Page 156 of King of Obsession

The thought of making the journey by car didn’t sit well with Lorenzo, who was itching to get back to his wife.

So he used his hideously expensive satellite phone to make a few calls and pull some strings.

A private hire helicopter was sent to us. It set down in my front yard in a whirl of leaves and dust.

I hurriedly packed a bag, not needing much from the bullet-torn cabin.

I wandered between the bedroom and living area, sighing at the stuff that I had to leave behind.

‘My books, though?’ I asked Alessio, running my hands over the spines on the shelves. Which had, by a miracle, survived the gunfire that had shredded most else in the house.

He pressed a kiss on my temple. ‘I’ll have my men pack them with care, bella, and bring them to our new home wherever that will be.’

I took an inhale and surrendered.

In less than two hours, Mauri, Alessio, and I joined Lorenzo on the flight, the roar of the blades drowning out any second thoughts I might have had.

I gave one last look at my sanctuary as the helo banked into the skies.

I was consumed by a sense of loss yet eager to move on to the next season of my life.

With the man whose arm was banded around my waist, my other hand in his, my heart and soul forever entwined with his.

Chapter 33

CLEO

Sydney was a blur at first—a whirlwind of noise and lights that overwhelmed me, the city’s din blending into a clash of sensory overload, reminding me why I’d left in the first place.

When we landed on Lorenzo’s stunning mansion rooftop, his wife, Mia, greeted us with warmth, her warmth melted my trepidation.

I liked her at once and smiled as she let go of her embrace.

She then folded into her husband’s arms, their passion and love evident.

‘We’ll spend the night here,’ Alessio advised me, his confident stride leading the way, a reassuring presence in this new and unfamiliar place.

Stepping into this vast and luxurious home felt like crossing into a realm of grandeur and luxury so far removedfrom my reality that it left me in awe.

I peered in wonder as we meandered into the kitchen, where Mia had prepped an outstanding Italian meal.

Alessio’s youngest brother, Vitto, joined us.

At first, I stared, like a country hick becausewhat in the actual good genes?

Mia was out of this world stunning, and the Calibrese men were beautiful.

As was Mauri, in his silent, gruff consigliere manner.

Still, they received me, pulling me in for tight hugs that instantly made me feel one of them.

First, Mia welcomed us with an aperitivo, her smile as warm as the late afternoon sun that bathed the kitchen in a golden glow.

She had dishes of olives and nuts alongside prosecco, all ready and waiting for us on the rustic wooden table. It was a simple yet elegant start to a memorable evening.

‘Salute!’ Mia exclaimed, raising her glass. We echoed her toast, the bubbly sparkling wine tickling my nose as I sipped. The first savor was crisp and refreshing, promising the delights to come.

Soon, the antipasti were served.

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