Chapter 22

MIA

W ith the core Abrazzio threat out of the way, we relaxed.

However, it took two more days before Lorenzo let me return to my apartment.

Two days spent in bliss, in each others' arms.

In between the rush of finalising my term paper and his busy schedule, we found solace in each other's arms.

Our love-making was a dance of passion, driving us to the brink of sensual insanity, and we did our best to prolong these moments, avoiding the inevitable sleep.

We stole every moment possible to escape into bed, a sanctuary where all that mattered was the heated warmth of his body next to mine, his scorching length inside me.

On the second night, he led me to the pool, a secluded spot under the twinkling stars, setting the perfect stage for our romantic evening.

It was a warm, balmy evening.

He'd brought a picnic basket and produced a feast he'd prepared while I was studying, spreading it on the lawn beside the water.

The spread was delectable, including cheeses, olives, bread dipped in oil, a delicious pasta dish he'd made from scratch, and wine.

As we sat there, eating and drinking, our hands touching, a profound sense of peace and tranquillity enveloped us, calming our souls.

We discussed our future, our dreams, and the life we could build together.

We devoured each other as much as the food, our lips brushing, nipping, suckling.

When I couldn't take his searing touches any more, I escaped to the coolness of the pool, diving in naked.

He dove in after me, and we entangled limbs in the heated water, our laughter echoing off the tiled walls. We paddled and played, our desire burning hot and heavy.

I laughed as he splashed me with a playful smirk, his eyes filled with amusement and love.

We resurfaced, our foreheads touching, our eyes holding each other's gaze.

He pulled me close, the stars twinkling above us, and whispered, ‘Bella, I am yours, in entirety, heart, mind, soul, body. I offer them all to you without any conditions. You are the most beautiful thing I have ever seen, and I now live in devotion to you.'

His hands moved to stroke my cheek with such gentleness that tears came to my eyes. He traced the lines of my face, his thumbs brushing away the moisture, following it with a press of his lips.

While the moon rose, he pulled me out of the water. He dried me off with a fluffy towel and led me to our secluded spot under the stars, where the soft grass served as our bed and the night sky cast an ethereal glow on our bodies as we fucked in the moonlight.

Our passion was fierce, skin to skin, moaning, arching, crying out his name as he took me, claiming me and marking me as his.

We were one in that instant, our hearts and souls merged.

Packing up my clothes the following morning, I had to admit I was loathe to leave.

Recalling our wild lovemaking with a smile, I zipped up my suitcase and headed downstairs.

It was mid-morning, and the sun was streaming through the windows, illuminating the whole place with warm light.

I found Lorenzo in the kitchen, preparing breakfast. His shirt was rolled up to his elbows; his muscles tensed as he chopped some herbs, his hair falling into his eyes.

He glanced up when I walked in, his eyes softening when they landed on me.

‘Buongiorno, baby,' he said, his Italian accent thick and sensual.

‘Morning,' I murmured, smile sweet, lips to his as we kissed.

‘I hope you slept well,' he asked when I pulled away, pouring coffee into a cup for me.

‘I did. Thank you.'

I took the beverage from him and sipped the steaming hot liquid.

‘You're welcome,' he said, his eyes never leaving mine. ‘I made poached eggs with avocado on toast. Do you want some?'

‘That sounds lovely,' I murmured, trying to keep the hitch from my voice, missing him before I left.

‘You all packed?' he drawled.

‘Yes, I need to get back to real life,' I teased with a wink. ‘To the slog of toil and study, which I've ignored for far too long.'

‘Not if we're together. I can take care of you,' he growled, trailing his lips over my shoulder, wrapping his arms from behind to prevent me from escaping his clasp.

He'd been vocal over the last few days about me not needing a job.

Hearing it once more, I frowned. ‘One of the reasons you adore me is that I'm independent. I love what I do, honey, and it gives me joy—along with studying and bettering myself.'

