Chapter 9 My stomach lurched . The phone slipped from my trembling fingers , but Lorenzo caught it before it hit the ground . His jaw clenched as he glimpsed the screen . Pack your bags . Lorenzos voice cut through the silence , sharp and cold as a blade . His eyes never left my phone screen , knuckles white from his grip . He crossed the path in two swift strides and slammed his foot against the heavy oak door . It burst open with a thunderous crack that made me flinch . Splinters of wood scattered across the marble floor . The image on my phone burned in my mind . My chest constricted . I pressed my palm against the wall to steady myself as hot tears blurred my vision . Then Lorenzo was there , his arms wrapping around me . Before I could process what was happening , his lips crashed into mine . The kiss was fierce , possessive , filled with a rage that somehow steadied my trembling body . He broke away , cupping my face in his hands . Its fine . Im here for you now . His thumb brushed away a tear from my cheek . Fuck all of them . The raw intensity in his voice made my breath catch . Lorenzo … I started , but the words died in my throat . A sudden clarity washed over me . What was I doing ? Crying over Dominic and that snake Camilla it went against everything Id promised myself . Id sworn to make them suffer , to watch their perfect little world crumble . Tears wouldnt accomplish that . I straightened my spine and wiped my face with the back of my hand . The broken door hung off its hinges , but I stepped through it . My heels clicked against the marble floor , each step feeling more confident than the last . The ghost of Lorenzos kiss still burned on my lips . I touched them , remembering the fierce possession in that moment . A small smile tugged at the corners of my mouth . It had felt … right . Like a match striking in the darkness . I headed upstairs to my room , pulling out my largest suitcase . Into it went everything I couldnt bear to leave behind . When I descended the stairs with my bags , I froze . Lorenzo stood in the foyer , his broad shoulders tense , holding what appeared to be a grenade in his Chapter 9 2/3 28 9 11:51 Sun , 2 Mar སཾ ཊཱི 95 % right hand . My eyes widened at the sight . What are you- The words caught in my throat as I stared at the explosive device . Just leaving a little warning . Lorenzos lips curved into a dark smile . He tucked the grenade into his jacket pocket and grabbed my bags with his free hand , muscles flexing as he carried them to the waiting car . The trunk clicked open and he arranged my belongings inside with precise movements . My heart hammered against my ribs as I watched him work . This man , this dangerous , beautiful man whod turned my world upside down in the span of a day . Before I could process what was happening , Lorenzo strode back to me . His arm snaked around my waist and he lifted me effortlessly until my face was level with his . My breath caught at our sudden proximity , at the heat radiating from his body . Let them see what happens when they hurt whats mine . His voice dropped low , sending shivers down my spine . His eyes locked with mine , filled with possessive intensity . Because thats what you are now , Valentina . Mine to protect . Mine to cherish . Mine to avenge . Before I could respond , Lorenzo pulled the grenade from his pocket . With deadly precision , he yanked the pin and hurled it through the broken doorway . He turned and carried me toward the car , my body still pressed against his chest . His words echoed in my mind . Mine to protect . Mine to cherish . Mine to avenge . Heat coursed through my veins , awakening something Id buried deep inside years ago . That familiar spark , the one Id felt the first time Id met him . The electricity that had made my skin tingle whenever he was near . Six years of suppressed feelings crashed over me like a tidal wave . I wrapped my arms around his neck , fingers threading through his dark hair . His eyes locked with mine , filled with a hunger that matched the inferno building inside me . Our lips crashed together in a fierce kiss . His grip tightened , pulling me closer as the explosion rocked the ground beneath us . The blast lit up the night sky , casting orange shadows across his face . Glass shattered . Wood splintered . The heat of the flames warmed my body , but I barely noticed . Chapter 0 11:51 Sun , 2 Mar Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!