Lorenzo

Walking into the warehouse, I spot Johnny and Sam standing with two other members, Kalie and Fredo. I join them and ask them if there are any new news regarding that asshole Kilian. He thought I would let go of what he did to me, but I merely gave him time to escape, not that I won't find him.

The man who stabbed me said that Kilian sent him, not exactly but still. I knew he wouldn't let it go, but I didn't think he'd take the risk of killing me, especially when he sent a message with the man he sent. Did he think that I won't go after him or after his mafia?

I wouldn't be surprised if he didn't because he's stupid.

"He went back to Italy immediately after the mafia event, however, his younger brother, Roberto, is still here," Johnny says.

"Mhmm...do you know his whereabouts?" I ask.

"Not yet, but I am working on it."

"Okay. Find where he is staying and tell me." I walk to my office and close the door behind me. I pull my phone out of my pocket and message Valeria.

Me: Are you still scared?

Valeria is still so scared from my parents. She thinks that just because she is a maid, they would not accept her, despite the numerous times I told her that they don't care about that. We decided to keep our relationship more private at the moment till she feels that she is ready for me to tell my mother.

Also, we are still taking small steps and getting to know each other more. I would hate to rush things, especially for her. I want her to live every aspect of a relationship, especially when she never had a boyfriend before.

I never had a girlfriend before as well. In fact, I immediately jumped from the meeting stage to the engagement stage. It is really funny when you think about it.

Val: Yeah...but its okay. Don't worry about me.

Me: I wish I am with you now.

Val: Me too. Don't stay long.

Me: Okay, mi amor.

I know we haven't been together for even a week, but I feel so comfortable and right. I feel that I have known her since forever. When I first met her, I was so jealous and kind of hated her. I didn't like to be close to her or treat her nice. But after a while of seeing her every single day, this feeling began to grow inside of me and now, it has grown to the point that I cannot keep it inside me. She had to know how I feel and I had to have her.

A knock pulls me out of my thoughts and when I look at the intruder, I mumble a curse.

"What is it?" I ask, annoyed.

"Can we talk?" Sam asks.

"About what?"

He doesn't reply and instead, sits on the chair across from me.

"Is something wrong, Sam?" I ask with a gentler voice, placing both of my hands on the desk in front of me.

"I...I want to...talk to you about..."

"About who?"

He gulps and says, "About Sophia."

I furrow my eyebrows in confusion as I narrow my eyes at him. What is it about Sophia does he want to talk about?

"Did she do something? Gosh, this girl...she's a troublemaker."

"No, no, she didn't do anything."

"Then?" I ask, encouraging him to elaborate further.

"We...I-I like her."

I had a few brain cells before but after what he said, they flew away. I clear my throat and chuckle. "What umm...what do you mean you like her?"

He starts getting nervous and fidgets with his fingers. "As in like like her."

"As in love her like her?" I ask, narrowing my eyes.

"Yes."

Fuck. As if this is what I needed, my best friend getting with my baby sister. What should I do now? Fucking torture him or kill him.

"Since when?" I decided to ask.

"Since a few weeks..."

"Does she know?"

"Yes."

"Does she like you back?" I ask, hoping the answer is negative, yet I feel bad for being selfish.

"Yes."

Fuck!

"Did something happen between you two?" I ask dangerously, making him swallow hard.

He avoids looking at my eyes and turns his head to look at something else. That fucking answered my question.

"Samuel, I am going to kill you," I snarl, getting out of my seat and marching to him.

"Lorenzo, just calm down, so what? I like your sister and she likes me back. We like each other...just like you and Valeria," he rambles before I reach him.

"Valeria is not your sister," I exclaim and scoff.

"So, what, Lorenzo? It's better for Sophia to be with me than anyone else."

Now that I think about it, he's right. I would rather have Sophia marry my sister than any other bastard, but still, she's my baby sister.

"Lorenzo, please..."

Before I say anything else, Sam enters the office without knocking.

"I found him!" he cheers, showing me the laptop in his hand. I look at the screen and see a live footage of Kilian's brother, Roberto, walking inside a familiar building.

"He's seriously shopping right now at the mall?" I ask, lifting one brow.

"I don't think he is shopping for himself. Didn't you see the woman walking behind him?" Johnny asks and I shake my head.

"See," he replays the old footage from a few seconds ago and indeed, a young girl follows him inside, grabbing his hand as they entered through the door.

"So, we can't do anything because he has someone with him."

"No, but when they part ways, we could strike."

"Okay, keep checking the CCTVs and tell me when he leaves the mall. Make sure to get his car's license plate so we could follow it through other CCTV cameras in the road."

"Okay," Johnny replies and leaves the room.

"Lorenzo..."

"Sam, we will talk at home, okay?"

