chapter SevenTeen
I do What I Say
Victoria
We must have left the Botticelli house around one in the morning. I still had to attend a study hall Friday morning, but I didn’t want to leave. It felt so good to be with Lorenzo and not have to hide.
I almost forgot the reason we were there in the first place. Lorenzo made me feel so safe, the way he stayed by my side the whole time. He made sure some part of him was always in contact with me. It felt like he was making sure I didn’t leave him.
I had my first kiss. It was amazing. Lorenzo was so patient with me. I didn’t know kissing him would be so incredible.
The way he touched me, made my head all fuzzy and I just wanted more. His hands felt so smooth and strong against my skin. I couldn’t help but hope I was as good a kisser to him as he was to me.
I almost felt sick when we had to leave. Only thing that made it a little easier was when my father agreed to let Lorenzo pick me up from school. We had plans to meet my dad at the car dealership.
My father had meetings all morning, so he wouldn’t be able to pick me up. Maria had some last minute meetings with the party planners all day as well. My father promised he would meet us at the showroom at 2 o’clock, so that gives Lorenzo and me plenty of time to be alone.
I stared at the clock that read 8:55 am. Lorenzo was done with school. He only had to attend his graduation. Lucky him.
I tapped my foot against the leg of the desk. I sat at ready to explode if the time didn’t hurry up. All I could think about was kissing Lorenzo last night. I wanted to see him and kiss him again.
Just as I thought I’d burst my phone started to buzz in my hand. I opened the text before someone noticed. At the same time the bell rung.
Thank goodness, the bell was two minutes fast. I grabbed my bag and ran for the door. I looked at my phone to read the message.
Can’t wait to see you.
I smiled, picking up the pace. I started to run through the hall. I didn’t even try to find Angie. I would call her later.
I pushed my way out of the front doors of the school and ran down the steps. That’s when I saw him. Lorenzo was leaning against the red Maserati I drove the night before. When he saw me coming, he stood up and opened his arms for me to run into them.
I threw myself into them, wrapping my arms around his neck. Without thinking, I pressed my lips to his. He kissed me back and I could feel the smile stretched across his lips.
I pulled away to see his face, wanting to look into those amazing eyes. It was like his eyes were smiling at me. He brushed my hair from my face, tucking some behind my ear.
“Hey Beautiful,” he said, as he kissed my nose.
I couldn’t help but giggle. I was so happy. My boyfriend was here to see me.
“Hey,” I replied.
Lorenzo turned to open the driver’s side door. “I thought you might want some more practice,” he said and winked.
I kissed him on the cheek, handing him my school bag and hopping in the car. Lorenzo walked around to the passenger side and opened the door. He placed my school bag in the back seat before getting in.
As I fixed the mirrors, I felt him watching me. I went to fasten my seatbelt, but Lorenzo bent down to kiss me. I was a little surprised. It was so sweet and gentle. Before I could fully register the moment, he pulled away.
“I missed you,” he whispered softly.
I reached over and kissed that horrid bruise on his face. “Me too. I love you,” I said coyly.
He winked and ran his fingers through my hair. “Let’s get out of here.”
I buckled my seat belt. “Okay.” I was ready to go anywhere with him.
As I looked in the mirror to pull off, I saw Angie and Aunt Joann standing on the curb looking as if they lost control of the bottom portion of their jaws. I rolled down my window to wave, and pulled off. Angie would be ringing my phone off the hook later, I knew it for sure. Lorenzo reached toward the stereo to turn off the music he was listening to. He looked over to me.
“So where do you want to go ‘til we have to meet your father? We have loads of time,” he said, after a few minutes of staring at me.
He was right. I had been heading in the direction that would have taken me home, but now I wasn’t sure I wanted to go there. I knew Maria wasn’t there waiting for me. I was with Lorenzo, so there was no need to rush to my room to call him.
Then it hit me. Home was exactly where I wanted to go. I wanted to be alone with him. Home would be the perfect place to be alone.
Sandra and the rest of the staff would be lost in their work somewhere in the house. It would be just Lorenzo and me. I grinned at my new thoughts, as I pulled up to the next light. I turned to look at him.
“Let’s go to my house,” I suggested.
He raised an eyebrow at that and then laughed. “Okay, if that’s what you want,” he replied.
Lorenzo fell back into the seat and closed his eyes. I couldn’t believe how relaxed he was with me driving. This was one of his favorite cars. He wasn’t even concerned enough to keep his eyes opened.
