Chapter 107 Chapter: 107

Chapter 107 Chapter: 107
ANDREA

“Are you okay? Did she do or say anything to you?” Oh, he meant Valentina.

“Yes, I am okay. And she didn't do anything to me.” His eyes narrowed, not believing me.

“You're such a terrible liar, Bella. I know Valentina must have said something mean just so she could hurt you,” he said, coming fully into the room and towards me.

My eyes stray to his leg; he still had a slight limp, almost unnoticeable, if I hadn't known he was shot, I wouldn't have probably noticed it. I sigh when he stops in front of me, his eyes narrowed.

“What did she say to you?”

“Just that I should stay away from her husband,” I muttered after a few seconds of silence. In the few months I've known him, I've come to know that Lorenzo can be stubborn sometimes, just like someone I know. I guess that's a Marchetti trait or something.

“And? I don't believe that's all.”

“That's all, Lorenzo, really. I'm exhausted. The last thing I want right now is to be talking about that bitch. All I need is to shower and go to bed, so can we not talk about her?” I said pleadingly.

Lorenzo stared at me, then reluctantly nodded, his hand grabbing a lock of my hair and rubbing it between his thumb and forefinger.

“Alright, I will let you get to it then.” My brows arch in question.

“Your shower,” he elaborated, reluctantly letting my hair slip out of his fingers. Oh!

“Goodnight, Bella,” he muttered, his voice thick, then turned to leave the room, while I watched him, knowing this might probably be the last time I ever see him.

“Lorenzo?”

“Si, Bella,” he said, turning around to face me. I surprised the hell out of him when I suddenly walked to him, lifted on my toes, and hugged him.

“Thank you. Thank you for checking up on me, and for not being a bastard like your grandfather,” I whispered into his neck.

“Oh, Bella, that's nothing, and I thank you for the compliment.” There's a smile in his voice. His big hands wrapped around me, finally hugging me back for a while.

He smelled different from Alessandro's musky scent, though it wasn't unpleasant; I suddenly wished it was him. That he was Alessandro, my left hand clutched his shirt while the right tugged free his dark, long hair from his perfect man bun.

“What are you doing?” he asked, tensing up. I pretended I wasn't freaking out inside.

“Man, you have such long hair, and it's so soft too. I always wanted to know how long it is,” I said, like it was nothing new, and I had done this several times, combing my fingers through the strands boldly.

I could feel the moment his body relaxed just a bit. God, I hope this works! He quickly lets go when I scream and hold onto my stomach, bending over with my eyes wide open.

“What?! What is it? What happened?” he asked, concerned.

“Oh, my God! It's the baby. It kicks,” I said excitedly.

“What?”

“The baby kicked. Here, give me your hand.” I snatched his hand and placed it under my sweater, directly on my stomach, before he could; his palm was flat against the bulge. Lorenzo's eyes widened in shock at the unexpected movement.

“Did you feel it? He just did it again. I could feel him, so strong. Oh my God, I'm going to tear up. I never knew that pregnancy was such a wonderful experience,” I said, sniffing, tears sliding out of my eyes.

Which really isn't all that difficult, with the hormones and all. Lorenzo quickly pulled his hand away from my stomach and patted my back awkwardly.

“I'm sorry, Bella, but I didn't feel anything. Are you sure the baby kicked? Isn't it too early?”

“You didn't? Of course he did. How could you not feel it, with all that…kicking?” I asked, confused, my excitement deflating.

“And what do you mean it's too early. Have you been pregnant before or something? Don't tell me what is happening in my own body, I know what I felt. Just because you didn't feel it doesn't mean I was lying,” I said, glaring at him.

“Hey, relax. I'm not saying you're lying, Bella. I just thought, well, just forget about it. Listen, I uh…have to go. Is there something you'd like me to do for you? Should I call the doctor or something?” he asked nervously, his eyes staring at me heatedly.

“No, no, I'm fine. But thank you for asking, goodnight, Lorenzo.”

“Goodnight, Bella,” he said, smiling awkwardly, like the last thing he wanted was to leave. He finally strode out.

I stared at the empty doorway for a few minutes before I went and closed the door after him. I leaned my back against the door, sighing and trembling. My heart is pounding. Well, that was surprisingly easy. I never thought he would fall for that.

“I'm sorry, Lorenzo,” I said to no one, before getting down on my knees and bringing out the gun I'd stolen from him. To get away from the Marchetti famiglia, I'm willing to go the extra mile. I absolutely have no intention of using the gun. Just need it to protect me and maybe threaten anyone who gets in my way.

I really feel bad for deceiving him, but I couldn't just ask him to lend me his gun without telling him my plans, which would be stupid.

If he knew what I planned, he could very well expose me, maybe tell his grandfather, and have me locked up like my first week here. I don't think he would do that, but I can't risk it.

I held the gun like it might explode and kill someone right there and then. I quickly hid it in the closet with the rest of the things I've scavenged. Then I went into the bathroom for my shower. The water was hot, just as I like it in this cold weather. I wash my hair, shave, then finally rinse up.

I dressed in jeans and a yellow sweater, with thick socks on my feet. The rain had fallen, so the cold was intense, and I always chose warmth over fashion. I lay down on the bed and close my eyes. Hoping like hell that everything goes as planned the next morning. I couldn't stop the sleep that sneaked up on me. After a few yawns, my eyes finally slid shut.

I didn't know what woke me up, but something did. The instant I was fully aware of my surroundings, I knew I was no longer alone in the room. I sat up, my hands rubbing the sleep away, and something made me look to the corner near the door.

There's a man right there, I didn't need the light to know that it was him.

Alessandro!

“What are you doing here? I asked angrily, getting out of bed. My socks cover my feet, padded on the dark wood to switch on the light. The instant the lights came on, my eyes collided with his, dark, hot, and all-consuming. His dark hair was tousled.

He was leaning against the wall, his feet crossed at the ankles. He still looked exhausted. My heart aches for him, then skyrockets when I realize he's wearing no shirt, just faded jeans that ride low, exposing the tight V leading to his treasure.

Instantly, my blood heated, and my muscles below pulsed and clenched. I quickly raised my eyes to his face, gulping, his eyes were no better.

I turned away to avoid his gaze; those eyes of his were equally dangerous, literally. They could pull you in and convince you of just about anything.

“How have you been, Andrea?” he said, stepping closer.

“Like you care,” I scoffed, putting much-needed distance between us. Just a look from him and my body is already vibrating, dumb hormones.

“Look, you're lost. I could direct you to where you probably want to be. I don't want to be accused of seducing a married man,” I said, my face hard, burying everything I feel deep inside.

I can't let him see the hurt, anger, and sadness I feel deep inside. The longer he stays here, the greater the chance my plan will be exposed.

Keeping a secret from Alessandro would be the most difficult thing. The man could read me like an open book. I glanced at his left hand holding a glass of golden liquid, probably scotch. His eyes roam all over me.

My hand itched to touch his face, feel his beard, but I stamped down that urge fast. Alessandro took another step closer; it's clear he had no intention of leaving any time soon.

“Andrea…”

“You should leave,” I barely got that out before I was staring into his dark eyes, pinned against the wall. His towering height blocked everything from view, and his addictive scent filled my senses.