Page 57 of Unrelenting
I was ready to walk away and never speak to him again, but somehow my attraction to Lorenzo outweighs the negative feelings I have about him.
I guess this is how things will be if I allow our relationship to develop. There are parts of him I’ll love and others I’ll just have to accept.
“Olivia’s dress suits you,” Lorenzo says as he joins me on the terrace, cup of coffee in one hand and a plate of croissants in the other.
“It’s not my usual style.”
When he said Olivia left some clothes here, I thought there might be some yoga pants or jeans, something simple. But this is probably the most expensive garment I’ve ever worn.
Fitting at the waist and flaring out over my hips, the dress is beautifully constructed from the finest silk.
Olivia Volante is a couple of inches taller than me, so the dress is longer on me than it’s meant to be. Her feet, however, are the same size as mine, which means I get to wear the fabulous black leather pumps Lorenzo found in the guest room Olivia used. I can’t believe she left such exquisite, expensive clothing behind.
“Well, you look beautiful in it.” He takes the seat to my left, stretching his long legs out in front of him.
“She was at the restaurant the other night.” Was it two or three nights ago? I’ve lost track of time. “She was with Signore Reznov.”
According to Angelina, who waited on them, they had an argument and Olivia stormed out.
“Yes, they’re getting married in a few days.”
“Oh, I didn’t realize they were a couple.”
Lorenzo shrugs, clearly not interested in discussing his cousin’s romantic entanglements. He grabs a croissant and takes a bite, scattering crumbs everywhere.
“Tell me about this lawyer who came to see you. Who was he?”
“He said his name was Pietro…” Or was it Paolo? “Pietro Bianchi, I think.”
Lorenzo’s expression suggests he’s never heard of the man. “What did he say to you?”
“That he worked for the man who’s opening the restaurant next door. He said his client is prepared to buy Gianetta’s because doesn’t want the competition.”
“Then why didn’t he choose another location?”
I help myself to a croissant. “That’s what I said to him.”
“Good girl.” Lorenzo gives me an approving smile.
“He offered me five thousand for the restaurant.”
“What?” Lorenzo splutters. “I was prepared to offer more than market value.”
“Yes, well, he said his client was deducting payment for his services over the years. Apparently he’s been protecting the business free of charge and now he’s decided he wants to be paid.”
“Protection?” Lorenzo knows better than I do that this points to Mafia involvement.
“He said his client had allowed me to operate outside the rules. He also said I should take the offer or face the consequences.”
Lorenzo curses under his breath. He reaches over and takes my hand, looking deep into my eyes as he makes his vow.
“I will find the person behind this, Lucia. I will ensure they never bother you again.”
“I don’t want violence, Lorenzo.” Though he didn’t specifically mention hurting anyone I know that’s what he meant. “Not on my behalf.”
“Lucia.” He looks at me as if I’m being completely naïve.
I shake my head. “No, I mean it. I know violence is a part of your world, but I want nothing to do with it. If you can’t keep that side of your life away from me, then we need to end this now.”
