Page 31 of Lorenzo & Lily

Lorenzo positioned a coffee cup in front of his mouth. “Maybe later.”

“Lorenzo.”

Lorenzo’s voice was a whispered hiss, his body stiff; the others at the table couldn’t mistake the fact he was now pissed off. “Not now. All right? This isn’t the time or place for you to ream me out. I deserve more respect than that. Hell, any respect, would be good.”

Alex put a hand on Lorenzo’s leg and squeezed. “That’s not why we have to talk. Before you run off for your date, can you spare a few minutes?”

He couldn’t. He had to change, then pick up some flowers for his girl and for Lily. Though they didn’t live far, Lorenzo would have to take a roundabout path five times as long to throw any paparazzi off the scent. He was surprised none had seen him at the beach that morning. “I don’t have time, and I can’t be late.”

Alex was silent for a beat. “The one you’re seeing, she’s important.”

“All women are important. Who I’m meeting tonight is very important to me, personally.”

Another beat, then Alex took a deep breath. “I think you mean that. Well. Will you tell me about her?”

“Yes, but not now.”

Alex nodded. “Good.” He squeezed Lorenzo’s leg, then let go and turned back to the table.

Lorenzo cleared his throat, which was surprisingly thick with emotion. “So, how’d you like sitting with Alex? You can be honest. Tell me how boring he really was.”

A few stifled chuckles and pursed lips scattered around the table. “It was an honour to meet His Highness,” one woman said.

“Always good to meet a man who’s served, Your Highness,” another said.

Lorenzo shook his head. “If only you knew the man he really was, then…”

“Then what?”

“Then you’d probably respect him a helluva lot more than you already do.”

Alex blinked in surprise just as Lorenzo spied Rebecca entering the room. She had a bright smile on her face that only he and his family could tell was for show. Something hadn’t been right with Rebecca for some time now, but he and his brothers had left that in Alex’s capable hands. If they needed help, they’d ask for it.

That was the problem with his family. When Alex or Rebecca might need help, the family waited until they asked for it. With Lorenzo, however, they just assumed he needed it without even asking. He’d have to change that, and soon.

“It seems my newest sister has just arrived.”

Alex turned sharply in his chair and stood up, his avid gaze following her movement across the room towards him. He relaxed his face as she drew near and went into his arms. “Hi, darling.” He gave her a brief kiss, which she returned. “How’d everything go?”

“Later,” she murmured and he nodded.

When Rebecca broke away from Alex, she leaned towards Lorenzo, who gave her a kiss on each cheek. “Hello, sister. You’re looking lovely, as always.”

“Thanks, Lorenzo.” She turned to the table and was startled to see the remaining occupants standing. “I forget sometimes I’m a princess,” she murmured, only loud enough for him and Alex to hear.

Alex kissed her temple. “You’ll get used to it.”

She smiled wide again, aiming it for the table. “Thank you, but no need for formality. Please be seated.”

She waved to Nate, Marcello, and Ethan, then looked around. “Is there room for another? Perhaps at another table? Sorry, I just popped by. I ended up leaving the hospital earlier than expected.”

Lorenzo downed the last of his coffee, then gestured to a volunteer for another cup. “It’s no trouble. You can take my seat.”

“Are you sure?”

“Positive. I need to head out anyway. Until next time ladies and gentlemen. Alex.” He clapped Alex on the shoulder, and waved to his other brothers as he made his way out the door.

Time to get ready for tonight.

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