books. But thank you for coming out to bring them to me, Tony. Your help is appreciated.'

My tone made it clear that our conversation had ended.

‘Ah beautiful, so soon?'

‘I have to get this report done,' I murmured, keen to have him depart.

Tony finished his coffee, standing to leave, face twisting with regret.

‘I'm so thankful,' I reiterated, my appreciation heartfelt.

He capitulated. ‘No worries, Mia. It's been awesome catching up.'

I walked him to the door and said goodbye, watching through the security screen until he disappeared down the street.

With my texts in my hands, I could now tackle my paper and make up for lost time.

In minutes, I settled in front of my laptop, delving into the intricacies of behavioural finance and investment.

LORENZO

The sprawling estate I was standing in was a cliche of Italian architecture.

Every wall and detail was adorned with ornate patterns and Renaissance frescoes.

Archways and columns created an impression of romanticism.

The property was a grandiose display of classical charm, with terracotta roofs and intricate pillars reminiscent of the Italian countryside.

Every element appeared to have been crafted to evoke a sense of opulence and history. Yet, it was all faked with modern materials and slabs of Carrara.

They most likely flew in from Italy's Apuan Alps, an eternal snow-covered mountain range home to over 300 marble stone-cutting enterprises.

A few of which the Calibrese family owned as one of our legit cash-positive businesses.

I'd spent the morning reassuring the Don of the local Mancini clan that I had no interest in their Australian business.

Instead, I was after protection in exchange for staying out of their way.

I required some of his Mancini capos and gendarmes to provide security in Sydney and keep any fuckers away from my residence, my brother and my woman.

Our family's reputation was paying off in spades as their Don, impressed by my presence, slipped away to discuss the matter with his advisers.

‘Boss,' Mauri rumbled, striding towards me, crossing Mancini's vast living room. ‘Something you need to be across. Now.'

He held out his phone to me.

‘What?' I asked, canting from the window where I'd been staring out at calm river views beyond Henley, a small, exclusive suburb in the city's Lower North Shore.

His eyes were inscrutable as I took the device from him.

On the screen was security footage. I recognised the exterior of my new home.

My heart lurched. ‘Is she OK?'

‘Seems so. The problem is, will you be?'

Just as he said the words, I spotted a young man stroll up to the gate of my house.

I tagged him in an instant, my face heating up even as I followed his cocky stride to my entryway, studying every detail of the stranger's face and build.

It was the same man she'd kissed a few weeks ago.

A sick sensation churned in my stomach.

I witnessed the front door open to the sight of Mia.

He handed her a bag, which she took with a smile.

To my heart's despair, she hugged him, and soon after, he disappeared into my fucking house.

‘She let him in,' I whispered.

This was not a casual visit.

My eyes sliced to the sun-drenched view.

‘Is he still -.'

‘He left after half an hour.'

I nodded, my mind racing, my heart freezing over, my soul in free fall.

‘She let him in,' I repeated, my voice a whisper.

The image of Mia embracing the man replayed in my thoughts like a broken record, and I struggled to breathe.

Mauri studied me, his expression unreadable.

‘Who the hell is this fucker?' I growled.

I rewound the footage, staring at the scene unfold once more.

‘Find out where he came from,' I snapped at Mauri.

He nodded, his eyes never leaving mine. ‘At my request, the real estate agents and our lawyers installed high-quality cameras around the property soon after purchase, on the main entrance and windows. I'll go through it all and locate the license plate of the car he arrived in. I hope this will give us a clearer picture so I can ID him.'

Despair hit hard.

I'd begun to develop some serious feelings for Mia.

She was unlike any woman I'd ever met, with a sensuality I'd never encountered before.

She radiated a captivating aura—solid and steady, with a gentle warmth that left me wanting more.

The last few days with her had been heaven, one I'd never imagined possible.

Yet, by her invitation, a stranger had entered my home for an unknown reason I didn't want to contemplate.

My mind ran wild with dark thoughts of betrayal and revenge.

‘I want you to find out everything about the fucker,' I instructed Mauri, my voice a rumble of sheer control. ‘Who he is, why he was in my house, and what he delivered. Leave no stone unturned.'

Mauri nodded, his eyes never leaving mine. ‘Consider it done, padrone.'

I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself down. What riled me even more was that she'd been apprised of the dangers of letting anyone into my house, given what we'd just experienced.

‘I can't wait for Don Mancini. Tell his people I've had to leave on urgent business and to send word on his decision via yourself. Do that and then get the car, please. I need to head back.'

Mauri executed my orders without wasting any more time. He spoke with Don's associates in pressing whispers and instructed them to inform him of my sudden departure.

