Chapter 12 I stared into Lorenzos intense gaze , my mind racing with everything Id witnessed . The weight of his question hung heavy in the air between us . I … My voice trailed off . I took a deep breath , steadying myself . I need time to process this , Lorenzo . What happened down there it didnt disturb me the way it probably should have . Those men deserved what they got . If this is how you deal with monsters who prey on innocent women , I cant fault you for it . His grip on my waist loosened slightly , but his eyes never left mine . But this life … I gestured to the cold concrete walls around us . It scares me . Not because of what you do , but because of what it means for us . Before I could finish my thought , Lorenzos hand moved in a blur . The metallic click of a gun being cocked echoed through the corridor . My heart stopped as I watched him press the barrel against his own temple . Lorenzo , what are you- Listen to me carefully , cara mia . His voice was steel wrapped in silk . If anyone ever hurts you again if a single tear falls from your eyes because someone dared to cause you pain I will destroy them . And if I fail to protect you … He pressed the gun harder against his head . If I fail you like that bastard Dominic did , I wont hesitate to pull this trigger . My hands shook as I reached for his face . Lorenzo , please … This isnt a threat or a promise , Valentina . This is who I am . Your protection , your happiness theyre worth more than my life . I need you to understand that . A tear rolled down my cheek as I cupped his face in my trembling hands . I understand , Lorenzo . But please , put the gun down . If you ever did that killed yourself because you couldnt protect me that guilt would destroy me more than anything anyone else could ever do . His expression softened , and a small smile played at the corners of his mouth as he lowered the weapon . I threw my arms around him , burying my face in his chest . His heartbeat thundered against my ear , strong and steady . He tilted my chin up and captured my lips in a searing kiss that made my knees weak . Before I could catch my breath , he swept me into his arms . Lorenzo ! I yelped as he strode back into the mall , carrying me like I Chapter 12 1:53 Sun , 2 Mar weighed nothing . 95 % Shoppers stopped to stare , some whispering behind their hands , others openly gaping at us . Everyones looking , I whispered , heat creeping up my neck . Let them look . He smirked . Theyre just jealous Im holding the most beautiful woman in this world . Youre impossible . I hid my face against his shoulder . Impossibly charming ? Impossibly arrogant . He chuckled , the sound rumbling through his chest as we reached the escalator . You love it . Im perfectly capable of walking , I protested as we reached the top floor . But wheres the fun in that ? He finally set me down , keeping one arm wrapped around my waist . I gazed down at the bustling mall below us , watching people move like colorful dots across the polished floors . Lorenzos arm tightened around my waist as he pulled me closer to the railing . This is all yours now . What ? I turned to face him , confused by his words . His lips curved into that dangerous smile Id come to know so well . Every shop , every floor , every inch of this Mall belongs to you . What ? The word came out as a shocked whisper this time . My hands gripped the glass railing for support as I stared at him in disbelief . The largest shopping center in the country its yours , cara mia . His fingers traced my jawline . I signed the papers this morning . Consider it an early wedding gift . I looked back at the sprawling complex below six floors of luxury boutiques , restaurants , and entertainment venues . The sheer scale of it made my head spin . The same mall where I used to window shop , dreaming of things I could never afford , was now … mine ? Lorenzo , this is … My voice trailed off as I struggled to find words . Just the beginning . He pressed a kiss to my temple . I told you everything I have is yours . Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!