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“That’s because I’m not.” He scowled, muttering something else under his breath.

“Mhm, then explain to me why you melted faster than the ice cream did when Jack came around.” Winding him up came all too easy. “That was after you knew he was a child.” I laughed, barely holding it in.

“What was I supposed to think? You didn’t exactly make it clear, so I thought?—”

“You thought, what? That I’d bring another man into your house? Thought I’d fuck someone else under your roof?” I scoffed, my anger levels rising.

“No, but?—”

“But nothing.” I cut him off. “You should know by now that if I wanted to fuck someone, I would do it far from here.” I glared, crossing my arms across my chest.

“Don’t repeat that, Ana.” He stepped towards me, closing the distance between us. “No other man will ever have you, will ever call you his, and I’ll make sure that no other man’s name will ever leave those perfect lips.” He gripped my chin between his thumb and forefinger.

“Or what, Lorenzo. What would you do?” I egged him on.

“I’d torture the bastard slowly and painfully before killing him,” he whispered. “All before bringing the bastard back to do it all over again.” A sinister smile played on his lips. “Do you really think I’d ever let a man walk free for looking at what’s mine?” His tone was as impassive as his face was.

“No, I don’t,” I retorted.

“Good girl.” He pulled me into him, his cock pressing against me. “Do I scare you, Ana?”

“No, you don’t scare me,” I whispered. “You should know I don’t scare easily.”

His lips brushed against mine. My breath hitched in my throat as the warmth from his mouth kissed my skin.

“Boss.” Emmet’s thick English accent came from the doorway, shattering our moment. “Sorry to interrupt, but we need to finalise tonight’s shipment. Are you good to go or do you need a minute?”

“He’s good to go. We’re done here.” I slapped Lorenzo’s hands away from me. He groaned, showing me just how pissed off he was.

“Don’t leave the house,” he ordered, already turning back into his usual self.

“I won’t. Anything to please his highness.” I bantered with an eye roll before retreating back outside.

Night had fallenand there was no sign of Lorenzo or any of the guys yet. I was thankful, to be honest. A quiet night to myself was what I needed. I poured myself a glass of pinot noir and curled up on the sofa to enjoy my guilty pleasure,Mamma Mia. A movie I used to watch with my mother.

I drifted off to sleep after a while, waking up to a loud bang on the front door, a full glass of wine, and the rolling credits. A message flashed on my phone as I rubbed my eyes. Chad’s name appeared when I picked it up to check.

Open the door, Ana. I’m outside.

Why the fuck was he here?!

Glancing at the time, I realised it was just after midnight. Surely, whatever he wanted could have waited until morning. I was unaware of how he even got through the gate. Lorenzo had given strict instructions about Chad to everyone on his team.

I made my way to the front door, wearing nothing other than an old pair of sweats and an oversized T-shirt, one I wasn’t even sure was mine. I pulled the door open, coming face-to-face with my childhood friend, who looked nothing like he usually did. His clothes were dishevelled, his dirty blonde locks were a mess, and his bright eyes lacked their usual spark.

“What are you doing here? It’s late,” I snapped, keeping the door ajar.

“Wow, what did I do to deserve that greeting?” He asked.

“It’s just late, that’s all. I wasn’t expecting anyone.”

“I know, and I apologise.” He sighed.

“And what if Lorenzo would have been here?” I asked, looking over his shoulder to check no cars were coming up the drive.

“I just needed to see a friendly face, Ana.”

“What happened?” I questioned, the worry in me taking over as he seemed to carry the weight of the world on his shoulders.