Twisted Obsession

33 - Temptation

Athena Luciana Bianchi

A deep yawn escaped me, exhaustion settling in as I got ready for bed. Outside, rain pattered rhythmically against the window, creating a soothing backdrop, wrapping me in a cozy cocoon. Shedding my bra and cropped top, I tossed them carelessly onto the couch, slipping into a cropped navy cardigan that matched my black panties perfectly. The soft fabric hugged my body, a reminder of the warmth I craved.

Sliding under the sheets, I let the fabric envelop me like a gentle embrace. Just as I started to drift off, a sharp knock broke the peace, followed by the chime of my phone—a message from Riccardo.

Riccardo: It's Lorenzo. He's pissed that you ran away. Deal with him carefully. He hasn't figured out anything, so we're good.

I smirked, dismissing the message with a flick of my thumb. Moments later, my phone buzzed again, and this time, a thrill rushed through me.

Lorenzo: Open the fucking door, Luciana.

My smile widened, excitement sparking inside as I swung my legs over the bed and padded to the door. I opened it to find Lorenzo standing there, a vision in his tailored suit and overcoat, his presence filling the room. The sharp lines of his attire emphasized his muscular frame, and a sleek black Goyard duffle bag hung from his hand. He brushed past me, his cologne thick in the air, stirring something deep inside.

"I didn't think you'd be the type to run from your problems," he said, voice smooth.

I bit my lip, as he walked past me, closing the door behind him. "What can I say? I've changed."

He shrugged off his coat, loosened his tie, and slipped off his suit jacket, revealing the contours of his chest under a crisp white shirt. His sleeves rolled up to expose strong forearms, and I watched, transfixed, as he settled in—well, technically, his space, but who cared about those details?

Lorenzo made his way into the bedroom, tossing his stuff by the edge of the bed, one brow raised as he took in the disarray of my room with mild amusement. His smirk had that familiar, taunting edge.

"You really didn't waste time redecorating my place, did you?" He gestured to the clothes and scattered heels with a lazy wave. "Looks like a tornado ran through here."

I leaned against the door, crossing my arms. "Well, if you didn't leave your place so... boring, I wouldn't have had to." I smirked back, letting the words land. "Besides, I don't recall inviting you over."

He chuckled, low and mocking. "As if you'd know how to stop me. You've already run once. I'm just here to make sure you're finished with that little escape act."

Rolling my eyes, I sauntered over and leaned in, letting my voice drop to a taunting whisper. "Trust me, I don't need a bodyguard or a babysitter. You can see yourself out whenever you like."

But Lorenzo just smirked, unfazed. "Oh, I'm not going anywhere, Luciana. You've made yourself comfortable enough here that I'd almost believe you're planning on staying. But we both know you're only playing pretend."

"Pretend?" I echoed, raising a brow. "Don't flatter yourself. I'm perfectly fine on my own."

His laugh was sharp, sending a shiver up my spine. "Fine on your own? Sure, Luciana. Because disappearing in the middle of the night screams 'independence.'"

"I had my reasons," I shot back, a little defensively, but his smug expression only grew.

"Reasons like fear?" he taunted, leaning back against the headboard as though he owned it. "Tell me, what did you think you'd accomplish by leaving? Other than giving me the pleasure of tracking you down."