Page 103 of Unruly Obsession
“You never asked what I wanted. You just charged on with your life instead, thinking you painted the perfect one for me. But you and I aren’t so different, Lorenzo. I’ve had quite a few years to work up the appetite of wanting to shed some blood. Finally, I can do it while being paid.”
I grab his forearm, no longer caring if I might offend Luca. “I forbid you.”
Dante smiles, but it doesn’t reach his eyes. Much like it hasn’t since our childhood, but this man is far from the boy I left in Italy to pursue his new life and studies. He yanks his arm out of my grip, surprising me with his strength.
“Congratulations on the promotion, brother. I heard you’re also loved up. I hope she’s a sweet little thing.”
My gaze narrows on him, and every hackle in my body rises as I turn and size him up. “Stay away from Lily.”
He laughs then, actually wiping a tear from his eye. “I have no interest in your affairs, brother. I simply wish you the best. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I think this is a job interview.”
I turn back to Luca, who isn’t interested in our strangled family dynamics. I know better than to confront Luca head-on,because he does what he wants, when he wants, and years of loyalty don’t simply cease.
“The Morettis were raised to serve the Armanis,” Luca states matter-of-factly, then looks up from his desk. “That did not stop at you, Lorenzo. If your brother willingly chooses to be here, then so be it.”
My jaw tics. I know full well Luca would’ve been the one to put all of this into motion. But I also know him better than anyone else. He’s sharp, and besides the incident when he was courting his wife, his instincts have never failed him.
“You may leave us now,” Luca says, and my brother looks over his shoulder once more, giving me a small wave with a shit-eating grin.
Fuck.
It’s an honor conducting all of Luca’s business in Italy, replacing his former second and advisor. But acid churns in my stomach, not at all agreeable with this change.
Because my brother is the devil in disguise.
And placing a wild card like him beside Luca might certainly set Manhattan alight.
45
LILY
Music echoes throughout Lorenzo’s house, and I’m not sure if it was a bright idea putting Sky in charge of it. In fact, I don’t recall him being invited, let alone being given that task. The way Lorenzo’s left eye is twitching, I’m assuming not.
“Are you ready for the big move?” Sienna asks with a bright smile. Her fiancé, Michael, stands beside her. It’s the first time I’ve seen him since the engagement party, as he’s been so busy pursuing gigs in his acting career.
I can’t help but notice the tension between them. The way Sienna is acting, though, it would appear all is fine and well, but his body language is saying he would rather be anywhere but here.
“I’m so proud of you,” she says, grabbing my arm and squeezing it. “I’ll have to visit once you’re all settled in.”
“I’d love that.” I smile and look back up at Lorenzo, who hasn’t taken his eyes off me, except when any male comes into my vicinity.
I have a feeling this overbearingness isn’t going to stop, even when he’s no longer tasked as my bodyguard. In truth, not much has changed in that at all. If anything, he’s even moredemanding now. Then we argue. Then we make up. I really enjoy the making-up part. Surprisingly, none of it is exhausting. If anything, the brattier I become, the greater the punishment.
A warmth floods my core with tiny flutters as I question how easy it would be to sneak out of our own going-away party. The only reason he agreed to it was because I batted my eyelashes a little longer than usual.
“To think I wasn’t invited to my own brother's going-away party,” a man announces from behind us. We turn in his direction, and I can immediately see the resemblance. I look up at Lorenzo and know it’s the truth because an obvious loathing stirs within his gaze.
That’s not good.
“I don’t recall sending you an invitation,” Lorenzo grits.
“Since when were you so cold toward me, brother?” he says with a smile that doesn’t reach his eyes. Immediately, I know that these two are very different. Where Lorenzo is cold and indifferent, his brother holds a natural charisma and warmth. But there’s something off about it.
My hand goes straight to the ring that hangs on the necklace by my throat, and his brother's gaze dips to it. His expression doesn’t change, but an immediate chill runs over me.
Maybe months ago, I might’ve hidden behind Lorenzo, but I realize as much as I’m dependent on his strength, he can learn to depend on mine as well.
“It’s lovely to meet you. I’m Lily Taylor,” I say, stepping forward and welcoming him with open arms.