He hesitantly nods and leaves.

I sit back on the chair and let my thoughts consume me. I would be a douche bag if I didn't let Samuel date my sister because I know very well what love does to a person. He likes her and I trust him to treat her well, but I just couldn't not be overprotective over her. But at the same time, I must let go of these thoughts and let them enjoy life. Besides, I know for a fact that even if I forbid Samuel from going out with my sister, she will not leave him alone and she will not care about what I think.

I huff before grabbing my phone and walking out of my office.

I leave the warehouse and go back home. There is no reason for me to stay at the warehouse.

I miss Valeria so much and I just want to lay my head on her lap. It will be a little bit hard since my parents came back from their three-day trip, but we could make it work. The last thing I want is to make Valeria uncomfortable.

I arrive at the villa and park my car. I walk fast toward the kitchen's door and push it open. Valeria is standing above the stove, smelling what appears to be the soup as she moves her hand in the air to get the steam into her nose. When she hears me come in, she look to her right and grins.

She is about to greet me when my mother enters.

"Mr. Lorenzo," Valeria says with a nod.

"Enzo, I didn't hear you come in," my mother says, furrowing her eyebrows.

"I came from the kitchen's door because I was so hungry," I say, convincing her as she nods.

"Well, Valeria is making delicious food, right sweetie?"

"Yes," Valeria replies with a gentle smile and continues to cook.

My mother leaves the kitchen, leaving us alone. After we make sure she's gone, I stroll toward Valeria and hug her from behind, wrapping my arms around her slightly curvy waist. "I have missed you."

She giggles. "Lorenzo, we saw each other two hours ago."

"Still," I reply, kissing her neck.

"You are distracting me..."

"Good."

"Lorenzo..." she whines, making me groan.

"I will leave but first, give me a kiss," I say with a smirk.

She rolls her eyes before hoisting herself up using her toes to reach me, and planting a kiss on my cheek. Very short one.

"That's it? You are stingy, Ms. Valeria."

"That is all you'll for now."

"So, there will be other stuff later?" I smirk, making her blush.

"Another word and I'll change my mind."

"Fine," I reply, holding my hands up in surrender.

I smile before leaving the kitchen and going to my room to take a quick shower. I put a song on my phone called 'Before you' by Benson Boone.

While taking shower, I sing the lyrics and I immediately thing of Valeria. I can't believe that I am listening to this song or any song for that matter. But ever since I started feeling things for Valeria, I began liking listening to some romantic song.

A sudden urge to vomit washes over me as I think of how much of a love puppy I am. A few months ago, I was ready to burn every corner, not caring who gets caught in the fire. Now, I want to burn anyone who looks at Valeria the wrong way or makes her feel uncomfortable in any way.

When I finish, I wear a black Kenzo shirt and black jeans. I put on my white shoes and sprayed perfume.

I walk downstairs and join my parents in the living room. No one is at home beside me, Valeria, and my parents. Johnny told me that the twins took Cassie for baby shopping.

"Hey," I greet my parents.

"Hi, son." My father's voice is gentler than any time. "How's work? Are you ready to take over?"

"Everything's good, dad, and yes, I am ready."

"Good because I have sorted out all the files and put them in your office. From tomorrow, I won't be going to the warehouse."

"Thank you, for trusting me."

"I am proud of you, Lorenzo. Always remember that."

I smile softly and nod. My father is a man of little words and he doesn't necessarily show emotions, unless they are for my mother. Don't get me wrong, he cared for us a lot, especially when we were younger, but he doesn't always show his emotions.

"So, Enzo, did you find Kilian?" My mother asks, wanting desperately to get revenge from the man who tried to kill her son.

"He traveled back to Italy, but we found his brother here. We will use him."

"Good. Is the brother young?"

"26 years old," I reply.

"Good."

Valeria calls us to the dining room for lunch. I couldn't take my eyes off her but made sure not to let my parents realize.

We all sit and my mother tells Valeria to sit. We four start and eat. Valeria's cooking is amazing and I couldn't help but groan at the delicious taste.

I steal glances at Valeria, but she doesn't dare to look at me. I look up at my mother only to see her looking at me.

I continue eating my food when my mother speaks up.

"Valeria, how have you been feeling?"

Valeria looks a little taken aback by the sudden question. "I am doing well, Mrs. Gonzalez. Thank you."

"I am glad to hear that. Also, stop calling me Mrs. Gonzalez, you can call me Valentina. You are living with us and a part of our family now.

Valeria starts to get nervous as she drops the spoon. "Thank you so much...it means so much to me, V-Valentina."

She smiles warmly and then looks at me with a knowing look, making me narrow my eyes a little bit. When she resumes eating, I feel certain that she doesn't know anything.

* * *
Valentina

They think I am stupid.