Chapter 14
I arrive at Lorenzo's office with Sofia. Yná is already there with Carla, and Sara walks in shortly after. Lorenzo addresses us.
“Everyone, sit down. This conversation is going to be a bit complicated.”
Yná looks at Lorenzo, startled.
“Son, don't make me nervous.”
“Calm down, Yná. Everything's under control. I just need you all to cooperate with the organization.”
I press my lips together and admit I'm getting nervous. I'm no criminal, I'm not agile, and on top of that, I'd give my life for Sofia.
Is there going to be a mafia war where we'll have to fight? The thought makes me want to laugh—me with a gun in my hand, trying to kill someone. What a joke.
I shake my head to push that thought away. I need to pay attention to what's about to be said—it sounds serious.
Lorenzo takes a deep breath, runs his hands through his hair and beard. He looks so sexy when he does that.
“Well, we're being watched by some enemies, and we found out they want you—Lola, Sara, and Sofia.”
I look at him, startled, and Sofia squeezes my hand hard.
“But why Sofia and me? Sara is your sister, so that makes sense, but the two of us?” I ask.
“Some enemies see our weaknesses faster than we see them ourselves, Lola.” Lorenzo holds my gaze.
“And what about Carla and me? Where do we fit in?” Yná asks.
“Well, I've been talking with the organization, and we've decided to split you up. That's where I need you, Yná.” Lorenzo places a hand on Yná's shoulder. “Would you have any problem with your daughter going to work for Giovani? He said he needs a housekeeper, and Sofia would go there too.”
“No, I don't object. Is that okay with you, daughter?” The housekeeper looks at Carla.
“Yes, Mom,” she replies.
“You, Sara, will go to Marco's house. But there's something else—Marco wants to pretend to his grandfather that you two are engaged. Is that okay, or do you object? It would help him out with something too.”
Sara smiles, and I can already tell she has a crush on Marco.
“I'm fine with it.”
“And you, Lola, are coming with me to a house I have in a remote spot, on a fishing island. It's a nice, discreet place.” He looks at me like he's peering into my soul.
I just nod, because the mere thought of Lorenzo and me alone in a house makes my chest flutter and fills me with nervous anticipation.
“And lastly, Yná, you'll stay here at the mansion with the security guards. If anything happens, you already know what to do.” Lorenzo turns to the housekeeper.
“Yes. Secret room,” she replies.
“That's right.” He nods. “Is everyone okay with this?”
“Yes,” we answer in unison.
By the end of the day, Sara has already left with Marco for his house.
The next day, Sofia and Carla go with Giovani.
And on the third day, Lorenzo and I head to his house.
The trip is kind of long. I stay quiet the whole way, and halfway there, we stop at a restaurant.
“Stay here in the car, Lola, so we don't draw attention. I'll go get us something to eat.”
“Okay.”
Lorenzo gets out, and I watch him. He's a handsome man—big, strong, and he smells amazing. An unforgettable scent. It must be one of those really expensive imported colognes.
I glance around the car, open the glove compartment, and freeze—there's a gun inside. My heart races at the sight of it. I know he has guns, but I've never seen one this close.
I reach out slowly and pick it up. It's heavy. I quickly put it back where it was.
I close the glove compartment and feel myself trembling. I'm terrified of these things. And by some twist of fate, look where I've ended up.
I check my phone and read Sofia's message.
“Lola, this place is like a dream. Lorenzo's brother is hot and I think he likes Carla.”
I smile to myself. Sofia and her matchmaking—she wants to pair everyone up.
“That's great, my love. Remember that I love you so much.”
She sends me a heart emoji. Lorenzo comes back to the car with two packages, gets in, and looks at me.
“What's behind that beautiful smile?”
“Sofia told me it's like a dream there and that she thinks Giovani likes Carla.”
Lorenzo smiles too—something I rarely see.
“You know, I had the same impression when he met her.”
“Sofi has this thing about playing matchmaker in that little head of hers.” I slip my phone into my pocket.
“Really?” He sets the packages on my lap.
“Yes.”
“We'll stop up ahead to eat, okay?” He starts the car.
“Okay.”
He pulls over up ahead on the road and smiles.
“I think this is a great spot for us to eat.”
I open the paper bag and find a delicious sandwich inside along with a canned juice. I take a bite and watch Lorenzo do the same.
It's so funny. I smile and tease him.
“I never imagined seeing you like this, eating a sandwich on some empty road.”
He looks ahead as if thinking for a moment, then says:
“You know, I never imagined this either.” He turns to me.
“This is really good.” I take another bite of my sandwich.
“It really is. I'm going to eat more of these.”
We finish eating and continue on. At some point, he parks the car in a restricted lot, and we board a boat.
The trip across the water is quick—less than five minutes—and we disembark on the island.
Someone takes our suitcases and loads them onto a small cart, and we walk while he shows me around.
“This is Pedra Salgada Island. There are some fishermen who live here, a restaurant, a few little bars,” he says, introducing me to the place.
“It's so beautiful here.” I'm amazed.
“Wait until we get to the house—it's in the middle of the woods.”
“Hidden?” I look at him.
“I wouldn't say hidden—more like discreet. You'll understand when we get there.” He takes my hand. “Let's walk so you can see the path.”
We walk for a few minutes. I feel a shiver having this man hold my hand. There's a paved path that winds into the woods. We head uphill, and when we reach a gate, he opens it.
We walk a little farther and arrive at the house. It's not big, but it's beautiful. The walls are made of glass—from outside, you can't see in, as if it were tinted.
He opens the door with his fingerprint and we go inside. When I look out, I can see everything clearly. It's unusual, but I have to admit I don't really like it.
We're standing in a small kitchen.
“Look, feel free to explore the house, but I'm sorry to tell you there's only one bedroom and one bed,” Lorenzo says.
I look at a door—it's the bedroom. The room is bigger in there, with a door that leads to a bathroom with a bathtub. There are pots of climbing flowers and hanging ferns around the room.
Our suitcases are here. I get nervous imagining him lying next to me in bed.
“Stay here. I'm going to take care of a few things and I'll be right back,” Lorenzo says, then leaves. I take the opportunity to have a bath.