Page 121 of King of Omen

‘Let’s get those losers in here. They can help. Vitto and Mauri can give us some guidance on how to proceed. Is that OK, bella?’

I took a deep breath. ‘Fine by me, but baby, when will this shit ever end?’

‘Soon. We got the news that the Ricco Abrazzio is out of the picture. The problem is that Carlo is still on the loose and het up with ire because his brother is morto. We can’t be certain he hasn’t tried sending more goons after us; we must be careful and patient. Bene, bella?’

Lorenzo leaned in and gave me a soft, searching kiss before he pulled back and prowled to his sliding doors leading to the deck.

He opened them, calling out as he did. ‘Brothers.’

Mauri, Vitto and Alessio filed back in.

‘We’ve got a situation.’

While I sat still on the counter, gazing down at my hands on my lap as Lorenzo apprised the trio of my predicament.

From time to time, Alessio’s eyes flicked to me, and when I met them once, I found zero pity in them as I’d feared.

Instead, a slight smile played on his lips and the same calmness and vibe Lorenzo gave off sans judgment, which relaxed me.

‘Sounds like we need you somewhere safe until we install a complete security setup for you.’

I shook my head, confused at Vitto’s words. ‘What does that mean?’

‘Babe, he means we have to install surveillance cameras at your place,’ Lorenzo clarified.

‘He does?’

Vitto nodded. ‘I do. The full works: two-way optical zoom cameras, infrared LEDs and spotlights, door locks with built-in locking automation, a back-to-base monitoring system, and smartphone integration.’

I blinked, absorbing his words. ‘All of it?’

‘It’s essential to maintain an eye on you. It’s standard for all Calibrese family homes,’ Vitto muttered. ‘We’ll need permission from your real estate agency and housemate, but it needs to be done.’

Although the youngest Calibrese didn’t smile, his eyes held a warm glint, indicating a kind heart beneath his hardy, lean and menacing appearance.

‘I assume I can’t sleep in my apartment until you’re done?’

Vitto nodded.

Lorenzo took over. ‘You can return to pack a bag, but if these fuckers have eyes on your apartment, we must keep you away till Vitto and the team have secured it.’

My mind raced. ‘How long will it take?’

‘One week max.’

I sighed, vacillating between wanting to be with Lorenzo and my independence. ‘Where will I stay tonight?’

Lorenzo huffed, shaking his head. ‘Here, by my side, baby. I need you close.’

I cocked my head at his gruff unyielding tone. ‘Is that right?’

‘Absolutely.’

‘I have a change of clothes and my laptop in the van,’ I ventured, having learnt from the past.

Lorenzo jerked his chin at me. ‘Mauri can take you to grab them, bella, then you’re with me.’

We spent the next few hours having the best time.

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