His Little Angel Nora

chapter 8

I woke the next morning still on the ground surrounded by the destruction of last night. I had blood coating my legs from the glass cuts and my stomach was sore from the kicks I received.

I groaned as I pulled myself off the ground. As much as I didn't want to, I had to get to work.

I cleaned myself up in the bathroom, nearly jumping when I saw my reflection in the mirror.

My body was marred more than usual. I had to cover the bruises on my face so that no one would know I was bad, that I had to be punished. I dressed with a long sleeve and pants so that the rest of my injuries would be covered as well.

By the time I got to work it was already busy. I got to baking muffins in the back, finding comfort in the routine of the recipe I had memorized.

Most of the time I enjoyed coming to work. I was able to do what I loved, baking, while making money for father at the same time.

While I was whisking my batter I heard my name being called from the front. I followed the sound of the voice and found myself next to my coworker.

"Someone's asking for you over there." They pointed to the end of the counter.

I turned my attention and locked eyes with the stormy blue eyes of the man who had taken up quite a bit of space in my mind the past few days.

Lorenzo. He was back, and asking for me.

I don't know how long I stood there, probably looking like a fool, before I shuffled over to him fearfully.

"H-hi," My voice was quiet and weak, unaware of how this interaction would go. He was so confusing, the way his words ranged from angry to kind and gentle.

"Hello Nora." He looked down on me, quite literally, as his height towered above me. I kept my eyes trained anywhere but on his, our close proximity was too much and I could practically hear my father's voice telling me not to disgrace others with my presence or my eye contact.

"H-how can I h-help you?" I wondered why he had asked for me? Why hadn't he just gotten in line with all the other customers?

"Hm," his long finger snaked out and made contact with my chin. I fought everything in me not to flinch as he tilted my head up to face him. "There she is."

The corner of his lip was tilted upward, as if he was happy to have me looking at him once again.

"I simply wanted to stop by and make sure you were alright after last night."

Oh? Why would he go to all the trouble of doing that? He must simple be a kind soul to everyone and had somehow found himself mixed up with me. Poor guy.

"T-that's very n-nice of you." I gave him a small smile of my own.

"Well, are you?"

"A-am i w-what?"

"Alright, love. Are you alright?" My heart fluttered at the word, love.

"O-oh yes, y-yes I am. T-thank you." I bowed my head slightly, a show of gratitude at his kindness.

"Hm." He seemed to consider my words. His eyes searching my face, saying nothing more.

"A-are you a-alright?" The words slipped out of my mouth before I could consider what I was saying. What was i doing? Asking questions of this man? I wasn't supposed to do that, but something about his presence put me at ease for some reason. At least, as much ease as I had ever felt before.

"S-sorry, I didn't meant to-"

"Why are you apologizing hm?"

I simply shrugged my shoulders, my hands fiddling with the sleeves of my shirt.

"Yes, amore mio, I am alright."

I couldn't understand what he had said there but the way the syllables rolled off his tongue were intoxicating. I wanted to hear him speak in that language more and more if only for my own enjoyment. But i would never ask such a thing from him.

"G-good." I chanced a look up at him again to find his eyes still locked onto me, onto my every movement.

"When do you get off of work Nora?"

"Um- usually around s-six. Unless i n-need to stay l-later to clean up."

I thought of the man earlier this week who asked me the same question, wanting to know when I got off work. The way he had said it made it seem threatening and scary. But the way Lorenzo asked me made me feel no such fear. I was surprised at the way I truthfully handed over the information to him without second guessing.

"And how do you usually get home from work love?"

"I w-walk."

"Hm. That won't do. I'll be waiting for you when you are done. To drive you home, yes?" His tone left no room for argument yet he still asked it as a question.

"O-oh you d-don't have to do that sir."

He made a clicking sound with his mouth. "It's Lorenzo, like i've said. And I want to take you home. Please, Nora, just let me drive you home so I know you are safe."

Why would he want to know I was safe? And what was with his persistence on me using his name? Why did he allow me to break one of the biggest rules with him?

I didn't understand his intentions or his interest in me, but the way he said my name, and used please with me. I couldn't help but agree with him.

"O-okay. T-thank you." I smiled up at him and his body seemed to sag in relief.

At that moment I heard the oven beep in the back, letting me know my muffins were done. I glanced back at the kitchen, unsure of how to tell Lorenzo I needed to get back to work.

His eyes followed mine and he nodded, seeming to understand.

"Get back to work angel. I'll be waiting for you."