I was surprised at how easily I found my way home. I was proud of myself. I buzzed the gate and someone inside let me in.
I drove up to the house and parked right out front. Lorenzo opened his door to get out, grabbing my school bag out of the back seat. Then, he came around the car to my door to let me out.
I was still fumbling in the mirror, by the time he held the door opened. He stood outside sarcastically whistling to himself. I rolled my eyes and stepped out of the car.
He grabbed my hand to lace his fingers into mine after closing the door behind me. We entered the house, but I wasn’t sure where I wanted to go from there. I certainly didn’t not want to get us lost in this place.
Lorenzo stood, watching me as I thought. I started to become a little nervous. When I began to show my confusion, he raised my hand to kiss it.
“We can go somewhere else if you want,” he thoughtfully suggested.
I shook my head. “No, that’s not it. It’s a little embarrassing, but I still don’t really know my way around here much. I don’t want to get us lost.
“I think I know my way to the game room, but then it’s always hard to find your way back up. I know my way to my room and the kitchen, sad to say,” I thought out loud.
He smiled. “Either one of those would be fine with me,” he teased.
I thought about that for a minute, and made my decision. I was both sleepy and hungry, so he had a real point. I pointed for him to drop my school bag by the bench at the front door. I pulled him along to the kitchen and I headed for the fridge. I grabbed a yogurt and bottled water.
“You want something?” I asked as I turned to him.
He cracked a wicked grin and whispered in my ear, “you.”
I wrinkled my nose at him. “Anything else, we have water, fruit, cereal, I could make you a sandwich,” I offered.
He grabbed the water out of my hand. “Thank you,” he laughed, as he opened the water and started to drink it.
I throw a playful elbow at his side, before retrieving another water for myself. He turned to head for the table, but I tugged at his arm, shaking my head, no. I grabbed a spoon from the counter and walked out of the kitchen.
I turned to make sure he was following me. Lorenzo stood in the same place with a curious look on his face. I winked at him and gestured with my head for him to follow. I turned and headed for my room.
Opening the door to my room and went inside. I put my phone on my desk and I walked over to the little sofa, kicking off my shoes. It suddenly dawned on me, I was wearing my hideous school uniform. I motioned for him to sit on the sofa as I raced for the bathroom.
“The remotes are under the TV. Make yourself at home. I’ll be right back,” I called over my shoulder.
I walked through the bathroom to the closet. I opened my yogurt and shoveled it in my mouth. Decided to finish it and brush my teeth before reentering my room.
I placed the water on a shelf and stood in the closet trying to figure out what to change into. I stripped out of my uniform shirt as a walked through the closet. I grabbed a yellow tank and pulled it on.
I searched for the yellow spandex pants I knew I brought. I finally found them replacing my uniform skirt for them. I searched again and I found the shear white peasant top I wanted.
I grabbed a pair of brown riding boots and tucked them under my arm. After retrieving my water, I entered the bathroom again. I peeked out to see Lorenzo lying across the sofa with his head back and the TV watching him.
I giggled to myself as I closed the door. I brushed my teeth, then pulled the front of my hair back off my face into a barrette, letting the back flow free. It was still straight from yesterday. I got out the lip gloss I wore last night and put some on.
I finished off my water and made sure to tinkle before I went back into the room. I washed my hands, while taking one more look in the mirror. I tucked the boots back under my arm and exited the bathroom.
Lorenzo still had his eyes closed as I entered the room. I placed my boots on the floor, then I climbed quietly into his lap. He slowly lifted his head and opened his eyes.
“Hey, Beautiful,” he whispered sleepily.
He looked tired. I reached for his face. “Sorry, did you sleep at all last night? You look so tired,” I asked worried.
He wrapped his arms around me then put his head back again. “Don’t worry. Just give me a few minutes. Come here,” he said as he reached to pull my face to his.
He kissed me, then shifted our weight so we were both comfortable. He let out a deep yawn. I couldn’t help but copy. I put my head on his shoulder and before I know it, we were both sleep.
I woke up to him playing in my hair. I lifted my head quickly to make sure I wasn’t drooling all over him. Thank goodness, I wasn’t. That would’ve been embarrassing.
“Hey, Beautiful. Did I wake you?”
I sat up to wipe at my face and brushed my clothes. “No. Am I heavy? Do you want me to move?”