‘When you're my wife, I won't let you work.'

I raised a brow. ‘Let me, Lorenzo?' I said with a sweet smile. ‘That's one of the most alpha statements ever. When did I give you the impression I would obey you?'

‘It's my way.' He snarled, possessive, rough and hella pushy.

It got me bristling, and I twisted away from him to face him.

I poked a forefinger into his muscled chest.

‘If you want me to love you with grace, you're going to have to grant me my freedom,' I snipped back. ‘Not that it's yours to bestow anyway.'

He nabbed my hand, eyes glittering, and growled. ‘Touchy, aren't we?' he said, a dangerous smile on his lips.

I swallowed hard, trying to keep my breathing steady. Despite my irritation at his overbearing nature, I couldn't deny his effect on me.

He leaned closer, his eyes locked with mine, and a shiver ran down my spine as he could read me like an open book.

The heat in his eyes only fueled the fire within me.

‘Do you think you can stop me from getting my way?' he rasped, almost taunting me.

I didn't respond, my body tightening, wet pooling between my thighs at the alpha way he gazed at me.

His gaze travelled down my frame, taking in every curve as my nipples hardened in response.

This conversation was about to descend into a mind-blowing sensual distraction, but I wasn't about letting him get away with his old-fashioned concepts.

What might have worked in a Mafia setting in Napoli wouldn't cut it in Sydney.

I must have said my last thought out loud because he tossed his head back and roared with laughter.

I served him with some intense side eye until he calmed down.

‘Lorenzo, mi amore,' I stated in my most stern voice. ‘I adore you, but you must understand that a man as potent as you are needs a woman who is surrendered to your love. Yet, she still has the power to make her own choices. Unless we find that balance, our relationship will prove difficult.'

Crossing his hands over his broad chest, he studied me for a sustained moment.

With a twist to his lips and an amused glint in his eye, he capitulated. ‘Mia cara, I accept I will not restrict you or your freedom, but I will provide for you,' he said, his voice softening. ‘Fuck, you can have your work and business; in fact, I'll invest in it as long as I get to keep you ever by my side, and you remain mine.'

‘Promise?'

‘Sempre. Forever and a day.'

I smiled then, a slow spreading glow on my face.

Although couched in reluctance, his words filled me with warmth and a certainty that I could never forfeit myself in this relationship.

I had no more reason to feel trapped by his passion because Lorenzo supported my dreams, hopes, and even my independence as a business owner.

I was beginning to see that while he was possessive, he wasn't controlling. He wanted me to himself, but he also desired me to be the best version of myself possible. I sensed he'd let me fly, and with him, I saw the possibilities of the life I desired, unfettered because I'd found someone who understood the importance of that freedom.

That sensation intoxicated me.

‘Perfect,' I said, leaning into him. My hand snaked around his neck, tugging him into a sweet kiss.

‘I need to leave,' I told him many minutes later, panting against his lips.

‘I know,' he rasped, nuzzling into my nape. ‘But don't think for a moment that I'm going to let you make anything or anyone else but me, your number one. If that ever happens, I'll lock you up in a castle and throw away the key.'

I gave a soft laugh, resting my head on his shoulder. ‘Lorenzo, you can't keep me locked up in your mansion forever.'

He pulled back, his eyes sombre and reflective. ‘No, I cannot. That said, bella, these last few days have been like heaven, baby. Promise me you'll come back soon?'

‘I promise,' I whispered against his chest, breathing in his scent. ‘I'll return on nights I've not got classes and on the weekends.'

‘Just move in already,' he growled, rubbing his lips over mine.

I kissed him. ‘Before you know it, my love.'

Perhaps when this roller coaster of emotion, suspense and violence was done and dusted.

I didn't say it, but the keen look in his eyes told me he sensed my thoughts.

With that, we held each other for an instant, and then, with a deep inhale, he let go of me.

He busied himself by prepping me a plate of food.

