Chapter 10 - AFTERMATH AND TRUTH
The gunfire outside slowly died down as Lorenzo’s loyal forces eliminated the remaining attackers.
The mansion was wrecked, but the threat had been broken.
Lorenzo turned to me, his stance weakening slightly as the adrenaline left his system.
He clutched his shoulder where the bullet had grazed him.
“You shouldn't have come out of the safe room,” he said softly, walking toward me.
“If I hadn't, you’d be dead right now!” I retorted, tears finally streaming down my face.
“You stubborn, arrogant idiot!”
Lorenzo stared at me in shock for a moment, then laughed softly—a deep, genuine sound I hadn't heard before.
He reached out and pulled me tightly into his chest, ignoring the pain in his shoulder.
“You saved my life, Camila,” he murmured into my hair.
“You risked everything to stand on that balcony.”
“I couldn't lose you,” I admitted quietly, burying my face into his blood-stained shirt.
“I realized while locked in that room... I couldn't bear the thought of a world without you in it.”
Lorenzo pulled back slightly, looking down into my eyes with intense warmth.
“Then stay with me,” he urged softly.
“Not as a prisoner, and not as someone hiding in the shadows.”
“Be my wife. Rule this city beside me.”
I looked at him, feeling the truth settle deep in my heart.
He was a dangerous man, yes, but he had loved me fiercely from the second he saw me.
He accepted me completely, honored my strength, and revered my spirit.
“On one condition,” I said, managed a small smile despite the tears.
“What condition?” he asked, a rare playful spark in his eye.
“I still get to run my bakery.”
May you like
Lorenzo smiled brightly, his hand cupping my cheek.
“I will buy you the biggest bakery in Chicago, my queen.”