He grabbed for my waist and held me tightly to him. “Don’t you move,” he growled playfully.
I looked at the clock, wondering how long I had been sleep. It was only eleven thirty that wasn’t so bad. We still had time. We’d only taken a catnap. I did have to go to the bathroom again though. I wasn’t sure if my nap gave me morning breath, so I gently pulled away.
“I have to go to the bathroom,” I said and stood up, as his arms released me.
I used the bathroom and checked the mirror again before brushing my teeth for the second time. I put on more lip gloss and brushed at my hair. When I opened the door, Lorenzo stood to the side of it.
“May I use your bathroom?” he asked.
I stepped out. “Sure.” I was so excited to have him here with me.
As he went in the bathroom, I noticed my cell phone was on my desk buzzing. I went over to it and saw I had five messages. All from Angie.
I opened them and scanned them quickly. I laughed so hard as I read them, I hadn’t noticed Lorenzo come out of the bathroom. Not until I felt him lock his arms around me.
I wondered, could he feel the crazy energy I felt when he was so close to me. It was like electricity. It was driving me mad.
He put his face in my hair. “What’s so funny?” he quizzed.
I could smell that I wasn’t the only one concerned about morning breath. He must have used my toothpaste. That made me laugh more.
“Angie, she’s having a fit that I drove your car. She wants to know if it was a gift from you,” I answered.
Lorenzo laughed. “You should tell her yes, but you don’t like the color. Tell her we’re taking it back for a new one today.”
“That’s not nice. I think it will be funnier not answer her at all,” I laughed.
I put the phone down and turned around to face him. “So, what do you want to do? We have a few hours left,” I asked.
He just looked at me, as if thinking about something. I waited patiently, not knowing what was going through his mind. He let out a sigh.
“I’m not sure I want to stay here alone with you, especially not given your choice of outfit.” He released me to step back and take another look, then shook his head. “Nope, not a good idea. Would you like to go driving some more? Chris is in the mall, he has been texting me all morning to come meet him.”
I was so annoyed. No, I didn’t want to leave. I wanted to be alone with him. I looked down at my outfit, then back at him and frowned.
“What’s wrong with what I’m wearing? You don’t like it?” I accused.
“Oh, no, I love it. That’s the problem. Have you looked in a mirror?”
“Yes, I think it looks cute. Why would loving it be a problem?” I asked and understood the answer the moment I asked.
“Victoria, need you ask things you know the answer to? To tell the truth, maybe the mall isn’t a good idea either,” he answered as he took my arm and spun me around.
“Oh, please, you’re sounding like my father. Besides, I could change, but I don’t think it will help. The body will still be the same. You need to get used to it,” I charged.
He frowned a little, pulling me into his arms to sway me. He kissed my forehead, squeezing my waist lightly. His frown deepened, as he muttered something under his breath.
“Tell me about it. Okay, so then the mall it is. I’d rather fight off your admirers than fight you off,” he chuckled.
I throw a punch at his stomach, but he grabbed my hand and pulled me in closer. “If I knew you could behave, we could stay,” he said while moving in to kiss me.
I kissed him back, not wanting to miss the opportunity to be this close. He was so gentle as we kissed. Using his lips to teach mine.
I think I am doing it right. My thoughts were confirmed when with he moaned a little, causing me to smile. Yes, I was.
I bit at his lower lip lightly, before sucking on it. The gesture seemed to make the energy between us increase. He pulled his lip free and returned the move, causing me to lose all my senses.
I slid my hands under his t-shirt running my hands from his stomach to his chest. His muscles were so tight and the skin felt nice and smooth. I reached up on my toes to get closer to him and kissed his neck.
In the same nonchalant manner from last night, he stood there just watching me and playing in my hair. It made me feel like I was doing something wrong. Lorenzo smiled, but I felt so inexperienced.
Lorenzo took his hand and traced it down my side, stopping right at my hip. Still calm, still observing me. This made me angry and self-conscious. I wanted to know how to keep him interested. I thought about the things he did that made me feel good.
I reached for his hair, stretching up further on my toes and licked at his neck. That caught his attention. He grabbed at my hips and turned his face back to me. This time he kissed me with more force.
I couldn’t help the moan that poured from my lips as I arched my back into him. I placed my free hand on his back and pulled him to me. I tried to concentrate on what else would make him happy. Then it hit me.
“Ti amo, Lorenzo.” I whispered.
