Page 38 of Lorenzo's Claim

“Well, I am.”

12

I shutthe drunk bastard out, as I closed the door behind me. He didn’t deserve the time I just gave him, but boy, did he deserve that slap. I pushed the chair from the corner to in front of the door. Well and truly keeping him out since he seemed to like pissing me off constantly.

One minute that man seemed to show something other than being a total bastard, but then he went and ruined it all by opening his big mouth.

There was a knock on the door, softer than I expected. “Ana, what have you got in front of the door?” he asked from the other side.

“None of your business! Now leave me alone.” I climbed in bed and pulled the covers and pillow over my head, shutting out the drunk man who continued to knock on the door.

I could only hear muffled voices before retreating footsteps. Thank God he was gone, I wasn’t in the mood to deal with anymore drunken behaviour and attitude tonight.

The phone Lorenzo had given me as a replacement for smashing my old one vibrated on the side.

Poking my hand out from the covers, I grabbed it and saw Chad’s name gracing the screen. I opened the message he sent and read it.

Sorry about tonight. Are you okay? I worry about your safety with him.

I think you should worry about your own safety rather than mine. I’ll be fine. Remember, I’m tougher than you.

How could I forget? You’ve beat my ass to the mat countless times.

Exactly, so you don’t need to worry about me. He’s a real pussycat.

I highly doubt that, but fine. You can call me anytime, though. You know that.

Thanks. Night.

Night.

Chad didn’t need to worry about my safety with Lorenzo. Sure, he was a brute, an asshole, a real class A cunt—the list was endless—but I knew he’d never hurt me physically. Not in the way he threatened Chad with, anyway.

And even if he wanted to, I’d never let that happen.

The following morning,the house was incredibly quiet. There was no sound of Lorenzo or his men. The silence was golden.

The sun shone brightly as I headed outside to the lake, the early morning grass cool beneath my bare feet. It was so serene out here. It was easy to forget the hellhole Lorenzo called his house was behind me, especially when this garden was a haven I definitely needed.

The warmth of the sun kissed my face as I let my head fall back, relishing in the feeling.

“Anastacia?” A female voice came from behind me.

I turned, coming face-to-face with Lorenzo’s mother, a beautiful woman who was a similar age to my mother. Her hair was styled into a sleek chignon, and the minimal makeup she wore accentuated her features.

“Mrs. Ricci, hi.” I smiled as she closed the rest of the gap between us.

“Oh, stop that, you can call me Carmella.” She said with a gentle smile she sat down on the stool. “I’m guessing my son is either nursing a hangover or he had business to attend to.”

“Well, I hope it’s the first option.” I sighed. “Oh, God, sorry, that’s your son I’m wishing a hangover on.”

“We all know he can be a complete prick at times. I can bet that last night was no different,” she tutted. Her words made me feel as though she actually understood where I was coming from. “He was fine at the ball, but Red informed me that he didn’t stop there. He continued to drink at the club.”

“I don’t know where he went or how much he drank, Carmella. All I know is that every single time he opens his mouth, he continues to put his foot in it. It’s like he doesn’t even try. He just wants to push my buttons. I don’t know what his deal is, but it won’t end well for one of us.”

“I know. You’ll need the patience of a saint to deal with my son. That’s a given, and I admire you for not actually killing him yet. Although, I heard you tried.” She laughed.

“I didn’t try tokillhim. I just let him know I wasn’t the kind of wife he thought he was getting. He wants me to obey his every word and be a perfect housewife, but that’s not me.” I pinched the bridge of my nose, trying to shake him and his words out of my head.

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