We sat, and he sipped his coffee, smoking one of his herb cigarettes while I enjoyed the meal.

We chose silence; all words that needed to be said had been spoken.

The moment was perfect: the sun shining through the window, delicious fare warming my belly, and contentment and longing in my eyes as I gazed at my man.

This whirlwind romance was nothing I'd expected, yet it had become everything I'd ever dreamed of. But now, as I prepared to leave, I couldn't help but wonder what more we could take.

Wherever we ended up, this relationship wasn't going to be easy. There would be instances of jealousy and possessiveness and moments when we would fight, but our shared passion was too intense to ignore.

I chose to believe our love would withstand anything and that it would make us both stronger, better versions of ourselves.

When I was done eating, I took my plate to the sink. Lorenzo stood up and rested a hand on the handle of my suitcase.

‘Ready, bella?' he asked, his voice a deep, husky rumble that sent shivers down my spine.

I nodded.

Whatever came next, I vowed never to forget these last few days.

The weeks I spent cocooned with Lorenzo, Mauri, and Lupo stretched my experience and brought back love and family to my world.

He reached his free hand to me, and I took it.

Our fingers entwined as he led my luggage and me out of the kitchen and through the corridor to the open front door.

Outside, a late model SUV purred at the bottom of the steps, waiting for me.

‘Mauri will drive you home, and one of our Mancini capo hires will follow with your van.'

Lorenzo's words were final, his plan irrefutable.

Sighing, I rolled my eyes, exasperated at how assertive and brash he could be.

I served him with a side-eye, and he raised a brow, amused. ‘My way is the only way, cara,' growling, with a glint in his eye.

I shook my head in fake annoyance and slipped into the SUV.

Just before he closed the door on me, he leaned in and delivered a hard, bruising kiss. It shifted into a soft and tender brush of my lips as he whispered, ‘You are mine, cara, and I'll go to the ends of the earth for you. Never forget that.'

LORENZO

When she was out of sight, I sucked my teeth, my soul despondent.

I tracked back inside to my office, where I pretended to work for a few minutes.

Finally, I gave in and searched upstairs for the one thing that calmed me.

I located my suitcase in a storage cupboard and rooted around its interior for the crushed bundle I had balled up and thrown within its confines.

I found it with a sigh, pulled the now wrinkled envelope to my nose, and breathed in deep.

It was uncanny how the faint scent of her soothed me.

Even after all these weeks, it still had the desired effect.

Like I'd done many times before, I smoothed the envelope and eased out the letter, reading it with hungry eyes.

Biting my lip, I stood, suppressing the need to call Mauri and order him and her back to me.

Fuck Mia.

I was so in love with her.

MIA

All the way back to my apartment, I drifted into a dreamlike state, filled with a sense of belonging and completeness that I had never experienced.

The high lasted to my front door.

With Mauri muscling ahead of me, I eased into the quiet entrance.

It'd been days since I'd been home, and I braced, wondering if I'd find chaos.

Sun streamed into my windows through the open curtains, casting light on the furniture and tables.

It appeared Linda had cleaned up after herself during my absence. Other than a few coffee cups and plates discarded in odd spots in the living area and cushions on the floor, the place was spotless.

I breathed a sigh of relief, thankful for her attentiveness.

I tended to go ape if I found a dirty house.

‘All good?' I asked Mauri as he emerged from quickly checking the house.

He nodded. ‘I'll leave now. Remember, we have a car outside if you need anything.'

On impulse, I rushed to him and gave him a peck on his cheek.

He coloured up as I murmured, ‘Thank you.'

‘Bene,' he growled, waving off my appreciation before disappearing with one final glance out the door.

Left alone, I made my way to my bedroom and unpacked.

Minutes later, the front door lock jiggled, followed by the sound of it creaking opening, laughter, and chatter.

I stepped out into the hallway.

‘She's back!'

‘I am,' I smiled, leaning against my door jamb as Linda and Tony ambled inside. ‘Did you miss me?'