I heard him growl, my name ripping from his chest. “Victoria.”
Yes, that was what I wanted. He did know I was touching him. He couldn’t ignore me now. He grabbed my hair and kissed at my neck. Then, he whispered in my ear.
“We’re leaving. You definitely don’t know how to behave,” he chuckled.
Oh man, is he serious? “I wouldn’t have to go to such extremes if you’d stop ignoring me. If I don’t know what I’m doing or you don’t like it, tell me. Don’t ignore me, that makes me so angry,” I hissed at him.
A puzzled expression covered his face. “When did I ignore you, Baby?”
“You stand there just looking at me and playing in my hair when I kiss you. You did it last night too. What is that?” I demanded.
He roared out a laugh. “Victoria, I’m so far from ignoring you. I like watching you. You have no clue, you are doing everything very right,” he said seductively.
I thought about that for a minute. “So why are we leaving?” I asked.
He looked me in the eyes. “To keep me from teaching you way too much. What you need, Baby, not what you want. Put your shoes on,” he ordered.
He walked over to lean up against my bedpost, watching as I stomped over to my riding boots. I shove my feet into them and zipped them up. I snatched up my phone and my purse, then stomped out of the room.
Lorenzo followed me downstairs and out to the car. He handed me the key and I got in without waiting for him to open the door. When he got in the car he pecked me on the cheek.
“You’re so cute when you’re angry,” he chuckled.
I put the car in gear, not waiting for him to buckle up. “Which way to the mall,” I grumbled.
When we got to the mall, Chris was already waiting in the parking lot. He was standing next to a black Jaguar. I came to a stop just before him and went to get out of the car.
“Victoria, park the car,” Lorenzo huffed.
“You do it,” I shook my head.
“Stop being afraid to park. You’re an excellent driver now park the car,” he insisted, almost in a growl. “Just pull in next to Chris.”
We were going to have to do something about the tempers in this relationship, before someone gets hurt. When Chris saw Lorenzo get out of the passenger side, his face twisted in disbelief and curiosity. I popped out of the car, not waiting for Lorenzo again. Only this time, he made it to close the door behind me.
Chris eyes almost popped out of his head when he saw I was the driver. His eyes flickered between the two of us repeatedly. Lorenzo placed his hand on the small of my back and lead me over to where Chris stood.
I waved as I walked up to him. He still looked in shock. Lorenzo chuckled and introduced me.
“Chris this is Victoria, Victoria this is Chris. Chris, close your mouth and stop being rude,” Lorenzo laughed.
Chris shook his head. “Sorry, Victoria. It’s nice to meet you. How did you get him to let you drive that car, please tell me? We’ve been best friends our whole lives and he won’t let me near it,” Chris said, baffled.
“Nice to meet you too, Chris, but I don’t know if I can help you there,” I replied.
Lorenzo laughed. “Chris, I would question our friendship, among many other things if you were able to do what she did to drive that car,” Lorenzo replied. I looked at Lorenzo, puzzled. He only laughed and pecked me on the nose.
“Never mind, I’ll just get my own,” Chris grumbled and make a sick looking face.
Lorenzo laughed harder, as he held my hand. We were waiting for Matt and Angie to pull into the parking lot. I’d pulled over on the way here to text Angie and asked her to come meet me. Matt was at her house, so they were on their way.
After only a few minutes, Matt’s Escalade pull into the parking lot. Angie looked cute as she stepped out of the truck, dressed in a grey halter-top and a black mini skirt and silver sandals.
“Thanks, but you have a lot of spilling to do later,” Angie whispered in my ear, as she hugged me.
Matt walked over and gave Lorenzo one of those pat on the back, handshakes and gave Chris a nod. He walked over to me, reaching out to playfully mush me.
“What’s up, princess? Do I need an appointment to get a call from you these days?” he said sarcastically.
I frowned at him. “No, you drive. Why haven’t you come to see me?”
“Too much drama,” he shrugged. “You okay?”
I looked up at Lorenzo. “Yup,” I smiled.
I introduced Angie to Chris, before she exploded. Then we all headed into the mall. We went to the arcade I had first seen Lorenzo hanging out in front of. Lorenzo is just as competitive as I am. We played game after game, arguing over who was cheating.
He had no idea I was so good at playing video games. One game, I was beating him so bad, he started to bump me and push me off the controls. When that didn’t work, he wrapped his arms around me and started to kiss at my face. I laughed so hard, he was able to grab the controls again and win.
