Chapter 18 His touch ignited every nerve ending , making me forget everything but this moment . Lorenzos hands and lips explored my body with a reverence that brought tears to my eyes . When we finally came together , the world disappeared . There was only him , only us , only this perfect connection that made me feel whole again . Later , wrapped in plush robes , we sat at the ornate dining table . Candlelight danced across the crystal glasses while Lorenzo poured deep red wine into my glass . You need to eat more , Lorenzo said , adding another spoonful to my plate . Youre still too thin . I took a bite , savoring the flavors . This is incredible . His hand found mine across the table . I want- The dining room door burst open . A guard rushed in , his face flushed with urgency . He gave a quick bow to Lorenzo . Sir , I apologize for the interruption , but weve received word . All five families are calling for a Gala . Lorenzos jaw tightened . When ? Three days from now . Theyre proposing neutral ground at the Venice Plaza Hotel . Theyre saying its to discuss terms for a coalition . A coalition against me , you mean . Lorenzos voice turned to ice . His fingers tightened around mine . Whos leading this ? The Rossi family seems to be the main orchestrator , but theyve all signed the proposal . Lorenzos thumb traced circles on my hand , the gentle motion at odds with the dangerous glint in his eyes . Very well . Tell them I accept . The guard nodded and hurried out . I looked at Lorenzo , my heart racing . Is this a trap ? Most likely . He lifted my hand to his lips . But sometimes you need to walk into the lions den to show them who the real predator is . Chapter 18 11:56 Sun , 2 Mar I curled into Lorenzos warmth , my head resting on his chest as we lay in his massive bed . The silk sheets whispered against my skin with each breath . My phone buzzed on the nightstand . I reached for it , and my stomach dropped . Camillas name lit up the screen . How does it feel being a mafia lords new whore ? At least when you were with Dom you had some class . Lorenzos arm tightened around me . Ignore her . Another message popped up . Then a voice note . My finger trembled as I pressed play . Hey Val , Camillas saccharine voice dripped poison . Dom and I were just talking about you . Having such a good laugh imagining you thinking this gangsters going to save you . Dominics voice cut in . You really think hiding behind II Fantasma will protect you ? Youre more pathetic than I thought . Lorenzos chest rumbled with dark laughter . They sound desperate . He kissed my temple . Block them , cara . They dont deserve another second of your attention . I sat up , anger replacing fear . My fingers flew across the screen as I typed : The only pathetic ones are you two , playing these sad little games . Im done being your punching bag . Dont contact me again . With trembling fingers , I blocked both their numbers . Lorenzo pulled me back into his arms . Thats my brave girl . His lips brushed my ear . See how easy that was ? I nodded , burying my face in his neck . The knot in my chest loosened for the first time in months . They cant hurt me anymore . No , they cant . His hand stroked down my back . And they never will again . I wanted to believe his words , but I knew that something big was about to go down , something big and wrong . The three days passed in a blur of preparations and stolen moments with Lorenzo . Now , our car pulled up to the Venice Plaza Hotel , joining a line of luxury vehicles that would make any car show jealous . Lamborghinis , Ferraris , and Rolls Royces gleamed under the evening lights . 95 Lorenzos hand squeezed mine as our driver opened the door . I stepped out in my emerald silk gown , the fabric catching the golden glow from the hotels grand entrance . Lorenzo followed , cutting an imposing figure in his black tuxedo . The crowd at the entrance parted like the Red Sea . Whispers rippled through the gathering of Italys most dangerous families . I caught fragments of conversations dying mid sentence as we passed . Il Fantasma … … Constantine himself … … his new woman … Lorenzos hand rested possessively on my lower back as we ascended the marble steps . His face was a mask of cool indifference , but I felt the subtle tension in his touch . The hotels ballroom took my breath away crystal chandeliers dripped ceilings . But I barely registered the opulence . Every eye in the room tracked our from coffered movement . Men in expensive suits stiffened , their hands instinctively moving closer to where I knew they carried weapons . Women in designer gowns clutched their champagne glasses tighter , their painted smiles frozen in place . Keep your head high , cara , Lorenzo murmured against my ear . Let them look . Let them see exactly who you are . Lorenzos words steadied me as we moved through the crowd . The whispers continued , but they no longer made me flinch . The crowd shifted , creating space around them .. Constantine . Antonios voice carried across the marble floor . What an honor to have you grace us with your presence . Lorenzos hand tightened on my waist . I trust you had good reason to call this gathering . Antonios dark eyes flickered to me , lingering longer than comfortable . Ah , you look lovely Valentina Salvatore . Your reputation precedes you , my dear . My blood ran cold . The way he said my name like he knew things about me , secrets that should have stayed buried . His smile widened as he extended his hand . Welcome to my little soirée . I believe we have much to discuss . Chapter 18 Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!