Chapter 5 I stirred awake , my head pounding , Soft sheets rustled beneath me as I shifted on what felt like clouds . My eyes fluttered open to an unfamiliar ceiling , taking in the ornate crown molding and crystal chandelier . A warm touch on my cheek made me freeze . My gaze darted to the side , landing on Lorenzos face inches from mine . He sat in a leather armchair pulled up to the massive bed , his hand gentle against my skin . Terror shot through me . I scrambled back , hitting the carved headboard . What did you do to me ? My voice cracked as memories of the bar flooded back . The men , the gunshots , Lorenzo appearing like an avenging angel . Then … nothing . Did you … take advantage ? A deep chuckle rumbled from his chest . Really , piccola ? You think so little of me ? He reached for something on the side table . Id never hurt you that way . You fainted at the bar combination of shock and too much wine , Id guess . He lifted an elegant coffee cup from a silver tray . Steam curled from the dark liquid inside . You look like you need this more than I do . My hands shook as I took the cup , inhaling the rich aroma . The familiar scent helped ground me , easing some of the panic . I studied Lorenzo over the rim his crisp white shirt rolled up to his elbows , dark stubble shadowing his jaw , green eyes watching me intently . Youre safe here , he said softly . No one can hurt you in my home . I clutched the coffee cup tighter , my knuckles turning white . Who are you actually ? His lips curved into a cryptic smile . Your savior , piccola . The word triggered a flood of memories from last night . My chest constricted as images flashed through my mind Dominics sneering face as he bragged about orchestrating my parents accident . The way Camilla had wrapped her arms around his waist , flashing her diamond ring while cradling her slightly rounded belly . Their laughter echoing off the marble floors of what was supposed to be my home . Tears spilled down my cheeks . The coffee cup slipped from my trembling hands , but Lorenzo caught it before it could spill . He set it aside and pulled me into his arms . Chapter 5 11:49 Sun , 2 Mar 96 % Shh , its okay . His voice was gentle , but his body was rigid with tension . Youre safe now . I pressed my face into his chest , inhaling his scent of sandalwood and spice . They killed them . My parents … all this time I thought it was an accident . My voice broke . And now theyre having a baby while standing on my parents graves . Lorenzos arms tightened around me . Though his touch remained careful , I felt the rage radiating off him in waves . When I looked up , his green eyes had turned to steel , promising retribution . But his fingers were impossibly tender as they brushed away my tears . No one will ever hurt you again , he murmured against my hair . I give you my word . Why would you say that to me ? I pulled back from his embrace , searching his face . How can you protect me ? You dont even know what theyre capable of . Lorenzos expression softened , a gentle smile playing at his lips . Im not the same Lorenzo you dated six years ago , piccola . Thats all . My breath caught . The memory of our college romance flooded back stolen kisses between classes , late night study sessions that turned into something more , the way his eyes used to light up when I walked into a room . Until Id ended it , claiming the distance between our lives was too much . Then why ? I whispered , my voice barely audible . Why would you protect someone who left you over something as trivial as distance ? He reached out , tucking a strand of hair behind my ear . His touch lingered , sending electricity through my skin . That familiar smile the one that had haunted my dreams for years curved his lips again . Because I love you , he said simply . I still do . My heart stuttered in my chest . The words hung in the air between us , heavy with six years of unspoken feelings . I remembered the last time Id heard those words from him , on that rainy day when Id walked away . Hed said them then too , but Id been too young , too scared to understand what I was giving up . Heat bloomed in my cheeks as my pulse raced . Shut up , you dont . I pulled away from his touch , my heart aching . Lorenzo caught my hand before I could retreat further His fingers , Pregnant and Running Book to Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!