11. Chapter Eleven

Chapter Eleven

Daniella

Back in my apartment, I spread the printed documents across the coffee table, my mind racing as I try to make sense of it all.

Jeremy had been laundering money for the Durettis, using his skills as an accountant to hide their illegal activities.

But he had made a mistake, a costly one and the Durettis had decided to eliminate him before he could become a liability.

The revelation is a gut punch. Jeremy had been playing with fire and it had burned him alive. But why hadn't he told me? Why had he kept me in the dark?

My thoughts are interrupted by a knock on the door. My heart skips a beat as I cautiously approach, peering through the peephole. It's Renee.

"Hey," she says softly when I open the door. "I brought dinner. Thought you might need a break."

I step aside to let her in, grateful for the distraction. We settle on the couch and as we eat, I fill her in on what Chris discovered.

"Jeremy was involved with the Durettis," I say, my voice trembling. "He was laundering money for them and it got him killed."

Renee's eyes widen in shock. "Oh my god, Dani. I'm so sorry."

"I just don't understand why he didn't tell me," I say, tears welling up in my eyes. "Why did he keep this from me?"

"Maybe he was trying to protect you," Renee suggests gently. "Maybe he didn't want you to get caught up in it."

"Maybe," I say, though it doesn't make the pain any less. "But now I'm in it, whether I like it or not. I have to find out who killed him."

Renee nods, her expression determined. "Then we'll find out together. Whatever you need, I'm here for you."

"Thank you," I say, my voice choked with emotion. "I don't know what I'd do without you."

“Wait, aren't you supposed to meet Lorenzo tonight?” she asks and I nod.

He had finally gotten back to me, claiming he had to leave town for a few days to deal with an “emergency”. I’m not sure why I’m so nervous to see him, but my stomach has been in knots all day. I even threw up earlier.

“Yeah. What should I wear?” I ask my friend, feeling unexpectedly concerned about coming across the right way.

“If he’s as smart and calculating as everyone is making him out to be, you need to keep up the same presentation you’ve used in the past. He would probably notice if you showed up dressed like a different person.”

I look at her with wide eyes.

“Are you trying to scare me?”

“No, I’m just saying this to be practical. I think the best thing to do is be yourself, but you know, without mentioning who you are or what you’re trying to do. Don’t try too hard to impress him, either. Men like him can see right through fake behavior, regardless of what form it comes in.”

I nod, and she sighs.

“Good. Now, what are you going to wear?”

***

We head to my bedroom, where Renee starts sifting through my closet with the same determination she applies to everything else. She pulls out dresses, holding each one up for my consideration.

"What about this?" Renee asks, holding up a sleek, black cocktail dress. "It's elegant, but not over the top."

I shake my head. "Too formal. I don't want to look like I'm trying too hard."

She nods and moves on to another dress, this one a deep red with a plunging neckline. "This could work. It’s bold, but not too flashy."

I bite my lip, considering. "I don't know. It's a bit too...much."

Renee sighs, tossing the dress onto the bed. "Okay, how about something more casual? You need to look approachable but still put together."

I nod, appreciating her logic. We continue to rummage through my closet until she pulls out a simple, fitted navy blue dress. It has a modest neckline and falls just above the knee, perfectly balancing sophistication and subtlety.

"This," Renee declares, holding the dress up triumphantly. "It's perfect. It's you."

I smile, taking the dress from her. "You’re right. This feels like the right choice."

As I change into the dress, I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror. The navy blue complements my complexion and the fit accentuates my figure without being too revealing. I pair it with a delicate silver necklace and simple black heels.

Renee looks me over, a proud smile on her face. "You look amazing. Lorenzo won't know what hit him."

Just as I'm about to thank her, my phone buzzes. It's a text from Lorenzo.

I want to send a car for you. What’s your address?

A cold shiver runs down my spine. I can’t let him know where I live. It’s too risky.

Thank you, but I’ll meet you at the club. See you soon.

Lorenzo's response is immediate.

As you wish. Looking forward to it .

I put my phone down, my heart pounding. The idea of meeting Lorenzo again fills me with a mix of dread and anticipation.

"I told him I’d meet him at the club," I say, turning to Renee. "I can't let him know where I live."

"Good call," she agrees. "Just be careful, okay? And if you need anything, call me."

"I will. Thank you, Renee."

We hug, and I feel a rush of gratitude for her unwavering support. As I head out the door, I take a deep breath, steeling myself for what lies ahead.

***

The drive to The Garden of Eden is a blur. My mind races with thoughts of Jeremy, the documents and the dangerous game I’m about to play with Lorenzo.

The city lights flash by in a kaleidoscope of colors, but I barely notice them. All I can think about is the man waiting for me.

When I arrive at the club, the bouncers recognize me and let me in without a second glance. The interior is just as loud and chaotic as before, but tonight, it feels different. The stakes are higher and I’m acutely aware of every eye that glances my way.

I spot Lorenzo almost immediately. He’s standing at the bar, his tall, commanding presence drawing the eye of everyone around him. When he sees me, his eyes light up with something that looks like approval. He gestures for me to join him and I weave through the crowd, my heart pounding in my chest.

"Daniella," he says smoothly as I approach. "You look stunning."

"Thank you," I reply, trying to keep my voice steady. "You don’t look too bad yourself."

Lorenzo smiles, a slow, dangerous curve of his lips that makes my pulse race. "Shall we?"

He offers his arm and I take it, feeling the weight of his gaze as he leads me to a private room at the back of the club. The room is dimly lit, with plush seating and a small table set with drinks. It’s intimate and designed for privacy.

As we sit down, I can’t help but feel the intensity of his presence. Lorenzo Duretti is a man who commands attention, who thrives on control. And tonight, I need to find a way to unravel his secrets without losing myself in the process.

I take a deep breath, meeting his gaze head-on. "So, Lorenzo, what exactly did you want to talk about?"

His eyes gleam with interest. "I think you know, Tesoro ." That word again. Treasure. I have to constantly remind myself that this isn’t a romance novel situation. This is real and potentially dangerous for me.

And just like that, the game begins.