Chris and Angie were getting along well. They were hanging out by the basketball games, with Matt and some other people Matt and Chris seemed to know. We were having a great time.
“I’m taking Lucie for ice cream later. You want to come?” Lorenzo asked out of the blue.
“Sure,” I beamed. I love his little sister, she reminds me of Toni.
“Good,” he said with a pleased smile and leaned over to kiss my lips. He looked at his watch. “It’s one. We should probably get going soon.”
I looked at my phone to see he was right. We would need some time to make it to meet my father at the dealership. I could feel the excitement in my chest.
“Hello,” Lorenzo answered his phone as it suddenly started to ring. “Hey, Ven. We were just getting ready to head to the dealership.”
I figured right away, it had to be my father. Lorenzo paused to listen. He nodded at my father’s words and I started to frown. I had a bad feeling. Whatever my father was saying, I wasn’t going to like it.
“Okay, sure. No problem. I understand,” Lorenzo replied. “Okay, talk to you later.”
Lorenzo looked at me with sad eyes. “Sorry, Baby. He’s not going to be able to make it,” Lorenzo said tugging me into his embrace.
“He didn’t even have the nerve to call me,” I grumbled.
“He said we could still go without him. You can just let him know which car I want. He’ll make sure you get it,” Lorenzo said softly.
I was so mad. “He’s the one that said he would take me. Now he’s standing me up?” I fumed.
Lorenzo started to look upset as I showed my anger. He tried to hide it as he comforted me. I shook it off and we played a few more games. When Lorenzo knew I was letting him win, stopped to turn to me.
“You want to do something else?” he asked. “We can still go. Just say the word.”
“I’m not in the mood,” I murmured.
He nods and wrapped an arm around me, kissing the top of my head. We gave up on playing and Lorenzo walked us over to the others.
“Dude, I’m starving,” Chris griped.
“Good, it’s not just me,” Matt groaned, while rubbing his stomach.
Lorenzo nodded. “Yeah, I could definitely eat.”
Without another thought the three started for the food court. Angie and I followed them, but took our time so we could talk. Angie was all giddy about hanging with Chris.
“Oh, my God. Thank you so much for this,” Angie sang.
“No problem,” I mumbled.
“What’s the matter, Vic? You look so sad now,” she questioned.
I shrugged my shoulders. “I was supposed to be meeting my father to get my car today, but he just stood me up,” I responded.
She started to squeal. “Oh, my gosh. So that was his car you were driving earlier? You looked so hot.”
I rolled my eyes. Angie was so missing the point. I could care less about the car.
“Can we please focus here? Yes, that was his car, but that’s the same car I want. He knows I like it so he let me drive. Anyway, I really wanted to go car shopping, with my dad,” I grumbled at her.
She rolled her eyes. “Oh, please, Victoria. Your father is going to buy you whatever you want. What’s the big deal?” She said it as if I were overreacting.
“I don’t know,” I shrugged. “I’m just disappointed, but I kind of don’t want Lorenzo to think I’m spoiled. So, I don’t want to tell him how disappointed I am,” I admitted.
“You are spoiled,” Angie pointed out.
“Look who’s talking. My father said Lorenzo should still take me, but I really wanted to go with my dad. We have been doing more stuff together when we’re not arguing and it’s kind of nice,” I confided.
“So, wait for him to take you,” she said nonchalantly.
I was annoyed with Angie. This was one of the reasons I’d been talking to Lorenzo so much on the phone. He understood what I was trying to say. Angie was used to getting what she wanted. Her father would take time out from anything for her.
I just gave up. Angie would understand. I just felt worse trying to explain.
Angie and I sat at a table at the food court, waiting for the guys to return with their food. Angie babbled on about Chris, while I was lost in my own thoughts. Suddenly, I felt like someone was watching me.
I started to look around the mall to see if anyone was. That’s when I saw her. She looked familiar, but I couldn’t remember from where I’d seen her face.
It bothered me because I knew I should know. Her eyes looked as if they wanted to burn through my skin. She was about my height, maybe a little taller. Her hair was dark blonde and cut into a short bob. She had on a black t-shirt and faded blue jeans. She was nothing special.
The way she looked at me made it hard to decide if she was pretty or not. Angie shut up long enough to see what I’d been staring at.
“What’s she looking at?” Angie asked, irritated.
