Total pages in book: 31
Estimated words: 28286 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 141(@200wpm)___ 113(@250wpm)___ 94(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 28286 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 141(@200wpm)___ 113(@250wpm)___ 94(@300wpm)
When we arrive at the penthouse, Lorenzo and the other two men disappear while I give her a quick tour, ending in the living room with its panoramic view of the city.
“Can we talk for a minute?” she asks, her tone a little too casual.
“Of course,” I say, leading her over to the large leather sectional facing the windows.
As we sit across from each other, she glances over at me, her eyes wide with incredulity. “Mira, have you lost your mind? Are you seriously dating a mafia boss?” she hiss-whispers.
I take a deep breath, expecting her reaction but still feeling the sting of her words. “Lila, I know how it sounds, but it’s not what you think. Yes, Lorenzo is involved in… complicated business, but he loves me and I love him.”
She looks at me like I’ve grown two heads. “I can’t freaking believe you’re so calm about this. Don’t you see the danger?” she demands, her voice rising slightly. “You’re in New York, living in a penthouse with armed bodyguards. This is not normal!”
“Lila, please,” I say, trying to keep my voice calm. “It’s a lot to take in, I know. But I trust him. He’s shown me a side of life where I feel safe and valued. I fell head over heels in love with him.”
She shakes her head, still trying to process. “Mira, you’re my sister. I want you to be safe and happy. But this… this is so much to take in.”
I reach out, taking her hands in mine. “I am safe and happy. Lorenzo will do anything to keep me that way, and I need you to trust me on this. Please give us a chance to show you.”
She studies me for a long moment, the worry and love in her eyes evident. “I want to trust you, Mira. But what happens if things go wrong?”
“We’ll deal with that if it happens.” I’m not above begging. “But for now, I need to live my life and make my own choices. I choose to be with Lorenzo, and I want you to see how happy I am.”
She sighs, the tension evident in her stiff position. “I’ll try to understand, but it’s going to take time.”
“That’s all I ask.”
When we rejoin the others, Lorenzo looks at me with a question in his eyes and I smile, a silent reassurance that things are okay. As the evening progresses with more conversation, dinner, and laughter, Lila slowly begins relaxing into our world.
Later, as the city lights twinkle outside and the penthouse grows quieter, I find myself alone with Lorenzo. He wraps his arms around me and pulls me close to his warm, muscular body.
“Is everything alright?” he asks, his voice soft. I shiver as his warm breath brushes against my ear.
“It will be,” I reply, leaning into his embrace. “Lila just needs time to adjust.”
“And you?” he asks, leaning back so his dark eyes can search mine.
“I’m exactly where I want to be,” I say, sealing my words with a kiss.
The sunlight filters through the tall windows of the penthouse, casting a warm glow that makes the space feel both luxurious and cozy. Breakfast is a lively affair, the air filled with the sounds of clinking cutlery and easy conversation.
Over the past few days, Lorenzo has been pulling out all the stops to win over Lila, and I have to admit, it’s been working.
“Do you have any plans for today, Lorenzo?” Lila smiles.
Lorenzo’s warm smile reaches his eyes. “As a matter of fact, I do.” He looks at me, his gaze filled with excitement. “I thought we could spend the day at the zoo.”
“The zoo?” Lila and I ask in unison, surprise coloring our voices.
“Yes, the zoo,” he replies, clearly enjoying our astonishment. “I thought it might be a fun change of pace.”
I can’t help but grin at this carefree side of my mafia boss caveman. “That sounds wonderful.”
Lila looks at Lorenzo with a mixture of curiosity and excitement. “Alright, the zoo it is.”
We finish breakfast and get ready for the day, the prospect of an outing filling the air with a sense of anticipation. It’s a little strange how quickly I’ve adjusted to the presence of bodyguards. Renaldo and the others are always nearby, a silent but reassuring presence.
The drive to the Central Park Zoo is smooth. Vito, Lorenzo’s long-time driver, navigates the bustling city streets with expert precision. As we arrive, I notice Lila is nearly vibrating with excitement. There’s something about the zoo that brings out the inner child in everyone.
Lorenzo takes my hand as we enter, the familiar grip a comfort in this slightly surreal scenario. Renaldo and the other bodyguards spread out, maintaining a discreet distance but staying within sight. It’s a little jarring at first, seeing these serious men in suits amidst families and children, but I’m slowly getting used to it.