Page 111 of Lorenzo's Claim

His fingers brushed against the hem of my dress as he stood. “Turn around,” he commanded, his voice low and authoritative but laced with a tenderness that made me obey without hesitation. I pivoted slowly, my eyes meeting his in the mirror above the sink. His hands moved to my zipper, sliding it down in a slow, deliberate motion. The dress fell away, pooling at my feet, leaving me in nothing but my pink lace lingerie.

Lorenzo’s eyes darkened as he took in the sight of me, his gaze lingering on my body. “So fucking perfect,” he whispered against my ear as his fingers traced the edge of my bra strap before he unclipped the clasp, letting it slide down my arms and onto the floor.

“So breathtakingly beautiful.” He smiled, hooking his fingers into the waistband of my panties next. “And all mine.” He lowered the lace down my legs, and I stepped out of them. “I’ll be downstairs finishing dinner. You enjoy your bath and take your time,” he breathed, placing a gentle kiss on my shoulder.

I nodded as I watched him leave the room, the door clicking softly behind him. Alone, I felt a mix of vulnerability and excitement. I always hated exposing my vulnerability. I was never allowed to. But the past few weeks with Lorenzo hadshown me that being vulnerable didn’t have to be a weakness. It took courage.

I lowered myself into the bath, the water enveloping me like an embrace. The petals brushed against my skin, their softness contrasting with the warmth of the water. I leaned back, closing my eyes as I let myself relax after the run-in I had with Miles. I picked up the glass of champagne, taking a sip as every toxic thought about my family slipped away and all that remained was my husband.

After what felt like an eternity, I reluctantly opened my eyes. The water had cooled quite a bit, which told me I spent a while soaking. I stepped out of the bath, my mind calm. I wrapped myself in the new plush robe Lorenzo had hung on the hook beside the tub and headed out into our bedroom.

It still felt strange to call the bedroom ours, especially since I was adamant I never wanted to be married to him in the first place. Life was so different now. Even when I tried to and wanted to resist him, I couldn’t. He broke down the walls I built. He chipped away at them slowly when we were at one another’s throats and obliterated what was left with his newfound charm and attentiveness.

I crossed the room, making my way towards the vanity, but something laying on the bed caught my eye. The fabric of what looked to be a brand new dress shimmered under the soft light. It was stunning, a soft, pale pink, a colour that I rarely wore, but one I loved. How he knew these things were beyond me.. The cut of the dress was elegant. The neckline dipped just enough to be daring. Beside it was a note, written in Lorenzo’s handwriting.

Mi Amore, wear this tonight x

My heart fluttered as I picked up the dress, running my fingers over the smooth material. It was a gesture that spokevolumes, a man who not only knew my body but my style. I couldn’t help but smile, a warmth instantly spreading through my chest.

I dried my hair in soft waves that cascaded down my back and kept my makeup to a minimum. When I slipped into the dress, I had never felt so beautiful. My bruises had long since healed, along with the memories I once held of that time. Lorenzo, believe it or not, was the only one, besides my babushka, who had helped me through it. Lorenzo had been my friend, my husband, my rock, and most of all, my safe space. I could never thank him enough for that.

I left the bedroom and made my way downstairs, the aroma of dinner wafting through the air as I descended the stairs. Once I reached the bottom step, I took a deep breath, smoothing the dress over my hips. I felt desired, and for once, I allowed myself to simply enjoy it.

I entered the dining room, noticing Lorenzo standing by the window with his back to me, his broad shoulders tense as if he sensed my presence. I paused for a second, breathing him in. As he turned, his eyes met mine, and for a moment, the world stopped. The air between us crackled with unspoken words and desires. I couldn’t hide my smile as I took a step towards him and neither could he.

“Lorenzo, this is incredible,” I exclaimed. His grin widened, illuminating the room far more than the candles ever could.

“No, you look incredible.” He nodded with a gentle smile.

He crossed the room to where I stood, his eyes never leaving mine as his strides quickened.

“I can’t believe you did all this.” I held my hand up to everything around me.

“I wish I could take all the credit, but I had a little help,” he admitted, placing a hand on my lower back to guide me towards my seat.

The dining table was a masterpiece in itself—set with fine china, crystal glasses, and a centrepiece of white roses that matched the others that decorated the rest of the house. Lorenzo pulled out my chair with a flourish, his chivalry on full display.

“Quite the gentleman,” I giggled.

“Only for my wife. Nobody else will ever deserve it.” He winked, pressing a kiss against my cheek before I lowered myself into the chair

Tonight was the first time we used this dining room. Just the two of us, anyway. It was usually reserved for family gatherings, business meetings, and other formal occasions. But tonight, it was ours.

Lorenzo took his place at the head of the table, a position he was accustomed to as the boss of the Ricci family, while I occupied the chair to his right. A chair that was only ever reserved for Gino until recently. It was a symbolic gesture, one that spoke volumes about my role in his life. He vowed in front of anyone who resided in this house that I would stand by his side as his equal, his confidant, and his wife. That I would be more than what my mother was to my father.

“So, this is why you got the girls to take me out today, isn’t it?” I teased, sipping my champagne.

“Of course. I knew they would do exactly what I needed them to do, and I trusted them enough to keep all this a secret.” He smirked, looking so proud of himself.

“And who else was in on this?” I asked

“The guys, of course, and my mother.” He chuckled, taking my hand in his much larger one.

“You know you didn’t need to go to all this trouble for me.” I felt somewhat guilty that everyone had given up their day to help Lorenzo with his gesture. “It must have taken you all day.”

He leaned forward, his hands gripping the arms of my chair as he forcefully pulled me to face him. “I never want to hearyou say that again. Nothing, and I repeatnothing, will ever be too much trouble for you,” he replied, his voice firm but tender. “Tonight is about us and what we’re building together—our future.”

My heart raced as I studied his face. The strong jawline, the intensity in his brown eyes, and the way his scar seemed to tell a story I was only beginning to understand. Lorenzo, in turn, was captivated by me in the same way.

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