I shrugged my shoulders. “I don’t know, but in a second, I’m going to ask her. Do you know her? She looks familiar.”
Angie looked at her for a second. “Victoria, her name is on the tip of my tongue. Give me a minute,” she pondered.
Then, it clicked. I didn’t need a minute. I know exactly where I saw her face before. The image of her profile popped right into my head. I spoke her name out loud.
“Sabrina.”
Angie looked at me puzzled. “Yeah, that’s it. She goes to school with Lorenzo and Chris.” Angie hangs out way more than I do. Mostly with older crowds. So she would know more than I would.
I folded my arms across my chest and stared Sabrina down with a warning look. However, she refused to look away. Just then three other girls joined her.
I could see her telling them something, causing them all to look over in my direction. This girl had no idea. She was picking the wrong day to second guess what I told her. Just then Lorenzo appeared taking the seat next to me and placing a smoothie in front of me. He kissed my temple.
“Something to make you feel better,” he said into my ear.
I ignored him, shifting to look around his back. Sabrina and her friends were now walking in our direction. She seriously was making a mistake.
I hardly ever gave my father much trouble, but when I did it was usually because of my temper. Most girls at school stayed away from Angie and me when it came to starting drama. Someone should have given Sabrina the memo.
Lorenzo’s eyebrows drew to the middle of his forehead, while he watched my expression. “What’s wrong? I’ll take you to the showroom if you want,” he said thoughtfully.
I rose from my seat. “This isn’t about the showroom,” I growled.
He turned to see what I was looking at, in time to see Sabrina stop a few paces from us. She had her entourage with her. So bold with reinforcements, was she?
“Oh, fuck,” Lorenzo curse under his breath. He stood behind me and place his arms around me. I knocked them away and stepped forward.
Sabrina twisted her face. “Are you Victoria? The one from the phone?” she asked.
“Who else did you think you were staring at?” I roared at her. In that instant, I felt Angie step to my side.
“I just wanted to make sure,” she scowled back.
“Well, now you know. Is there something you need?” I queried.
“I just wanted you to say whatever you needed to say to my face,” she shrieked boldly.
Was this girl dumb or what? I had it. Why did people act like they could step all over me? What made her think I wasn’t true to my word? I meant what I said, unlike the people around me. I would protect what was mine.
I got all the way in her face. “I said what I had to say to you. You understood it when I did. Your friends don’t make a difference to me. I’ll hurt them for just standing with you. Like they would do something, cause they won’t. Did you think I was joking? I’m done talking to you. Next, I’m gonna put my hands on you.”
She backed up a step and looked over to her friends. Only one of them was bold enough to step closer to her, which made Angie cross behind me and stand in the bold one’s face. Sabrina cleared her throat, then looked behind me.
“Lorenzo, you should learn to control your girlfr…” She didn’t get to finish her sentence.
I had hauled back and slapped her across her face. “I told you don’t even breathe in his direction. Didn’t I?” I stood over her bellowing through my teeth.
Her friends stood with their mouths hanging open. Sabrina had fallen to the floor. You could see the blood creeping out of the side of her mouth. Angie still stood in the bold friend’s face staring her down.
I was pissed. Just staring her down wasn’t good enough for me. I walked over and with the other hand slapped Sabrina’s bold friend across the face too.
I hit her with so much force, she spun before she fell to the floor. The other two girls backed away in shock and horror. I went to step toward them, but felt hands grab at both my wrists.
I turned to see Angie had one. She was shaking her head no at me. When I pulled away from her, I looked the other way. Lorenzo had the other, looking down at me with a half angry, half shocked expression.
I twisted my arm to release his hold, but he wouldn’t let go. He was just making it worse. When I got, loose I was really going to hurt someone.
I looked over at Matt, who was standing by the table with his mouth jarred open. I gave him a look that said, “Get him off of me, now!” Matt just stood there and folded his arm against his chest. This enraged me to no end. I couldn’t even focus.
“Let me go, now!” I spit out.
Lorenzo grabbed my other wrist. “Calm down,” he growled back at me.
Since he wouldn’t let go, I stepped right up against him and lifted myself on my toes to reach his face. “Let. Me. Go!” I barked.
We were nose to nose, the energy passing through us was crushing. I could feel his chest heaving against mine. His breath was blowing roughly in my face.
He narrowed his eyes at me. “Victoria, you better back down and get yourself under control,” he cautioned.
