Shielding You ("The Shadows" Series: Book II)

12.

'I didn't think you would've remembered me after so many months.' said Viviana as the two faced the painting. Lorenzo tilted his head a little.

'It's hard to forget someone who looked like they had walked out of hell into that convenience store. No offense.' The last part was a formality. He never cared if he hurt anyone with his words. But he was taken aback when she made a noise under her breath that resembled a chuckle before covering it up with a throat-clearing, making Lorenzo glance at her. She had her head down, her finger rubbing the tip of her nose, a small smile playing on her lips.

'No offense taken Mr. Villasanti. So...' She turned to face him, 'Are you interested in buying any painting here?' her question had a definitive answer in his mind.

When they were preparing to attend this event, they had thought to not buy anything unless, they were pestered enough by the host. They donated enough themselves. Before he could answer, Angelo joined them, whose eyes widened a little as he saw Lorenzo's company. The girl nodded her head at him in greeting, causing him to reciprocate.

'I suppose you've gotten acquainted already.' She agreed with a smile while Lorenzo pointed at the painting.

'That's hers.' he informed. Angelo leaned from Lorenzo's side and saw what he was pointing at. His brows raised and he kept observing it for quite awhile. Lorenzo and Viviana stayed silent, letting Angelo take it in before he faced them.

'That's...something.' his reply had one side of her lips rising up, her eyes crinkling a little. Lorenzo looked around to hide his amusement at Angelo's review. He knew Angelo's focus was on the mission and even if he had been here for the prospect of buying, it would've been hard for him to describe a painting like a proper critic or admirer.

Again they were interrupted by the host who looked eager when his eyes fell on Viviana. He stood beside her, disrupting their conversation.

'I was searching for you Ms. Richards. There's someone I wanted you to meet...Someone interested in your paintings.' He said and suddenly a shadow fell on their group before the man arrived. The girl's carefree attitude changed to professionalism as she stepped closer towards Lorenzo to let the man stand among them.

'Ms. Richards. It's a pleasure to meet you in person. I've heard so much about you from Mr. Mancini.' Joaquin said while raising his hand to shake Viviana's hand. She raised her palm while maintaining eye-contact with Joaquin, sliding her hand into his, giving it a shake or two before retreating it back and holding her palms together in front of her.

'Mr. Alcarez. I hope what you've heard was mostly good.' she said her tone taking a note of detachment, noticed Lorenzo. He glanced at Angelo who had put his hands inside his pockets.

'Mr. Villasanti, what are you doing here? I never saw you in any such events before.' Joaquin didn't shake his hand. His eyes tried to not to divert themselves in other direction and stay connected with his, but they involuntarily went back and forth between him and Viviana.

'I appreciated our host's hospitality and decided to visit.' The host looked pleased before directing his attention towards Viviana, completely unaware of the tension between Lorenzo, Angelo, and Joaquin.

'He has been dying to meet you all night, Ms. Richards. I told him I'll find you for him but we found you sooner then we had thought. So, I'll take my leave. Enjoy.' He greeted everyone before leaving to attend the others. All of them stood uncomfortably in each other's presence until Viviana decided to break the awkward silence.

'Which painting were you interested in Mr. Alcarez-'

'Joaquin. Call me Joaquin, Ms. Viviana Richards.' he said, causing Lorenzo to blink his eyes to hide the sudden irritation he felt. A forced chuckle left her lips, noticed Lorenzo, as she entwined her fingers together and straightened her spine more than before, standing tall. Angelo noticed her changing demeanor along with Lorenzo and Joaquin but Joaquin ignored it completely as he stepped closer to her.

'Mr. Alcarez suits you better. Shows your professionalism and high status in the society that I admire.' Joaquin smirked and then laughed with glee. His palm hovered in the air closer to her arm, causing her to turn her body abruptly towards Lorenzo.

'Would you like to join us? I have a few more paintings exhibited here.' her eyes focused at Lorenzo but he knew the hidden meaning behind her words. She wanted him to be the buffer between the two. Angelo looked at Lorenzo, who nodded his head, making Joaquin scowl at the turn of events, knowing he wouldn't be able to protest at this intrusion.

'After you, Ms. Richards.' said Lorenzo. Viviana took a subtle deep breath before leading the group to her other paintings. Angelo glanced at Lorenzo who was already looking at him. His eyes pointed at Joaquin who was trying to hold a conversation with Viviana and getting brisk answers in return as she tried to busy herself by maneuvering her way between people and getting away from his advances.

Angelo nodded and let his eyes roam around to see if someone had their eyes on them. He slid his hands in the inner pocket of his coat and hid the chip under his palm. He clicked a small button at the side of the device to turn it on.

'This is the one I wanted to buy!' Joaquin said, stopping in front of another painting. Lorenzo decided that now was a good time. He made it look like Joaquin's stop was abrupt and he collided with him. Joaquin looked baffled as Lorenzo held him to balance himself with both hands, grasping his arms on his sides. Angelo walked and crouched down to tie his shoelaces besides Joaquin. He saw the raised part between the heel and the toe under the shoe and was about to attach the chip when a shadow fell on him. He looked up, connecting his eyes with Viviana who tilted her head and started glancing around as she covered his back. Angelo didn't have time to think much and swiftly stuck the chip from his palm to the underside of Joaquin's shoes.

Lorenzo detached himself from Joaquin and dusted his coat as Angelo stood up and passed the two, stopping besides Viviana who turned before Angelo could say anything.

'Yes Mr. Richards. This is one of my expensive pieces. Are you sure you want this?' Joaquin's attention went back to her as he changed his position and stood on the other side of her, away from the two men. Angelo felt uneasiness creep up his spine knowing very well that Viviana knew something she shouldn't have and might've guessed what he had done.

Viviana and Joaquin continued the conversation, leading Angelo to quickly get Lorenzo's attention with a nudge. Lorenzo glanced at him.

'She saw.'

Lorenzo's only reaction was him rotating his head and try not to curse out loud. So he clenched his jaw tight. He took a glass from one of the servers who was passing them by and sipped on it.

'Then we don't leave her alone with him.' said Lorenzo as there eyes fixed on the pair who were talking about her painting.

This had gone way worse than they had planned.

And he hoped it doesn't get jinxed further.

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Hello my Lovelies!!! I'm not going to say much since I'm dead tired of stuff and was barely able to update this one...hope you like it.

I know it been long but I'm going to keep updating this as swiftly as possible...I've kept you waiting for too long...

Take care all of you and share your thoughts... comment and hit the star button if you liked this chapter...

Stay tuned for the upcoming chapters!!!

All The Love💜 and Treat People With Kindness✌️

Alla Prossima Volta!!!🤗

-R

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