Page 101 of Lorenzo's Claim

I smirked, twisting the knife slightly. “Louder.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Ricci,” Rox choked out, his voice trembling.

“Well done. Now, get out.” I shoved him away as my knife practically removed itself. He stumbled back, clutching his side as the blood seeped out and stained his shirt. “And remember, don’t let there be a next time.”

He scurried out of the office faster than his feet could carry him, leaving me alone with my wife. I glanced down at my watch, perfect timing. “I have some things to finish up here. Red will take you home. Be ready for seven thirty. I’m taking you on a date.”

“Let me guess—it’s a surprise?” she asked, her lips breaking into a smile.

“Yes, it’s a surprise, but I promise it’ll be worth it.” I winked. “I know you haven’t seen the girls much recently, what with mewhisking you away after everything, but they’ll meet you back at the house to help you get ready and catch up.”

“Did you call them?” she questioned.

“I did, and it was worth it to see the smile on your face right now.”

She pecked me on the lips, thanking me in the best possible way. “I’ll see you later then.” She smiled, turning on her heel to leave. “Don’t be late, Ricci.”

“I wouldn’t dream of it, wife.”

31

“How are you feeling, Ana?”Robin asked, curling up on the edge of the bed.

“Much better. I feel as though I can finally start fresh now that Chad’s gone.” I sighed, thinking back to the night I took that bastard’s life.

“Lorenzo killed him?!” Tay asked, her mouth falling open before she gave me a sinister smile.

“No, I did,” I whispered.

“That’s our girl!” Robin cheered. “That bastard deserved everything he got, if not more, and I’m glad Lorenzo let you take the lead.”

“He did. He offered to do it, but he knew I needed it.” I traced my arm where a bruise once was, no longer so emotional from it.

“I knew I liked him!” Tay laughed, sipping her wine.

“No, you didn’t!” Robin teased, rolling her eyes before turning her attention back to me. “How’s he been now?”

“He’s like a different man,” I breathed. “He’s changed, and I know it’s because of what happened to me… But now I think would he have changed if it hadn’t have happened, or would he have been the same bastard he was?”

“You can’t think that way. It doesn’t matter why he changed. All that matters is that he did change and you’re happy with him.” She took my hand in hers. “You do look happy, Ana, really happy.”

“I feel different. I’ve never felt this way before. I don’t know what it is, but he makes my heart?—”

“Somersault? Flip? Skip a beat?” Robin’s eyes widened with delight, waiting for my answer.

“A bit of everything. Why is that?” I asked.

“Ana, I think you might be falling in love.” Tay winked, nudging me softly with her elbow.

“Love?!” I gasped, not knowing if what I felt was love or if I was still in my lust phase. “We’ve been married for five bloody minutes, I can't fall in love that fast, can I?”

“It doesn’t matter how long you’ve been married for. Love comes when you least expect it, and you, my beautiful friend, are least expecting it.” Robin was over the moon, beaming from ear to ear. “Now, time is getting on, let’s help you get ready! We don’t want you to keep your husband waiting come seven thirty.”

“I’m sure he’d wait if she was a little late.” Tay laughed.

And I knew he would wait.

That was for certain.

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