Page 100 of Unruly Obsession
I walk forward, dependent on the hounds covering my back. If Wayne decides this is going to be a shoot-out, then I’m the first target. If that’s to happen, I’ve notified the driver to immediately drive off with Lily. My only comfort is knowing that the car is bulletproof.
His second, a bulky guy who clearly enjoys the weights, matches my steps. When we come face-to-face, he holds out his hand expectantly, and I drop the bag between us.Fucker.He smirks as he bends over and picks it up, unzipping and checking the contents.
“Are we good?” I ask rhetorically, because we are anything but.
“This looks about right.” He nods his head. I wonder if the fucker has ever seen this much cash in his life. He certainly seems surprised by its weight as he walks back toward his boss.
I retrace my steps, coming to stand beside the car again, arms folded over my chest.
Nicholas peers into the bag, a smile stretching his face. “Tell your boss it’s a pleasure doing business with him. It’s a nice story to have in the back pocket, you know?”
“What story is that?” I’m not someone who cares much for elaboration, because I don’t give a flying fuck what he thinks. But I do use it as an excuse to fill in time as I count in my head.
“That the Armanis are so accommodating to hand over cash.”
“If you want facts in your story, then know not one dime of that is from the Armanis; it's mine. Let’s just say I have a personal gripe against those involved with trying to hurt my woman.”
Nicholas's eyebrows furrow. “Well?—”
BOOM!
An explosion of beautiful orange erupts, and I fight my natural instinct to look away from the scorching heat as fierce flames devour the five cars. Men scream, and shrapnel scatters into the wind. Beads of sweat break out immediately on my forehead as I watch with satisfaction as the cockroaches are exterminated. The flames flicker off the hounds' visors as we watch in spectacular delight as one problem comes to an end.
No man gets away with threatening Luca Armani or the things he cares about.
And certainly no man is going to live to tell the tale of ever attempting to harmmywoman.
The back door of the car opens, and I step back, not giving enough space for Lily to open it enough to get out. I said she could come, but I’m not a fucking saint.
“What the fuck, Lorenzo?” she says, shocked.
A wicked smile stretches my lips. “You’ve become quite adept at cursing lately.”
“Was that real cash?”
I shrug. “Money is only a tool. It’s irrelevant when compared to keeping you safe, my love.” I look down at her, those beautiful blue eyes streaking with colors from the flames. “Are you scared of me? Because this, I very much enjoy doing.”
“Handing out punishments?” She rolls her eyes. “Not so much of a surprise.”
My smile widens, and I can tell she’s trying not to smile herself as she still pretends to be mad. “I just hope you didn’t miscount.”
“No one else is coming for you, my love.”
“So, I’m only stuck managing you now, huh? Maybe I drew the short stick.” She finally smiles, and it's as brilliant as it is devastating.
I scowl at the hounds—shitty if any of them saw how beautiful her smile is. “Clean this up. I’ll report to Luca.”
“Yes, sir,” the hounds reply in unison as I slip into the back of the car. The moment I close the door, I scoop Lily into my arms and place her on my lap.
“For someone who isn’t very romantic, you sure do enjoy grand gestures.” Lily pokes at my chest. “Will you always be surprising me like this?”
“I hope so,” I admit, because I believe I'm the furthest thing from surprising; rather, I’ve always been routine-driven. Predictable. However, with Lily, it’s all new, uncomfortable territory.
The moment she offered to give me a second chance, I decided on two things. One, I’d do anything to make her happy. Two, she was and will always bemine.
No room for negotiation or doubt. I’d bruise, brand, and mark her in every way, including a more traditional route.
I fish through my pocket until my fingers brush against the smooth metal.