‘Of course, hon,' Linda said.

She exchanged a quick look with Tony.

It was fleeting, but I caught it.

Tony's expression was hard-edged and a touch shady like he was pissed off, but at whom it wasn't clear.

I couldn't put my finger on it, but something about their energy didn't feel right.

‘Hey Tony, how's it going?' I said, keeping my tone light.

‘Oh, you know, just trying to figure out life,' he replied with a forced chuckle. ‘I'm just dropping Lin off,' he added.

We exchanged more casual banter before I excused myself to my room to finish unpacking.

When I emerged, Tony and Linda were huddled together in the living room. They jumped apart at the sight of me, but their wary and narrowed eyes gave me the creeps.

Tony left in a hurry, and my eyes followed him, heading out with some concern.

‘Want a glass of vino?' Linda invited. ‘Let's catch up on all your drama.'

I hadn't divulged to Linda why I'd been away.

I'd claimed it was a crisis with a friend, and sensing that everything was not well with her and Tony, I kept my secrets.

Besides, how crazy would my real story sound? Two assassins, a mafia feud, an averted biker hit from my biker father, a hot Italian ex-Mafia lover?

I kept the details sketchy. ‘No drama, just a friend in need.'

Which was the truth.

Linda and I spent the rest of the evening chatting and catching up on everything that had happened while I'd been away.

However, I couldn't shake the gnawing suspicion that something was off.

I shrugged, confident in Lorenzo's hired security detail outside, parked on the street, keeping an eye on me.

It was the only reason I relaxed, drank my wine, and exchanged inane stories with Linda. We binged a few episodes of Bridgerton on Netflix before I begged off to sleep.

Early the following day, I had a cleaning job to get to.

It was at a sprawling mansion in the Eastern Suburbs, home to a wealthy doctor. I had been hired for regular housekeeping services, which was a steady source of income for me.

As I walked through the grand entrance hall, I marvelled at the opulence of the fifteen-bedroom house. Crystal chandeliers hung from high ceilings, marble floors shone underfoot, and expensive artwork adorned the walls.

I used to dream of living in such luxury, but now that I was here as a cleaner, it didn't appeal to me. It was just too big and impersonal.

I preferred fewer bedrooms and more comfort, with a touch of elegance, realising Lorenzo's home was exactly that. Damn, I missed him.

I got to work, dusting and polishing every surface within reach.

Three hours later, I still hadn't made much inroads.

The house was massive.

This was no small job, I thought.

I still had four additional double bedrooms to tackle on the upper floor.

Sighing, I started by stripping the beds and remaking them with fresh sheets and crisp pillowcases. I hauled the used linen into a giant ball and dragged it out of the room to the laundry, where I began a wash cycle.

Back upstairs, I tidied up and dusted.

I did a quick vacuum and then sprayed an eco-friendly glass cleaner onto the floor-to-ceiling windows that framed the breathtaking view.

A little later, hands aching, I packed up and left the house.

As I stored my gear in my van, I felt like someone was watching me.

I turned and spotted a figure on the opposite street corner, silhouetted against the skyline, dressed head-to-toe in black, his face concealed by a hoodie and sunglasses.

I couldn't shake the sensation he was familiar, but I couldn't place him.

A wave of unease washed over me.

I got into my van and locked the doors, starting the engine.

I glanced in my rearview mirror and tagged the figure still standing on the corner, watching me.

Heart pounding in my chest, I raced away.

I kept the encounter to myself, deciding I didn't want to bother Lorenzo.

Knowing full well the second he found out, he'd move heaven and earth to protect me, which would, in effect, make me his semi-willing captive once more. I had no plans to let that happen.

I loved my freedom way too much.

So even though we caught up for romantic dinners during the week and I spent all weekends at his house, I remained mum.

The mysterious stranger disappeared, but the lingering sensation of eyes on me remained.