Within minutes, he had the SUV in front of the Mancini mansion.

We sped through the city streets back home, my mind wild with questions.

Who was this man in Mia's life? What was he doing running to her the second I left, and why was he so comfortable around her? Was he a friend or a lover? Had they slept together in my house?

My paranoid heart pounded as I tried to remain calm and rational. I needed answers now.

MIA

I was so deep into my paper that I almost didn't catch the front door opening.

I started as the sound of a quick stride sounded in the hallway.

My soul leapt with delight, and I rose from my seat and turned, readying myself to launch into his arms.

Lorenzo entered the kitchen, and I rushed to him but stopped short at the marble counter as our eyes met.

A cold wall of ice hit me.

He stood before me, his tall, striking figure rigid with tension, arms crossed over his broad chest.

A tress of dark locks fell over his eyes, ruffled and out of place.

He'd been pushing his hands in his hair, something he did when he was fired up or stressed.

His expression was unfathomable, devoid of warmth or passion.

It was like the frigid depths of an ocean I had swum in once—terrifying.

‘How was your day, Mia?' Lorenzo muttered, every word needling my skin. ‘Did you miss me?'

I sensed a trap, and my mind swirled to work out his gist.

‘I did,' I said in all truthfulness.

‘So much so you invited a friend to visit you?'

‘What are you talking about?' I asked, trying to keep my voice steady as my heart raced.

He took a deep inhale, his eyes never leaving mine. ‘I had eyes on him. Your 11.39 a.m. guest,' he said.

My breath caught in my throat. ‘Tony? He's just a friend,' I replied, puzzled by his reaction. ‘He was delivering my textbooks for university.'

‘A friend? One you walked hand in hand with, kissing and hugging on the street not so long ago,' Lorenzo growled. His bass was so resonant, cold and hard that it sent shards of fear through me. ‘I don't think so.'

My world spun out of control, and I struggled for breath.

After a beat of staring at him, I found my tongue. ‘How the fuck do you know about him kissing me?' I demanded.

Lorenzo's eyes narrowed on me, heated, scorching.

‘Damn, you've been spying on me?' I whispered as a cold wave of trepidation hit. ‘The kiss happened some time back, and I've never kissed him since. That night, I told him we'd never be more than just friends, and soon after, he left. Fuck, how did you know about it?'

‘You don't grasp it, bella,' he snapped, icy and calculated, ignoring my question. ‘I don't like sharing. I don't like it when you do things behind my back. You owe me an explanation, Mia.'

He took a step closer, looming over me. ‘I want to understand everything about him. Who he is, what he does, how he got into your life. I want all the details, woman. Immediatamente.'

‘What if I don't want to tell you?'

‘I'll make you,' he growled and nabbing my waist, he crashed his mouth on me.

It was a rough, angry, searing kiss, and I fought back. I sank my teeth into his lips, and with a groan, he pulled back for a moment, then dove in once more, kissing me even harder.

Until my fists on his chest drummed through his furore.

He let me go with a curse, the weight of his ire falling on me, his scorn and disappointment seeping out like poison.

‘You're playing with fire,' he warned, his words sharp and cold, his heated breath washing over me. ‘You're aware of what happens when you tangle with a Calibrese.'

Fear and confusion warred in my heart, my mind spinning with thoughts and questions.

‘Are you threatening me, Lorenzo? How dare you?' I gritted, twisting away from him. ‘You've been stalking me, it sounds like, and now you're making assumptions and refusing to believe my word. Well, fuck you, Lorenzo. Or shall I call you creeper?'

He lurched, and I tagged the intense hurt in his eyes as my anger thrust out of me in a hot gust. My soul shattered like it'd been torn apart and flung into nothingness.

‘I saw the kiss,' he hissed. ‘When I came by your apartment after arriving in Sydney, wanting to see you, to thank you for your beautiful note to me.'

Guilt hit me. I'd landed a blow without understanding the context.

My self-recrimination was mixed with some elation at the thought that he'd come looking for me as soon as he touched down in Australia.

‘But why didn't you say anything before?' I asked, my voice quivering.

He shrugged, his eyes never leaving mine. ‘I didn't have a clue how involved you and he were. I also left because I couldn't stomach him kissing you. I hoped it was a fleeting encounter and didn't think to address it, but seeing him here today made me wonder how long you've been fucking him.'

I gasped, unable to believe what he'd just said.

Lorenzo trucked on, cold wrath raging on his face. ‘Damn, I bet you he doesn't deserve it; he has no clue of your worth. But if your feelings are gone for him, I'll fall back. Would you prefer that?'

His growl was pained, hard-edged, unrelenting.

