Page 58 of King of Omen

‘Longer than most, yes. But it’s not the years, Mia. It’s the miles we’ve walked side by side,’ I replied, quoting a famous line.

Her eyes searched my face, softening. Her gaze slid over my face, her essence easing into my soul, taking it over.

Fuck her wannabe boyfriend; he’d no chance once I unleashed my love on her.

MIA

I’d resigned myself to my present reality.

Besides, Lorenzo’s mansion I was in was not a bad place to be trapped for a few days.

It was luxurious, with every amenity imaginable, including a second underground lap pool, heated spa and jacuzzi room and a well-equipped gym.

I made several phone calls to reschedule my business appointments and shift my classes to virtual. I spoke to Linda and Sadie to reassure them I was alright. I gave them a vague excuse that I was with a friend for a while, so they needn’t send cops after me.

I also used Lorenzo’s credit card to order what we needed in the house.

I’d had one change of clothes in my bag, and requiring more, I indulged in a girly moment, picking out outfits from my favourite online store.

The groceries arrived first, and I tossed together a quick, vibrant Moroccan salad loaded with caramelised roasted veggies, charred haloumi, crispy chickpeas, zingy pickled onions and a creamy tahini dressing.

I served it with crusty herb bread, and I realised I’d hit the mother load when my two companions dived into the guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

We sat at the kitchen table, looking out at a rare, overcast, rainy day in Manly.

Beyond the mansion was the beach and the sea, grey with the promise of even more rain.

Inside the house, however, a recovering Mauri and I bantered and a sense of blessed peace amid the storm.

Lorenzo leaned back from his plate, enjoying our wordplay with a slight smile, crossed hands over his broad chest.

‘The food was perfect, Mia,’ he rasped, his eyes heated as he spoke. ‘What else did you get up to today?’ he drawled.

‘Some retail therapy.

My laptop was open on the counter, and his eyes flicked to it, as did the visual evidence of my online buying spree.

‘You sure know how to make the most of being cooped up in a luxurious mansion,’ Mauri quipped, his voice laced with amusement.

I shrugged.

‘We have to keep the economy going,’ Lorenzo rasped. ‘Plus, Mia needed some killer outfits to match her lethal instincts. She was magnificent last night.’

‘Indeed, padrone,’ Mauri echoed.

My cheeks flushed at the compliment, blushing with surprise and gratitude. ‘You didn’t have to say it, but thank you,’ I murmured.

‘Oh, it’s my pleasure,’ Lorenzo replied. ‘Besides, what’s a little retail therapy amongst two body baggers?’

Mauri chuckled under his breath, shaking his head in mock exasperation. ‘You two are something else.’

Our laughter resonated, ludicrous in light of the ridiculous situation we’d found ourselves in.

‘Speaking of,’ I asked, ‘is there anything further on who might have leaked your house purchase?’

Lorenzo and Mauri exchanged glances.

‘Mr Jones did some digging at our insistent behest, and we believe one of his junior lawyers was pressed into sharing the information.’

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