AMORE

New habits

Lorenzo

I looked at my face that was bruised and swollen. The previous marks hadn't even disappeared before I managed to get new ones. I washed my face, ignoring the pain that occured each time I touched my face a bit harder.

I could still hear people outside chanting for the next match and it made me satisfied to know that I had won, yet again. the boys weren't here to watch today, and Khalid had been away for three days now. I hadn't talked to Bella these past three years and I quickly figured out that we were both avoiding each other. Honestly speaking, Iran was becoming boring rather quickly. Diego was hanging out with Bella more, making me stuck with Scar who was even more boring than myself. The people in Iran were nice, but not my kind of people. I am not complaining though, I rather be alone than to meet new people. However, even the girls in Tabriz were sending me glares as if I killed their puppies. It was honestly no source of entertainment for me here, so boxing was the only outlet I had.

I had been here every night, skipping sleep so I didn't have to see Bella. It was easier this way. Maybe everyone had been right all along. Bella left me because she knew that we couldn't be together. Maybe she was right. It makes sense too because when she isn't with me, things seem to work better. Things meaning the drug business.

I put on my hoodie and ruffled my hair that was now wet. The positive things about this boxing place was the private showers. Fixing the gym back on my shoulder, I walked out the place and occasionally nodded to the men I recognized. I figured that Khalid had told them about me because they weren't that cold towards me anymore. Not that I ever gave a fuck.

When I finally walked out the place, the wind hit me like a storm. Tabriz really did get chilly at night and the lack of lights, made it a lot darker. I tried warming myself up by rubbing my hands together, but that didn't help. I walked faster towards the house and let out a loud sigh when the house was in sight. Surprisingly, Jasmine was standing outside. I furrowed my brows and squinted my eyes to see her standing outside in the cold eating ice cream.

"You good? I asked her lowly, not wanting others to hear me. Even though I hardly thought anyone would be awake now. Jasmine nodded and smiled sheepishly, to which I nodded and entered the house. I wondered if I should have entered the room where Bella was sleeping but decided against it. Instead I entered Diegos room that he shared with Scar to see them fast asleep. I was about to slap them awake until I heard someone else enter the room.

"They have been really tired from working in the field with the men" Jasmine whispered to which I nodded and walked out, with her hot on my trail.

"Are you sure you are okay?" I asked again, to which she nodded and nearly ran to her room, making my suspicious. I decided to change into something lighter and sleep on the couch, making my way into my room. I opened the door carefully and put my gym bag near the bed. Bella had her back to me, making me unable to see her face.

I quickly went to the closet and rummaged through my clothes, until I felt movement from behind me. I turned around to see Bella sitting on the bed, rubbing her eyes. I looked away from her, trying to convince myself that she didn't look cute. It really did tempt me to just cuddle her in the warm bed, but she wouldn't want that. And I can't do that now. I continued looking through the clothes until I heard her sleepy voice.

"Lorenzo?" she asked and turned on the lamp. The little light that flickered made the curves of her body more inviting. I tried hiding my face from her and quickly pulled out random shirt and sweatpants. Bella called my name once again and I ignored her yet again.

Pulling the bedroom door open, I was about to walk out until Bella talked again; "You can sleep in the bed if you want. I will take the couch".

I shook my head at that and looked back at her; "No, I will manage" I told her, happy that she couldn't see my face in the shadows. The light from the lamp only resolved around her. I saw as she pouted slightly and furrowed her brows.

"You won't be able to sleep peacefully on the couch" she whispered, squinting her eyes to look at me. She even patted the bed and sat up.

"I haven't slept peacefully in five years, Bella. I will manage" I told her sternly and walked out.

This was how it was going to be from now. We were going to pretend to never have been lovers before. As if i never drank from ocean in her eyes and As if she never tasted the chocolate from mine.