Page 112 of Lorenzo's Claim

His thumb traced the delicate skin of my wrist, his touch sending shivers down my spine. I leaned in slightly, my breath catching as our faces drew closer. The candles flickered around us, casting dancing shadows on the walls. For a moment, the only sound I heard was the soft hum of anticipation.

“I heard about your brother today,” he growled. It was obvious Finn told him since he was the one Lorenzo had ordered to be with me today.

“I handled it. You don’t need to do anything. He’s no longer my brother.” I sighed. “You’re the only family I need.”

“I know you handled it, but just say the word, brother or not, and I’ll kill the bastard,” he seethed. I knew he meant it.

“He’s not worth it. None of them are.” I smiled because they weren’t. “Now, what’s the plan for tonight?” I asked, resting my forehead on his.

“Good change of subject there.” He chuckled, his scowl fading. “So, I thought we’d eat first…” he trailed off, his eyes dropping to my lips before meeting mine once more. “But now, I just want to give you your surprise.”

“A surprise?” I whispered. What else could there possibly be?

"Come and take a walk with me," Lorenzo said, his voice a low rumble that sent shivers all the way down to my toes. It wasn’t a request. It was a command. Delivered with the authority of a man accustomed to being obeyed.

"You know it’s dark out," I whispered, my voice barely audible above the crackling fire in the hearth.

"Just come with me," he said, holding out his hand. There was a vulnerability in his tone, a plea that surprised me. I hesitated for only a moment before following his lead.

He led me through the double doors of the dining room, the cool night air enveloping us as we stepped out into the garden. The lake stretched out before us, its surface shimmering like liquid silver under the moonlight. But it wasn’t the lake that caught my attention. It was the lights, hundreds of tiny, twinkling bulbs that seemed to dance among the trees, casting a magical glow over the entire scene.

"Have these lights always been here?" I asked, my voice laced with wonder as I turned to him, my eyes wide with awe.

"No, I actually had the guys out here this morning sorting it all so we could enjoy some time out here tonight." He gestured to the pathway lined with candles and petals. Again, they were the same petals that adorned the floors inside the house. "Do you like it?"

“Like it? I love it. It’s absolutely everything.” My heart swelled with a mixture of gratitude and confusion. Why was he doing this? What had I done to deserve such extravagance? Such attention to detail?

I kicked off my heels, the grass cool beneath my bare feet as I wandered along the petal-strewn path. The scent of roses filled the air, their fragrance mingling with the earthy smell of the lake. My attention was drawn to a small, fenced-in area I never noticed before.

"What’s this?" I asked, my voice tinged with shock as I approached the fence. What I saw next was the thing that caused my stomach to somersault. There was a bed of roses inside glowing softly, their petals lit up in a way that took my breath away.

"Roses,"Lorenzo replied, his deep chuckle echoing in the stillness. He knew full well they weren’t just any roses.

I crouched down, leaning forwards as my fingers brushed against the petals. "I know that, but why are they lit up?"

Lorenzo knelt beside me, his presence both comforting and overwhelming. "Because I know that white roses are your favourite, and you used to plant and tend them with your grandfather. I also know they don’t bloom all year round, so I had this made for you.” He smiled as tears stung my eyes. “Whenever you want to take a stroll through the garden, day or night, you’ll see them every single day of the year.”

My vision blurred as I looked at him. "Lorenzo, this is…" Words failed me, my emotions threatening to spill over.

He placed a finger under my chin, gently tilting my face up to meet his gaze. "It’s a place just for you and only you. Somewhere you can go when you miss him.”

My gaze fell to the plaque that was just inside the fence. My fingers traced the engraved letters.

In loving memory of Aleksander Fedorov.

A tear trickled down my cheek.

"Thank you," I whispered. "It’s beyond perfect. I never expected anything like this."

“It’s because you never expect things that I want to do them for you,mi amore. You’re the most selfless person I know, and despite me thinking I could never be a better man, you continue to make me one.” He spoke so sincerely, meaning every single word, and I believed each one.

Lorenzo stood, offering me his hand. I took it without hesitation, my grip tight as if he would disappear. He pulled me into his arms, his embrace strong and reassuring. For a moment, we stood there, the world around us fading into insignificance. The lake, the roses, the twinkling lights—it was everything andmore. I rested my head against his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart.

“I do have something else for you,” he whispered.

Before I could speak, he reached into his pocket, pulling out a small black box.

“Lorenzo,” I began, but he cut me off before I could continue.

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