Chapter 53: Fifty - three

LIORA

Confusion flickers across my face as I wonder why Lorenzo is asking to see me in his office all of a sudden.

I don't understand... What have I done now?

Nonetheless, despite my puzzlement, I get up from my chair and make my way to his office. It's best to find out what he wants without defying him.

Lorenzo has just taken off his suit jacket when I arrive. He rolls up the sleeves of his shirt, revealing his tattoos that make me inwardly drool. Yet, I keep my focus on him as I approach his desk.

Standing in front of him, I swallow a small lump, my pulse quickening with curiosity.

He's not even paying attention to me after settling into his seat. Instead, he leaves me standing here for a minute or so while he reads through some paperwork on his desk.

I'm starting to get really pissed off because why the hell did he invite me when he knew he wasn't going to say anything to me?

Frustration simmers beneath my skin, causing a scowl to etch across my face.

Eventually, after what feels like an eternity, he finally spares me a glance. His sharp grey orbs rake over me, a subtle twitch tugging at his lips.

His expression is inscrutable as usual, so I can't tell whether he's angry or just being his usual annoying self.

"Why did you take off your ring before?" His deep, calm-yet-angry voice reaches my ears.

I clear my throat. "I was always at home, that's why."

"That was before."

Well, isn't that my point?

He adds begrudgingly, "You're working in a public space now. People should know you're married."

To a psychotic maniac? Sure, why not?

I don't voice that out, but I hope my expression conveys it.

When I don't say anything, he says again, "I'm waiting for your response."

I frown in puzzlement. I don't understand... what response?

What am I supposed to say?

"I- Uhm..."

"Stuttering when you should be apologizing is wild, mi esposa," he says, to my surprise.

I almost huff, but I refrain. Still, a wave of amusement washes over me.

Goodness me, I can't believe this man.

He expects me to apologize? Because I forgot to wear my ring?

I thought we'd already gotten past this when he scolded me at home in front of his sister. But I guess I was totally wrong.

Nothing gets past him, and he doesn't forgive easily. That, I've come to learn. So why am I even surprised he's not letting this slide?

However, I'm still annoyed he's demanding an apology. I mean, what's there to apologize for?

It's not like I committed a heinous crime.

Well, maybe that's heinous to him...

Not wanting to escalate this argument, I swallow before shrugging subtly. "I'm... sorry, Sir," I guess?

This is what he wants, right?

"Sir?" Lorenzo lets out a huff, shooting me a glare. "When you're addressing me as your husband, you don't call me Sir," he asserts.

Now, I'm very confused. What the hell does he want exactly?

He's not expecting me to call him a pet name now, is he? Because that's not happening.

Yet, swallowing, I attempt another apology. "I'm sorry I didn't wear my ring. It won't happen again, I promise."

He narrows his eyes at me, clearly not satisfied. But it's obvious he can't counter my effort since I got it right the second time.

So, with a sigh, he dismisses me. "It shouldn't happen again, mi esposa. Because if it does, you will be punished."

A thrill shoots through me at the dark promise of punishment. Normally, any reasonable person would be scared of that, but Lorenzo's punishments come with both pleasure and pain.

Nonetheless, I nod curtly in response. "It won't. Thanks."

"You can go," he dismisses, but then asks, "Did anyone leave anything for me?"

I remember Aiden, and my veins immediately course with irritation as I recall what Clara told me about him just a moment ago.

I swallow a tight lump before nodding. "Yeah, the CIO did..." I trail off.

"What's that? And where is it?"

"I left it in my drawer."

"Well, go bring it then. I need to check it out. While you're at it, brew me some coffee," he commands.

Spite twists through me, and I glare at him. "Sure... Sir."

I wonder if he's about to make me repeat what he made me do yesterday—having to wait in his office until he finished his last drop of coffee. I'd seriously lose my shit if that were the case.

Leaving Lorenzo's office, I head over to the VIP kitchen to brew his stupid coffee first.

I don't find anyone when I walk in, not even the private chef who is usually here. Nonetheless, I don't mind as I walk over to the coffee maker and shove some roasted coffee beans into the machine.

I'm waiting by the counter when someone waltzes into the kitchen.

My gaze travels across the room, and I find it's Aiden.

He smiles upon seeing me. "Hey."

But the irritation on my face should be obvious enough that I'm not falling for his bullshit charm. Clara has told me all about him.

Aiden notices I don't return his greeting, so he tries again. A smile falters on his face when he reads my annoyed expression.

"Hi... Have I done something to offend you?" he asks, approaching me.

Since I'm not one to be a doormat when someone is obviously trying to play in my face, I confront him openly.

"Why did you approach me, Aiden? Was it to get me to fall for your charm so you could exploit my vulnerability, like you do with the other women in this building?"

His face pales with astonishment, and he stammers, "H-How?"

"What? You thought I wouldn't find out?"

"Clara," he says out of the blue. Then he adds gently, "You've gotten the wrong impression of me, Liora. I don't know what Clara has told you."

My brows furrow with bewilderment.

Wait... how does he know Clara told me anything?