Page 47 of Lorenzo's Claim

“I’ll knock that meanness right out of him!” he growled as he balled his fist.

“Yeah, I don’t think so,” Tay warned, shooting him a look he knew all too well.

“You’re mean, too.” He stuck out his tongue before he ran off to explore.

Jack was Tay’s little brother. He was nine years old and a bundle of energy. But he was adorable and loved to spend time with the three of us.

The girls turned their attention back to me. As if they were trying to read me, and it filled me with dread. I knew they wanted me to gush about Lorenzo and say how amazing he was but I couldn’t… He was a dick through and through, and even if I lied, nothing would change that.

“So, spill! How’s married life?” Robin quizzed, sipping her lemonade.

“Honestly?” I sighed. “There is nothing to spill. It’s awful.”

“Really?” Robin’s mouth dropped open, clearly not expecting that answer.

“He’s vile. I despise the man, and I wish I killed him when I had the chance.” I admitted.

“Now, I would have paid to see that.” Tay giggled as Robin narrowed her eyes at her.

Robin was a real believer in true love, so me not falling head over heels for Lorenzo wasn’t on her cards.

“To be honest, his attitude at the club was disgusting, acting as if he owns you.” Tay tutted. “No amount of free drinks will make up for his behaviour.”

“I know he didn’t exactly win us over with his first impression, but the more I think about it, the more I think he was just being protective of his wife.” Robin swooned. Fuck, she really loved herself a fairytale.

“There’s being protective and then there’s being whatever the fuck he was.” Tay scoffed with an eye roll.

“Alright, but maybe we should meet him properly before we judge.” Robin threw the suggestion out there as if I’d want that.

“All I’m saying is that man needs to do a lot of work before he becomes worthy of our girl.” Tay picked at her nail polish as she expressed her opinion.

“It’s just that this marriage isn’t what I pictured for myself. I never dreamed of marriage at all. I can’t even imagine loving someone like him.” I groaned, flopping down onto the grass.

The girls laid down on either side of me, most likely understanding my mixture of sadness and annoyance at the situation.

“And what if all we ever do is play this stupid game of cat and mouse until we kill one another?” I asked, covering my eyes with my arm.

“Well, let’s just hope you’re the one that kills first.” Tay winked as she rested her hand on top of mine.

“Ana!” Jack shouted as he bounded up to us. “Can you show me where the bathroom is?”

“Of course, I can. Come on.” I pushed myself to my feet as he slid his hand into mine.

I led Jack into the kitchen as a flash of red hair caught my eye.

“Hey, Ana, who’s this little guy?” Red smiled from the garage doorway.

“This is my friend's little brother, Jack.” Jack waved excitedly and stared at the colour of Red’s hair.

“Nice to meet ya, Jack. I’m Red.”

“Like your hair, I get it.” He giggled.

“Exactly, it’s cool, huh?” Red patted the bun that sat on the top of his head and laughed as Jack nodded his head with enthusiasm.

“Ana, do you think my mom would let me do that?” he asked, his deep hazel eyes staring up at me.

“Hmm, maybe when you’re older.” I ruffled his hair as he pumped his fist in happiness.

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