Page 13 of Lorenzo & Lily

Thinking of the press, Lorenzo juggled his priorities for the day as he walked out of Hector’s room, and out of the MARC. He walked deeper into the castle, then ducked into a secret passageway, accessible only to the royal family and its designees by thumbprint or handprint scanners. Just like the Vallerian Royal Palace, this lesser royal holding sported a series of secret hallways that ran the length the castle and went to each wing.

He exited onto a hallway in his wing and ran towards his room, ignoring the call of his name down the hall.

His family would have to wait. He needed time to figure things out. Needed time to plan for the day – and night – ahead. Time to plan what to say to Lily, to his family, and to the press. Not to mention what he was going to say to his little girl.

How did you tell a little girl you were her father? And what if she didn’t want him for a father? Lily certainly hadn’t, as she hadn’t bothered to tell him about their child.

Take a deep breath, Lorenzo, his therapist had told him when he felt overwhelmed.You know your triggers, you know your temper. You see one coming, take a deep breath.

Once inside his room, and once again under the chilling spray of the shower, he closed his eyes and breathed deep.

Then he did it again.

After ten minutes of deep breathing, he got out of the shower to face the day.

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