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“Can I come in?” he asked. The worry I felt switched to unease.

“I don’t think that’s a good idea, Chad. No one’s home.” That wasn’t a lie. I was alone, and even though Lorenzo was a complete dick, I knew he wouldn’t appreciate Chad being with me in his home or anyone else for that matter.

“So, what? You can’t have friends over now?” He tutted, rolling his eyes with a hint of sarcasm.

“Of course I can, but you two don’t see eye-to-eye, and I don’t think he’d appreciate?—”

“Since when are you bothered about what he’d appreciate?” He cut me off mid-sentence and slammed his flattened palm against the door.

“Since I have to live with the man.” I defended him—to an extent.

“I’ve had a shit day with your father. I’m sorry.” He apologised, backing up slightly.

“That doesn’t mean you can take whatever happened out on me, so you will stand there and calm down,”

“I’m calm, Ana, but your father has hired another man to work alongside me,” he seethed. “Does he not think I’m capable of doing my job?!” He ran his fingers through his hair before fisting them at his sides.

“Do you honestly think I have a say in anything that man does? Look at what he did to me, Chad!” I sighed. “Look, he’s a heavily targeted man, and if he requires more protection, thenthat’s his decision.” I rubbed at my temple, getting tired of this conversation.

“I get that, I do, but?—”

“But nothing. He took you in when you had nobody else. He gave you the clothes on your back, he feeds you, and pays you a hefty sum. If you don’t like that, then you know what to do.” I’d had enough. I was irritated, and ready to go to bed.

“Ana, please. The house isn’t the same since you left. I miss you.” His eyes glistened with tears, and I felt a stab of guilt in my gut. He reached for me, but I stepped back slightly. Something I had never done before, but tonight, it felt different.

“Well, sometimes things change and that’s what happened to me.” I said. “Listen, Chad, no disrespect, but I think you need to leave.”

“Really? You want me to leave?” He seemed taken aback, but I no longer had the patience.

“Yes, I do. Listen, you’re my friend and you have been for many years, but you’re only here to talk about what happened with my father. You know I don’t involve myself in his business. I was never fucking allowed, and after what he did to me recently, I don’t give a fuck about who he hires and fires.”

“You’re right, I shouldn’t have come over here to complain.” He smiled half heartedly. “We’ll catch up soon, right?” he asked with a glimmer of hope in his eyes.

“Yeah, soon,” I whispered, unsure of how true that was. “Remember, though, tomorrow is a new day and my father sees you as family. No new team members are going to change that.”

“Yeah, I know. Goodnight.” He waved softly before heading to his car. I closed the door behind him.

Finally time for bed.

I made it halfway up the stairs when the door almost swung off its hinges. I didn’t need to turn around to know it wasLorenzo. I could hear his expensive shoes clicking across the marble as he stormed towards me.

“What was he doing here?” he asked, his tone demanding as usual.

I kept my back to him, not wanting to turn around. I didn’t need to.

“Good evening, dear husband,” I teased, playing with fire.

“Don’t get smart with me. Why was he here?” His voice rumbled through me.

“How did you know he was here?”

“It doesn’t matter how I knew. Now, answer my question,” he demanded as he took two stairs at a time to get to me.

“He came for some advice from a friend, that’s all.” I let out a slow and steady breath. “Because despite what you want, that’s what I am—his friend.”

“I don’t want him in my house, especially when you’re dressed in my clothes!” He grabbed the hem of the T-shirt between his fingers, yanking it to make his point clear.

“Grow up!” I seethed. “Firstly, I didn’t know this was your T-shirt, and secondly, he didn’t come inside! I didn’t allow him to!” I snapped, not in the mood for his shit anymore.