Page 25 of Hot Moves

Lila glances over at Renaldo and Mario, making sure they’re not listening. “I’m lusting after Antonio,” she admits, her cheeks flushing slightly.

“Antonio?” I bite my lip to keep from giggling. I can’t believe she didn’t realize how obvious the chemistry between the two of them is.

She nods, her expression a mix of excitement and worry. “I can’t stop thinking about him.”

I smile, touched by her confession. “Your secret is safe with me, Lila.”

“I know it is,” she admits. “Now, I can see how you fell so fast for Lorenzo.”

“I told you so.” I giggle.

“You have no idea how hard it is to admit you were right.” She shakes her head as the smile on her face tells me she’s amused.

As we finish our lunch and head back to the SUV, there’s a sense of camaraderie between us, a shared secret that strengthens our bond. The day has been perfect, a brief respite from the complexities of my new life.

But as we head back to the penthouse, a black truck comes out of nowhere and collides with the SUV. The impact is sudden and violent, throwing us sideways. My head slams against the window, and pain explodes in my temple as the world goes black for a moment.

Consciousness ebbs and flows, and I’m vaguely aware of Renaldo and Mario shouting, the chaos outside blending with the rushing noise in my head. I feel Lila’s hand clutching mine, her voice a frantic but distant echo.

Through the haze of pain and confusion, a thought cuts through with crystal clarity: Lorenzo. I need Lorenzo.

I imagine his face, dark eyes filled with concern, his calming presence a lifeline in the storm. I cling to the image of him, willing myself to stay conscious, to hold on to the hope that he’ll find us and make everything alright.

“Lorenzo,” I murmur, my voice barely a whisper as darkness threatens to pull me under again.

Everything becomes a blur, a twisting vortex of lights and sounds. But through it all, I hold on to the thought of Lorenzo, the strength of our connection, and the love that ties us together.

As I drift into unconsciousness, his name is the last thing on my lips, a silent plea for safety and protection. And in that moment, I trust that he’ll come for me, and he’ll do whatever it takes to bring me back into the light.

FIFTEEN

LORENZO

The penthouse feels unusuallyquiet today, the absence of Mira’s laughter and Lila’s animated chatter leaving an unsettling void. I’ve been pacing the rooms for the better part of an hour, a strange sense of unease settling in my chest. It’s a feeling I can’t shake that gnaws at me, making me restless.

I walk to the large windows, looking out over the city skyline. The view, normally a source of comfort and power, does little to ease my mind today. Thoughts of Mira flit through my mind. She should be back by now.

I check the time on my watch and then my phone again, hoping for a message or a call to let me know they’re on their way. Nothing. My fingers tap a restless rhythm on the side table as I prowl the living room, every fiber of my being on edge.

Over the years, I’ve learned to trust my instincts, and every single molecule in my being is telling me something is wrong. I can feel it in my bones, a deep, primal instinct that’s kept me alive through countless battles and betrayals. The air seems heavier, charged with an electric tension that heightens my senses.

Where are they? Anxiety sharpens my thoughts into a focused concern.

I don’t care if I come off as an overprotective caveman, I’m texting her and telling her to get her gorgeous ass home. I pull out my phone as footsteps echo in the hallway. I turn just as Antonio strides in, his face a mask of urgency. His usual calm demeanor is replaced with a look of strained intensity, and instantly, my heart drops. Fucking hell. I can’t survive without Mira.

“What is it?” I demand, voice steely, every muscle in my body coiling as terror cuts through me.

“Lorenzo,” Antonio begins, his voice tight. “There’s been an incident.”

My mind races, a flurry of scenarios flashing through my head. “What the fuck happened?” I ask, trying to keep my voice level even as dread creeps into my veins.

Antonio steps closer, his eyes locking onto mine with an intensity that speaks volumes. “The SUV was sideswiped at a red light. Mira, Lila… they’ve been hurt.”

“Where are they?” My voice is barely more than a growl, raw and filled with fear I can’t hide. “Is she alive?” I need to know she’s still breathing. We can deal with anything else.

He places a hand on my shoulder as if to ground me. “They’re being taken to the nearest hospital. Renaldo and Mario are with them, and they appear to have minor injuries. I came to inform you immediately.”

My chest tightens, my world narrowing to a single point of focus. I need to get to Mira and reassure myself she’s okay. “Let’s go,” I say, already moving toward the door, every second feeling like an eternity.

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