Page 115 of King of Omen

I must have said my last thought out loud because he tossed his head back and roared with laughter.

I served him with some intense side eye until he calmed down.

‘Lorenzo, mi amore,’ I stated in my most stern voice. ‘I adore you, but you must understand that a man as potent as you are needs a woman who is surrendered to your love. Yet, she still has the power to make her own choices. Unless we find that balance, our relationship will prove difficult.’

Crossing his hands over his broad chest, he studied me for a sustained moment.

With a twist to his lips and an amused glint in his eye, he capitulated. ‘Mia cara, I accept I will not restrict you or your freedom, but I will provide for you,’ he said, his voice softening. ‘Fuck, you can have your work and business; in fact, I’ll invest in it as long as I get to keep you ever by my side, and you remain mine.’

‘Promise?’

‘Sempre. Forever and a day.’

I smiled then, a slow spreading glow on my face.

Although couched in reluctance, his words filled me with warmth and a certainty that I could never forfeit myself in this relationship.

I had no more reason to feel trapped by his passion because Lorenzo supported my dreams, hopes, and even my independence as a business owner.

I was beginning to see that while he was possessive, he wasn’t controlling. He wanted me to himself, but he also desired me to be the best version of myself possible. I sensed he’d let me fly, and with him, I saw the possibilities of the life I desired, unfettered because I’d found someone who understood the importance of that freedom.

That sensation intoxicated me.

‘Perfect,’ I said, leaning into him. My hand snaked around his neck, tugging him into a sweet kiss.

‘I need to leave,’ I told him many minutes later, panting against his lips.

‘I know,’ he rasped, nuzzling into my nape. ‘But don’t think for a moment that I’m going to let you make anything or anyone else but me, your number one. If that ever happens, I’ll lock you up in a castle and throw away the key.’

I gave a soft laugh, resting my head on his shoulder. ‘Lorenzo, you can’t keep me locked up in your mansion forever.’

He pulled back, his eyes sombre and reflective. ‘No, I cannot. That said, bella, these last few days have been like heaven, baby. Promise me you’ll come back soon?’

‘I promise,’ I whispered against his chest, breathing in his scent. ‘I’ll return on nights I’ve not got classes and on the weekends.’

‘Just move in already,’ he growled, rubbing his lips over mine.

I kissed him. ‘Before you know it, my love.’

Perhaps when this roller coaster of emotion, suspense and violence was done and dusted.

I didn’t say it, but the keen look in his eyes told me he sensed my thoughts.

With that, we held each other for an instant, and then, with a deep inhale, he let go of me.

He busied himself by prepping me a plate of food.

We sat, and he sipped his coffee, smoking one of his herb cigarettes while I enjoyed the meal.

We chose silence; all words that needed to be said had been spoken.

The moment was perfect: the sun shining through the window, delicious fare warming my belly, and contentment and longing in my eyes as I gazed at my man.

This whirlwind romance was nothing I’d expected, yet it had become everything I’d ever dreamed of. But now, as I prepared to leave, I couldn’t help but wonder what more we could take.

Wherever we ended up, this relationship wasn’t going to be easy. There would be instances of jealousy and possessiveness and moments when we would fight, but our shared passion was too intense to ignore.

I chose to believe our love would withstand anything and that it would make us both stronger, better versions of ourselves.

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