Page 23 of Unruly Obsession
I’ll definitely be asking for a bonus after this ridiculous mission.
The sooner we’re done here, the better, because I’m struggling to rein it in after only one event.
10
LILY
“This is a mistake,” I bite out the moment Ara picks up my call. I don’t usually raise my voice. Don’t usually instigate any type of confrontation. I don’t usually crack from my perfectly polished facade because I learned from a young age that it’s not only unattractive but a weakness.
But the six-foot-two looming presence trailing behind me through the busy crowds of Manhattan might’ve single-handedly ruined everything tonight—worse than I could’ve imagined. And it wasn’t even what he said, because that’s the problem. He doesn’t need to speak to get his point across. And his murderous intent toward my father was loud and clear. Which is terrifying because he wouldn’t flinch at the idea, let alone the execution, of killing someone.
“What did he do?” Ara asks, which only highlights how bad a matchup Lorenzo and I are if those are the first words that fall from her lips. “I’m so sorry, Lily. I know I've put you in a shitty situation. I swear, Luca is working tirelessly to get to the bottom of this.” The sincerity in her voice makes me feel somewhat guilty for calling her. I look down at my phone. It’s almost nine in the evening. It’s not late, but it's not a time I’d usually call her.
Is it okay for me to be selfish in this? I mean, they were after Ara, not me. Shouldn’t I be more concerned about her safety than my own entitlement? But the look in my father’s gaze told me otherwise.
This is my life, and while I already thought it was spiraling to a grim place, this has only hardened my father’s resolve to marry me off to a man of his choosing. I’m sure of that much.
Compared to her safety, though, it seems immeasurable.
Have I always been this selfish?
“Lily?” Ara says. “Talk to me. I don’t know what’s happening unless you tell me, and I’m certain if I ask Lorenzo directly, he’ll give me nothing but a few grunts in response.”
A small bubble of mirth rises in my chest because there couldn’t be a more accurate statement. It seems like the only times he chooses to speak is to intentionally infuriate me or argue with me. Or when he surprises me with possessive hands and slips into a "doting boyfriend" role.
I push away the thoughts and lingering presence of his touch. He’s been nothing but cold to me all week. Then again, that’s Sergeant Lorenzo Moretti for you. And it’s royally ruined me.
“My father looked like he was about to blow a gasket when I introduced Lorenzo. I think this will only make my situation worse. I know you think this is”—I look around and whisper into the phone—“protecting me, but I should be fine now that I’m back in New York, shouldn’t I? It’s been a week, and I’m more worried about you.”
“You need to put yourself first for once, Lily,” she quickly reprimands. “I want to say that we’re safer here, but I can’t guarantee that. I’m so sorry for involving you in this. It should only be a few weeks at most until Luca has sorted everything out. I just… these types of people are unpredictable.”
Flashes from that day appear. I’ve been trying to push the memories away ever since it happened. Cars swerving, shooting,blood, explosions. It’s all like a movie, except it lacks the entertainment. My heart kicks up in pace, and my stomach rolls uneasily with the graphic images that reappear. I try to drown them out again, always shocked by the impactful hold they have over me.
My bottom lip wobbles, and my eyes begin to burn. I’m not going to cry. I have a complete and utter overwhelming feeling of being useless and not at all in control of my life. I’ve always been told how to act, speak, and present myself. My father has been very vocal about my needing to find a suitable partner soon. And presenting him with Lorenzo? He’ll most likely conclude I’m going through a rebellious stage. My feet come to a standstill.
Rebellious?
I’ve always done as I’m told.
I look over my shoulder at Lorenzo, who’s stopped two feet behind me. And although this is an attractive rebellion to have, should I use him in the process? Do I really think using Lorenzo might help me in any capacity with my father? No. If anything, it’ll make it worse. But, suddenly, I don’t feel like doing everything I’ve been told to do.
I’m tired.
I’m scared.
I want to live.
“Lily?” Ara repeats.
“It’s just a lot. I’m scared,”I confess quietly, hoping Lorenzo doesn’t overhear. I’ve tried my hardest to run my store and spend time at my apartment like I usually would, ignoring the threat that I don’t want to believe in. Yet I still can’t help but worry about how this will impact my life going forward. What happens after all of this? Am I still forced to eventually sell my shop and date whoever my father chooses for me?
My father's judgment seems so insignificant compared to this real threat, and yet, I’m so scared of it. Of being pushed outof the family if I don’t oblige. “I’m just not built like you are,” I tell her. Ara is strong and always seems like she has her life together. She was able to choose herself over her family, but I don’t have the same courage.
I don’t want to leave my mother behind.
“Which is precisely why I’ve always admired you,” Ara is quick to say. “It’s okay to be scared. Most people should be in this situation. You’re safe as long as Lorenzo is with you. He’s Luca’s best. He might not be the greatest conversationalist, but I swear he will keep you safe while we fix this.”
Unfortunately, Lorenzo can’t fix what my actual worries revolve around, which is my father. But even I can’t confess those secrets to Ara.
