Page 72 of Lorenzo's Claim

“Come,mia cara ragazza.” Carmella smiled, her voice soft and patient. “Let’s get you cleaned up.” She helped me up with gentle hands, walking beside me towards the ensuite. “Son, you go and make yourself and Ana something to eat, I’ll look after her.”

“I’ll be right downstairs.” he said, his voice wavering slightly in a way I hadn’t heard before. There was a tightness in his words, as if he was hesitant to leave.

“Lorenzo, don’t worry, I’ve got her until you’re back.” Carmella closed the bathroom door behind us before turning on the faucet.

Steam slowly filled the bathroom as she turned to face me. “I’m going to remove these clothes, okay?” She asked as I nodded in response.

She slowly removed the tattered material that remained on my body, and I felt embarrassed.

“I’m sorry you’re having to do this, Carmella,” I whispered, my voice getting lost within the running water.

“Don’t you dare apologise to me. You are just as much family to me as my son is.” She cupped my face as I continued to fight back the tears.

“I think he needs some sleep…” I changed the subject, not wanting the attention on me any longer.

“He’ll get some sleep now you’re home. He was worried sick about you,mia cara ragazza.” Hearing those words erased all the ones Chad had said about him finding another woman. “Come on, in you get.”

She took my hand in hers as I let the warm water envelope me. I sank beneath the bubbles. A wave of relief washed over me as Carmella’s hands started cleaning away the dried blood, carefully making sure not to press too hard on my fresh bruises. She hummed softly, a sweet melody that filled the silence and calmed my racing mind. I suddenly felt safe for the first time in this house.

After lying in the water until it cooled, Carmella helped me out and wrapped me in a thick, warm towel.

“How are you feeling?”

“Better, but I’m okay. I probably look worse than I feel,” I lied yet again.

“I can tell you’re not being truthful, I can see it in your eyes. Believe me, Lorenzo will catch on sooner rather than later.” A smile tugged at the corner of her lips as she helped me into a soft cotton dress.

After she brushed and dried my hair, I felt a little like myself again, despite the cuts and bruises. Seeing my reflection in the mirror for the first time since returning home was unsettling; the image staring back was far from comforting. I was taken aback that Lorenzo could look at me without wincing, given the stark evidence of my ordeal etched across my face.

“I’m going to go back to my bedroom,” I whispered, already halfway out the door. I didn’t know if that’s what I really wanted,but I needed to be alone. I needed to shut myself away from everyone and everything, and I thought there was no better place to do so.

“I’ll go and check how Lorenzo is doing in the kitchen. You go and get some rest.”

I nodded before making my way to my room.

I tossedand turned as sweat drenched the sheets beneath me. Vivid images haunted my dreams. I couldn’t escape from them.

“He’s not coming for you, Anastacia. You should know that.” Chad’s voice echoed through my nightmare. “He’s got a new toy to play with.” His words sliced me like daggers even though they weren’t real anymore.

“Please, Chad… You don’t need to do this…” I pleaded, hoping whatever friendship we had would snap him out of his vile obsession.

“I do, Ana… He can’t have you. He doesn’t want you, but I do, in this life and the next.” His fingers brushed my skin like spiders crawling across my flesh.

Suddenly, the memories of my dream shattered, jolting me back to the present as my heart pounded against my ribcage, my breath coming in short, desperate gasps. For a moment, I had no idea where I was. My mind was still trapped in the horror of my nightmare. I glanced around my room. It was bare. All I could imagine were the three men trampling around in here, making it look as though I left.

My body shook uncontrollably as I wrapped my arms around myself to try to hold the pieces of my shattered composure together.

I’ve got to get out of here… Coming in here was a bad idea.

I got out of bed and pulled the bedroom door open, not wanting to be here any longer as I hurried past Nicolo and Red who stood as protection outside my room.

“Ana, are you okay?” Red called after me, but I didn’t stop as my feet led me to Lorenzo’s room.

I slipped inside, seeing the room empty. I felt as though wherever I went, I couldn’t escape. The phantom pains of their blows remained, the sharp sting on my face, ribs, and stomach lingering. My nails clawed at my skin as if trying to rid myself of the memories.

I locked the ensuite door behind me before flicking on the cold water in the shower, hoping to wash everything away. The icy water rained down on me, soaking through my clothes and clinging to my skin. I slid down the wall, letting the spray drown out my sobs.

I remembered the room. The rotten walls adorned with photos of me, each one a haunting reminder. I remembered the voices, the sinister laughter, the pain… I remembered everything.

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