I didn’t move an inch. He was going to let me go and I was going to finish what I started. After what seemed like hours of silence, which was only seconds, I had had it.
I stepped back and relaxed my body. He loosened his grip on my wrists and when he finally let go, I turned to sprint for the first one I saw. I felt a set of arms catch my waist.
“Don’t even think about it,” Lorenzo growled in my ear.
What was Lorenzo’s problem? She had annoyed him as much as me. Why was he stopping me? I wanted her to fully understand what I meant. I was going to kill those traitor cousins of mine. Why were they not helping me?
Lorenzo grabbed my arm and started for the parking lot. The energy between was taking on physical shape. Swirling around us like a cloak. Just his hand on my arm made my hairs stand up. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to hit him or kiss him.
When we got out to the parking lot, Lorenzo stood in front of me with his arms folded, looking as if he wanted to commit a murder himself. I stared back at him to let him know I wasn’t scared of him. If I wanted to get pass, I would. I turned and marched for the car, not stopping until I got to the passenger door.
I realized I had left my bag in the mall and that was where the key was. I turned to head back that way, but Lorenzo was right on top of me. He threw his arms on the roof of the car, locking me in between him and it.
I officially had to stay put. I looked in his eyes and my grey smiles were gone. They looked like grey steel. He took a deep breath.
“What in the world is wrong with you?” he asked sounding concerned.
I stared at him not answering.
“Victoria, do you hear me? What was that?” he asked.
I didn’t want to fight with him. Why couldn’t he just leave me alone right now. I needed to think. Couldn’t he understand that?
I needed to relax for a second. I just stood there not looking at him, trying to stare pass him. He wasn’t satisfied with my silence, so he shouted in my face. “Talk to me!”
I felt the tears coming, so I shouted back. “She asked for it!” I roared.
“That’s not what I’m talking about. You just snapped, you were ready to fight me. What’s wrong with you?” he roared back.
I hadn’t realized that that was what I was doing, or that that’s what it looked like to him. I started to cry. “I’m sorry, I… I didn’t see you. I just wanted you to let go,” I told him.
“Victoria, this had nothing to do with her. She just picked a bad time to pick a fight. What’s really going on with you?” he asked softly.
“I don’t know. She made it seem like I wouldn’t do what I said. I never say something I won’t do,” I explained.
“Victoria, this is about your father, isn’t it?” he accused.
I began crying more and shrugged my shoulders in reply.
“Please talk to me. If I don’t know what’s wrong, I can’t fix it,” he pleaded.
He was only trying to be there for me, but I snapped again. “Fix it? How can you fix seventeen years of lying? What can you do to fix my heart from being ripped apart? I’m only some kid he had so he could marry me off for something I don’t understand, which makes me even more angry. Can you fix that?” I fired at him.
Lorenzo’s face changed to a face of complete hurt. “I can only try to fix it if you let me. I can love you. That won’t fix what has been done to your heart, but I swear to love you so much it will cover all that pain. Victoria, I don’t know everything about your father, but I do know you weren’t just some kid he had so he could marry you off. He does love you,” he said sincerely.
I released a long sigh. “Lorenzo, you can want to try to fix it, but it’s not your problem. You shouldn’t be forced to make up for his mistakes. You shouldn’t have to take me where he won’t,” I replied.
He frowned. “Why should you hurt when you don’t have to? If I can fix it, if I can make you happy, why won’t you let me? I want to make sure you get what you want. I’m not making up for any one’s mistakes. I’m making sure the person I love is always happy, no matter what that takes.” He touched my face and I looked into his eyes.
“I don’t know, Lorenzo. I wanted to tell you how I felt, but I don’t want you to think I’m being a brat. I don’t want you to think I’m spoiled,” I shrugged.
“So, you’d rather I think you’re crazy?” He raised a brow.
“I’m sorry I lost my temper with you. I really didn’t mean to. I’m embarrassed,” I whispered with my head down.
He lifted my chin to see my face. “You’re something else. Those girls never had a chance,” he said and laughed.
I was even more embarrassed. “I’m sorry I embarrassed you. I understand if you don’t want to deal with crazy,” I replied.
He tucked my hair behind my ear and pressed his mouth to it. “I like crazy. Crazy excites me. My father raised me too proud to be embarrassed. As far as I see it, not only is my girl the prettiest, she the most dangerous,” he whispered and gave a quick chuckle.
