Page 116 of Lorenzo's Claim

“I hope you’re not giving your mama too much trouble in there.” I chuckled against her stomach.

“Mama cannot wait for them to come out.” She half smiled. I knew she was exhausted. She tossed and turned most nights, unable to get comfortable with or without that full body pillow. I never thought I’d ever be jealous of a pillow, but I was.

“Anytime now, wife.” I beamed, rising to my feet. “Are you sure you’re okay if I head to the club today? I need to meet Rox to go over those new numbers, but just say the word, and Red can deal with it.”

“Lorenzo, go. It’s fine. Nicolo is staying here with us, anyway,” she reassured me, but it didn’t make me feel any better.

“And you’re sure?” I asked yet again.

“Do I need to push you out the door for you to believe me?” She laughed.

“Alright, alright, less of the threats,” I teased. “I’ll pick you up some fries and ice cream on the way back.” Her favourite craving this whole pregnancy was that combination, and as vile as I thought it sounded, it was actually pretty damn good.

“You better make that two lots. I’m not sharing with you.” She relaxed back on the bed as she spoke, taking the weight off.

“Okay, I’ll get three lots then, and we can have extra.” I smiled.

“I knew there was a reason I loved you.” She giggled, unable to hide her amusement.

“You love me for many reasons,mi amore.” I leaned down to her, brushing my lips against hers. “Call me if you need me, okay?”

“I will. I promise.”

I relaxed backin the booth of the dimly lit VIP room as I waited for Rox to arrive. He had never been one to stick to the time, and my patience was wearing thin.

Red, ever the joker, leaned in with a wink. “So, what are your Valentine’s Day plans?”

“I’m going to let Ana pick a movie while she eats what she’s craving, and hopefully, she’ll get a better night’s sleep.” I smiled, my mind drifting instantly to my wife.

Gino chuckled, clapping a hand on my shoulder. “Ah, guys, they grow up so fast, don’t they?” The joke was met with a swift swat on the back of his head from me.

“You’re a funny fucker, aren’t you?” I scoffed.

The door creaked open, capturing everyone’s attention. Rox sauntered in, his cheap aftershave announcing his arrival. Hisgold canine tooth glinted in the dim light as he flashed a grin. “Lorenzo, how wonderful to see you again! How’s the wife? I heard she’s pregnant.”

“My wife is none of your business, so how about we get on with ours, as I’d rather not be here all day.” My tone was firm as I narrowed my eyes at Rox. He took a seat opposite me.

“Wow, don’t you trust her home alone?” Rox’s smirk widened as my hand twitched. The urge to draw my blade almost overwhelmed me.

“Remember who you’re fucking talking to,” I snapped. “I won’t hesitate to finish what I started last time if you make one more smart ass remark.”

Rox’s smirk faltered, his posture shifting as he backpedaled. “I apologise. I didn’t mean any offence.”

“Sounds like you never do, stupid prick,” Red chimed in from beside me, clearly unimpressed.

The air in the room grew heavier as Rox poured himself a bourbon from the bottle on the table. “How about I apologise over a drink?”

“I’m not drinking.” My jaw clenched, my refusal more than clear.

Rox’s eyebrows rose, as if to challenge me. “Too good to drink with me?”

This asshole was on thin ice, and my patience was wearing thin. “It isn’t about you, as much as you wish it were. I won’t drink while my wife is pregnant.”

“Exactly, yourwifeis pregnant. You’re not.” Rox’s grin returned, his tone mocking. “She’s not here. She’d never know.”

“Maybe not, but that isn’t my style. My wife could go into labour any day now which means she’ll need me. I can’t drive her anywhere if I’m over the limit. I will not risk her life or our babies lives for alcohol, got it?” I hissed. I’d already had enough of this bastard.

“Fine, you win.” He held up his hands, giving up completely.

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