Born of the Storm

Chapter 15

I lay in bed, eyes open, staring at the ceiling as the first rays of sunlight crept through the curtains. Sleep had come and gone in fleeting moments, leaving me restless and awake long before dawn. I couldn't stop thinking about the past week. The attack, the unease in the air, and Lorenzo's looming presence were always just beneath the surface of my thoughts. I traced the bandage on my arm absentmindedly, feeling the dull throb of the wound underneath.

The house was silent, save for the faint sounds coming from the kitchen. Luca. I sighed, remembering how he'd insisted on staying. I had been close to throwing him out, but instead, I had hesitated, unsure of why I was holding back. Maybe part of me didn't want to be alone, even if I wouldn't admit it.

I pushed back the covers and got up, glancing again at my arm. The cut wasn't deep, but it was a reminder that whoever came after me had been serious. I ran my fingers over the bandage one more time before heading to the kitchen, the smell of eggs and coffee growing stronger as I approached.

Luca was standing by the stove, flipping something in the pan when I walked in. He glanced up at me briefly, then turned his attention back to cooking.

"Morning," he said casually, as if we did this every day.

I leaned against the doorway, watching him for a moment before responding. "Morning. Non sapevo che tu fossi un tale chef." (Didn't know you were such a chef)

He shrugged, still focused on the stove. "Figured I'd make myself useful." His eyes traveled to my arms.

I sighed, moving to sit at the table. "I told you, I'm fine."

"Lo dici sempre," (You always say that) he replied, sliding a plate of eggs toward me. "But last night wasn't exactly 'fine.'"

I didn't respond right away, my thoughts still tangled around last night. Lorenzo's car, parked just beyond the estate, hidden but unmistakable. He hadn't seen me, but I saw him, and the sight of him unsettled me in a way that was hard to shake. It couldn't have been a coincidence—first the attack, now his presence? The pieces were starting to come together, but I wasn't sure I liked the picture they were forming.

        "You're quiet," Luca said, breaking into my thoughts as he sat across from me. "More than usual."

        I sighed, pushing my plate aside. There was no point in holding it back anymore. "Lorenzo was here last night."

        Luca froze, his fork pausing mid-air before he slowly set it down. "What do you mean, he was here?"

        "I saw his car, parked near the estate. He didn't see me, but it was definitely him. It was after the attack."

        His face darkened instantly, brows furrowing in concern. "Why didn't you tell me last night?"

        "I wasn't sure what to make of it," I admitted, leaning back in my chair. "I'm still not. But I'm sure it wasn't a coincidence. The attack and then Lorenzo showing up? There's something more going on here."

        Luca rubbed a hand over his face, the tension in his shoulders evident. "Damn it, Teresa. If Lorenzo's involved, this could be a lot bigger."

        "I know," I replied, my voice steady but laced with frustration. "That's why I'm telling you now. I needed to process it first."

        He studied me, the concern clear on his face. "And what do you think his play is?"

        "That's what I'm trying to figure out," I said, crossing my arms. "But I need to know what he's planning. I'm keeping tabs on him through Alessandro. The Salvatores has been on his radar. If anyone has intel, it's him."