Before I could respond, he had me pinned to the car. As our lips touched, I could feel the energy that was cloaking us serge through our lips. I wrapped my arms around his neck and lost myself in his kiss. Lorenzo wasn’t holding back.
He pulled away to look me in the face. The look in his eyes was intense and confident. He watched my eyes as he traced my face with his fingers. I was overwhelmed by his touch. All the emotions that were running through me came to the surface. I felt the tears begin to flow. Lorenzo gently wiped the tears away and kissed my cheek.
“Why are you crying?” he asked. “Please let me know what I can do to make it better,” he whispered.
“You are making it better. Thank you,” I shrugged.
“You’re welcome. Are you ready to leave? We can go hang at my house. I am starving. I kind of didn’t get to eat,” he smirked.
I gave him a bashful look. “I left my purse and the key is in it,” I told him.
He pulled his phone from his pocket, sending a text. He smiled as he sent his message, peeking up at me as he waited for a reply. I reached out for his hand and he came closer, locking our fingers together. After a few seconds, his phone lit up and he read the message.
“Cool, your cousins and Chris are coming with us. We can hang at my pool. Angie is bringing your bag,” he said as he went to reply to the message.
“I don’t have a swimsuit. I don’t want to hang by the pool in this,” I complained.
He chuckled. “Chris just said Angie was running into a swim shop. Do you want me to ask her to get you something? I can go in and pay for it,” he offered.
“You don’t have to pay for it. She has my wallet in my purse.”
He ignored what I said. Finishing his text, he leaned in to kiss me. Lorenzo turned to walk away.
“You’re going to need to get used to me doing things for you. Stay here and try to stay out of trouble. Is there a special color you want?” he called over his shoulder.
“Ugh. Black please. Thank you,” I called after him.
I was glad for the time alone to think. I wanted to try to focus the emotions I was feeling. Lorenzo was truly trying to make me feel better. To make sure that I was okay.
I thought about how he was more concerned with my reaction to him, than what I had done to Sabrina. I guess he did feel she did deserve it. What bothered me most was that I didn’t notice what I was doing. I was so far gone in my rage.
I could never hit Lorenzo. I love him too much. I feel like he understands me so much.
I thought about my father and how angry I was with him. I felt like he had asked too much of me and was giving me little in return. It wasn’t really about the car.
It was about him doing what he said for a change. I wanted him to spend time with me, being my father. Not my secret or my tyrant. I had so much going on, I see why I lost it.
Before I could get too lost in my thoughts, Chris and Matt walked up to where I was stood. Chris shook his head, while laughing at whatever Matt was saying. Matt was laughing as he spoke.
I could see Chris’s mouth fall open, as he turned in my direction. I could just imagine what Matt was telling him. I groaned and rolled my eyes.
“Victoria, wow, I would never have taken you for a fighter. You look like such a good girl,” Chris chuckled.
“What?” I mumbled.
“Watch out, she may hit you,” Matt laughed.
“Oh, he doesn’t have to worry about me. You on the other hand, are now on my list,” I warned him.
“Aw, Victoria, if I would’ve laid a hand on Lorenzo you would’ve fought me after anyway. So, I guess I lose either way.”
I just rolled my eyes again. Matt went on telling Chris stories about some of the trouble he has seen me get into. I walked around to the driver’s side to get away from them.
I was so relieved when Angie and Lorenzo appeared in the parking lot. Angie gave me a hug and handed me my purse. Lorenzo swung a bag in front of me, wearing a huge grin on his face. I reached for the bag and he gave it to me as he kissed my lips.
“Thank you.” This was the first gift I’d ever taken from a boy.
“You’re welcome. Are you okay to drive or do you want me to?”
“I think I’m fine.” I reached in my bag for the key.
He reached to open the door for me as I unlocked the car. As I went to get in the car, I noticed Angie getting in Chris’s car, not Matt’s. I laughed to myself. I guess something good did come out of this trip.
I pulled out of the parking spot, followed by Matt then Chris. Lorenzo was quiet, speaking only to give me directions. It seemed like he was thinking about something. I wished I did let him drive, so I could focus more on him.
I wondered if I should ask him what he was thinking, but the look on his face made me not want to interrupt is thoughts. I wanted Lorenzo and me to just get a chance to live outside the drama for a while.
I am not sure how soon we have to marry, but it seems like he is getting to go to grad school. I wondered how far away he would go. Any distance would be tough to deal with. So, for now, I wanted to forget about everything else and just be us.