‘Lorenzo, listen to me,' I said, my heart aching at the agony in his eyes. ‘He is my housemate's cousin. I've never encouraged him. He was doing me a favour, dropping off textbooks essential for this week's paper. He was the best person to find what I needed and bring it here. I asked him in for a coffee to thank him, nothing less, nothing more.'

He stared at me for a long moment, eyes still aflame.

After a beat, he straightened, pushing a hand through his hair. ‘I'm going to need more than your word,' he clipped.

I tamped down my rage. ‘You don't believe me. Paranoid much?'

‘Wouldn't you be, Mia, cara?' he drawled, his voice dripping with condescension. ‘I've had two assassination attempts, parents killed in a car bomb, and never-ending targets hunting my family. I'm used to people knifing me in the back. My life is an ongoing reminder that pessimism always wins. If you don't get that, then you don't understand the reality I live in.'

‘Clearly,' I muttered. ‘Perhaps I'm not cut out for your world. When can I leave?'

He jolted. ‘This house?'

‘Yes,' I clarified, tilting my head to emphasise my meaning.

‘When I say so,' he gritted.

I lurched. How dare he?

‘No one tells me what to do,' I growled.

I swept past him, digging deep and calling on my inner battle goddess.

He reached a hand to stop me but hesitated, flinching when I averted my body from him.

In my mind, his aunt's words, once said to me when we'd both witnessed my sperm donor railing at my mother, echoed.

Never let a man own you or control you.

I had to be free from his grip. I had to put me as my number one.

I'd stayed under Lorenzo's roof for security purposes.

I would not remain one moment more because he was being a distrustful, irrational dick.

I marched into my room, threw my clothes and shoes into my bag, flung my laptop into its sleeve and strode back out.

Straight into the wall of Lorenzo.

‘Where do you think you're going?'

His Italian accent was thicker when enraged.

‘I'm out. I won't let you make wild aspersions, bully, or boss me around.'

He stood resolute, glaring down at me, arms crossed over his chest, refusing me passage.

‘Am I a prisoner?' I murmured. ‘Think carefully because if you choose to keep me here against my will, I will fight you every step of the way, call the cops or perhaps even Angus and let them know I've been kidnapped.'

Lorenzo sucked his teeth, hardness flickering in his eyes. He stepped aside, his jaw tightening.

‘You're not a captive, Mia,' he growled, his eyes flashing with anger. ‘You know why you need to stay.'

I scoffed, the heat of my wrath rising. ‘Under your irrational gaze, like some damsel in distress while you nurse your delusions? Is that it?'

His chin clenched, hands curling into fists at his sides. ‘You know I can't let you leave. It's not safe outside these walls for you.'

I hissed. ‘I'm not one of your possessions, Lorenzo. I won't be kept here against my will. Besides, you just accused me of cheating on you. How can we trust each other or come back after that? What I need protection from is your paranoia,' I shot back, the bitterness seeping into my words.

Lorenzo's eyes darkened at my accusation, and he stepped back with a twist of his lips.

‘You are free to go, bella,' he snarled, his face shuttering into an impassive mask.

I stormed down the stairs, dragging my bags out of the house in a fury and slamming the front door.

I trembled as I departed from the luxurious estate that had become my sanctuary these last few days.

Perhaps leaving was a mistake, but I was also not going to let one man dominate me, not like how my father treated my mother until she escaped him.

I headed for the curb, scrambling for my phone to book an Uber.

The door at my rear swung open, and I sensed his heated gaze on me. Choosing to ignore him, I fixed my eyes on the road and my phone, mapping my cab's approach. While still trembling from the rage of knowing he'd spied on me and was now accusing me of cheating.

A moment later, I turned to spot Lorenzo standing in the doorway, his expression stern and unyielding, arms crossed over his heaving chest.

He glared at me in silence as my ride pulled up, and I bundled my bags inside with as much grace as my angry self could muster.

I scrambled for composure as the nondescript driver gave me a chin jerk, and we took off.

With a frustrated moan, I sat in the backseat, miserable, refusing to glance back.

I stared out the window at the passing view, hating that we'd had an unnecessary outburst of an argument.

I should have put on my mature girl boots and stayed to work it through but fuck, I needed some space from him.

I thought about all that had happened since we first met, from the bullet storm in Lorenzo's office to our passion rush, the stolen kisses, the lust-soaked nights, and the undeniable connection we shared.

But the lurking doubt and the fear Lorenzo's paranoia would consume my soul lingered on.

At that moment, I realised that although I wanted to believe his heart was in the right place, his lack of trust and overbearing possessiveness threatened to destroy our nascent relationship.