Page 24 of Forbidden (Wicked Billionaires #1)

LORENZO

We sit in silence in my Bentley, and my loyal driver Alfred must sense we’re distracted. He has been with me for years, and he is wise enough to not say anything. We drive the entire way, and not a word is said.

Meanwhile, I run through a dozen scenarios that may play out.

Whatever happens, she and he, must not leave together

I think about the restaurant layout, and I know it only has twenty-two tables. I booked two tables down the back, but not right next to each other. It is not the type of place I’d bring a date to, but it is what it is.

Finally, we pull up, and we pause before we exit. We agreed Storm will enter first, and five minutes later, I will follow, and sit with my date.

As Storm climbs out, I lose it and reach for her hand. “Be careful.”

Her eyes find mine, and she looks nervous, or is it sad? She squeezes my hand softly. “You too.”

She leans quickly in, and she kisses my cheek. Inhaling, she heads off, and I check my Rolex.

Once inside, my slack date arrives twelve minutes late. I’m already in a bad mood, I was close to calling it off.

Meanwhile, the clown with Storm is playing with fire. He is even making her laugh.

I listen to them, and my teeth compress. I inhale, and I think of a suspect Italian I know called Tony. It would be hard for the clown to charm Storm without a head.

Rather hard indeed.

My shallow date tries to make our night fun, adding to the chaos. I am bored with her already, and I am distracted with Storm.

Finally, it looks like the clown has started to bore Storm, and my jaw relaxes some.

Storm and I do our best to avoid eye contact, but as I watch clown’s hands and eyes, I notice Storm watching my own date almost as much.

As Storm wipes her mouth halfway through her main, she excuses herself, and she heads to the bathroom.

I follow her a minute later, and we meet inside.

After I lock the door behind me, we stand in the bathroom, alone. I give zero Fs. Any problems, I’ll buy the place on the spot.

Storm crosses her arms, and they again cover her perfect breasts. I watch her closely, and I’m not happy.

“So, any pointers, even if you can’t hear us?” she asks.

I’m unsure what to say, but I have to say something. “You are doing well, but I’m sure he has something, for the woman I’m with.” It is a long shot, but I am far from my best.

“Really,” Storm asks raising a brow.

“A hundred percent,” I say as cold as ice.

“What? Did he try and get in her pants?”

“Not yet, but I think I recognize him from some herpes website too!” Storm laughs loud, and she hits me playfully. I calm some, and I lighten. I did however mean it .

“We should go home,” I say, wanting us out of here and fast.

“What, climb out the window?”

I shrug, anything will do.

“And what about your date. Miss Russia or Miss Universe?”

“We leave her for him. She’s not my type.”

We both sigh, and Storm checks her watch. “I’m not feeling anything,” she says. “But I might, you know… ”

“No!” I say. There is no way he is getting in her pants. Not now. Not ever. “Look, he won’t fuck you with those panties on.”

Storm puts her hands on her hips. “Really. So, you set me up?”

“Maybe.”

“Then I’ll take them off, right now.”

“No way, you keep those on. Herpes guy, whatever, is not going to fuck you!”

Storm and I stare each other out, and she steps closer.

“Why not?” My chest tightens, and I do not like where this is going. “Why not?”

I look at her, and she finally sighs before shaking her head and leaving. She wanted me to say it.

To say, she is mine!

The rest of the dinner goes without drama, but I notice clown whatever, and even my date, turning the energy up. I listen closely to the prick more than the Russian model, and he is trying to convince Storm he has the perfect life.

Meanwhile, the Russian talks about catwalk shows in Milan, Rome and Paris. Also, the fact that she’s never been fucked like she was with me.

Thank God, Storm and I are not having sex. The poor girl’s body would be worked over, and she’d be corrupted for life.

Finally, Romeo asks for their check, and I do the same, fast.

As Romeo walks Storm outside, he kisses her on the cheek. “Come on,” I say to the Russian, almost pushing my date out the door.

Outside, Storm stands on the pavement. Romeo is now turning and walking away backwards, as he gives her a fun farewell.

I hail a cab, and quickly turn to my date. “Thanks I’ll call some time.” The cab pulls over, and I shove the model in. Her Botox filled lips are wide in confusion, as it pulls away, fast.

“Thank God that’s over,” I say with a sigh. Storm watches me closely, and we shake our heads at the madness. “Walk home?” I ask, as I hold my arm out.

Storm links hers in mine, and we head off together. Perfect. I message Alfred, to say we are walking, and we stroll happily in the cool night.

We haven’t travelled far, when Storm sighs, and leans her head on my shoulder. “It’s disappointing when there’s no magic, huh?” Without realizing I’ve done it, I put my arm around her, and I kiss her head.

As we walk home, talking, laughing, and being us again, I start to worry about someone I’m starting to really care about.

I’ve never felt this way before, and it’s alarming.

It is not my usual craving to claim, craving to mark, and craving to fuck. It’s not even infatuation. It is a wanting to protect her.

To look after her, and to keep her safe.

To also, keep her as mine.

The wrong man will not just damage Storm, he would mess up, both her heart and her mind.

Storm is now a stunning young woman, but also a rare one. One with a pure, sweet, small-town heart, but with looks that belong on a catwalk, or throne.

She is not some experienced city type, who has had every line used on her, and who has been through years and years of dating. She could easily be manipulated with words, and she could easily be broken.

Unless, she is protected.

Her unique combination of beauty and innocence, makes her an extremely rare find. Like the perfect diamond, or perfect soul.

I didn’t do much at all, to make her who she wanted to become. I only helped her with ideas, after she asked.

She did all the hard work, and she chose her hobbies. Hobbies she is enjoying. The crazy thing is this, and it is now as clear as day to me.

Why should someone else have Storm?

And why should someone else make Storm theirs? What about me, and my needs?