Chapter 21
Im jolted awake by a loud banging on the door. Before I can react, it bursts open, and Lorenzo storms in, his face contorted in rage.
Puttana! You whore, he spits at me. Pregnant with a Russian bastards child!
Im frozen in shock, my groggy mind struggling to process his words. Pregnant? How could he know? I glance around frantically for Dimitri, but hes nowhere to be seen. Lorenzo is beside himself, cursing and yelling obscenities at me. I instinctively pull the sheets up to my chin, trying to shield myself from his verbal assault.
Suddenly, Lorenzo grabs my arm in a vice-like grip and yanks me out of bed. I cry out in pain and surprise. He drags me across the floor as I struggle against him, pleading for him to stop. I try to break free, but his hand only tightens, bruising my arm.
It must be late at night because the hallway is practically empty and the few nurses around are far away and don’t realize what is going on.
Lorenzo hauls me down the stairs, ignoring my protests. Were heading for the front door, and desperation sets in. Hes going to take me away from here.
No, please! I beg. Lorenzo, please, youre hurting me! Just stop for a minute and listen!
But Lorenzo is beyond reason. He shoves me into the backseat of his flashy sports car and slams the door shut. I immediately try the handle, but its locked. Lorenzo gets in and speeds away, the tires squealing on the pavement.
Where are you taking me? I ask in a shaky voice.
To your father, Lorenzo spits. Hell deal with you properly.
My blood turns to ice. I know exactly what my father will do if he finds out about the pregnancy. I have to try to talk Lorenzo out of this.
Please listen, I say, keeping my voice steady. I was going to tell you and my father about the pregnancy. I only just found out myself.
Lorenzo barks out a cruel laugh. Oh yes, Im sure you were racing to share the happy news, he says scornfully.
I take a deep breath. Dimitri doesnt know yet either. This wasnt planned.
At the mention of Dimitris name, Lorenzo slams his fist on the steering wheel.
That Russian scum! he shouts. How dare he ruin whats mine!
I cringe at his words but continue trying to reason with him. We aren’t married yet. Our wedding isnt for months.
Lorenzo shoots me a disgusted look in the rearview mirror. Youre already mine, you foolish slut. We are officially engaged. I could have had you anytime I wanted.
His lewd implication makes my skin crawl. I look out the window, recognizing the route to my familys estate. My pulse pounds in my ears. Im running out of time.
Lorenzo, please, Im begging you, I say urgently. Dont tell my father yet. Lets discuss this, just the two of us.
Oh, well discuss it, alright, Lorenzo says menacingly. Right after your fathers done with you.
Im nearly hyperventilating now. Were almost there. I make one last desperate plea as we turn down the long driveway.
What about the alliance between our families? I ask quickly. If you tell my father, he may call the whole engagement off. Do you really want to risk that over an accident?
Lorenzo seems to consider this, his expression uncertain. After a tense moment, he shakes his head.
An accident that you brought on yourself, you worthless bitch, he snarls. I gave you everything and this is how you repay me?
We pull up to the house, and Lorenzo switches off the engine. Before I can react, he has my door open and is dragging me from the car by my hair. I cry out in pain, struggling to keep up as he marches us to the front door.
My father is already there waiting, his face like stone. Lorenzo shoves me to my knees before him.
Please, papá, I sob. Let me explain.
But my father silences me with a glare.
This cant be happening. Dimitri promised he would protect me. Where is he?
Suddenly, I hear the click of a gun safety. Lorenzo presses a pistol against my ribs.
Keep fighting and youll force me to put a bullet in your bastard child right now, he hisses in my ear.
I go limp with dread.
I kneel helplessly before my enraged father, tears streaming down my face as the cold barrel of Lorenzos gun presses harder into my temple. My body trembles uncontrollably, fear and adrenaline coursing through my veins.
Lorenzo addresses my father in a mocking tone. You see, Mario, this is what happens when you try to compensate me with damaged goods. Your precious daughter is nothing but a worthless whore, pregnant with another mans bastard.
My fathers face contorts in fury, but Lorenzo continues his cruel tirade.
I will not stand for this insult to my honor. Our families alliance is finished. I hereby renounce my engagement to your slut of a daughter.
Lorenzo cocks the hammer of the pistol threateningly.
In fact, I should put a bullet in her right now for sullying my good name. Its no less than she deserves.
No! My father pleads or, more like, orders. You will not touch her. Sara has shamed me greatly, but I will deal with it.
Lorenzo scoffs. You should have kept a tighter leash on her. But its too late for that now.
He grabs a fistful of my hair and yanks my head back violently. I cry out in pain. Lorenzo presses the gun harder against my skin, and my heart pounds wildly.
My father tries again to reason with him. Surely we can come to an arrangement. Name your price.
But Lorenzo will not be swayed. Theres nothing you can offer me now, old man. Your daughters life is already forfeit.
Im trembling uncontrollably, my breath coming in short gasps as Lorenzos finger tightens on the trigger. The cold metal of the gun barrel pressed against my temple sends a chill down my spine. I can see the rage in Lorenzos eyes, his hand shaking with barely contained fury.
I have right to kill her. Its a delitto donore. Shes brought shame upon my family, and I will not stand for it.
My fathers face is pale. He knows what Lorenzo is capable of and that once Lorenzo sets his mind to something, theres no stopping him.
Lorenzo… Dont do this. We can find another way.
But Lorenzo is beyond reason. Hes convinced hes been wronged and determined to make me pay for it.
There is no other way, Lorenzo growls. Shes a whore, and she deserves to die.
I can feel the tears streaming down my face, my whole body shaking with terror. I want to scream, to beg for mercy, but I know it wont do any good. Lorenzo is beyond reason, and theres nothing I can say or do to change his mind.
As Im about to give up all hope, I hear footsteps behind me. I turn my head slightly.
Then I see him.
Dimitri.
Without warning, theres a loud bang.