chapter Thirty-One
They’re Here
Victoria
We had already spent two whole days and three nights in the estate. Lorenzo was extra grumpy. I just wanted this all to be over. Everything made him irritated.
He was upset because I hadn’t slept in a bed in two days. He was tired of waiting. It seemed like having me in the room, during meetings was making him angry and frustrated as well. I was getting tired of being around him. This wasn’t my Lorenzo.
Chris and Matt had gotten used to having me around, and even that seemed to annoy Lorenzo. I just to get away from him, I would go out to the balcony outside the library. It was as far out of Lorenzo’s sight as he would allow me.
A few of the Ghosts would come to talk to me, when they saw me step out into the open. They liked that I could speak each of their dialects. To be truthful, whenever I trained with the Ghosts was the only time I would see a hint of a smile of Lorenzo’s face.
I’d picked up the training they were giving me a lot better than anyone expected. The Ghosts taught me how to count to their rhythm and be able to be aware of them in the room.
Talk about amazing. I’d never seen anything like it in my life. It was cool. They moved so fast and at any time they would increase their pace.
I would have to adjust and know the right count to make the adjustment. It was insane at first, I didn’t know if I could pull it off, but by the second day I had it. I was so excited when I was able to spot them, as they moved and I could hold count while moving in the room with them.
Matt, Chris, Lorenzo, and I were the only ones they trained to stay in sequence with them. Everyone else was to stay on the outside of the house. They were only willing to teach the four of us their secrets.
Lorenzo’s great-great grandfather was close to one of the original Ghosts. The trust between them and the family had remained. They were willing to teach us the way they operated based on that relationship. Lorenzo and Alfonzo had given their word that we were people they could trust with their secrets.
Just imagine Parkour, free running, and harnessed acrobats. The Ghosts use a combination of the three. It’s awe inspiring. I’m still processing what I’ve seen them do.
I guess you could say I was a little grumpy too. It bothered me that Lorenzo hadn’t held me, since we arrived at the estate. Forget about a kiss. We were like complete strangers. With each day, we spent in this place I could feel the tension and stress between us increasing.
I almost bit his head off yesterday for touching my food, without asking first. Something he’s never had to do before. For the rest of the night, we stayed away from each other. I stuck to Chris and Matt, who were making plans to move the bachelor party.
It was scheduled for this Saturday, but we were still waiting. It doesn’t look like we were getting out of here any time soon either.
All night I hoped they would show up, so we could get out of here and back to our lives. I swear if Lo gives me one more of those stinking, why can’t you be like a normal wife, looks, it was going to be a gunfight between him and me.
I was up early Friday morning. I just don’t want to move. I had gotten up to brush my teeth and get some orange juice before it was all gone. No one else was up, so I returned to my makeshift bed pretending to be sleep.
I was uncomfortable, curled up on the little sofa in the library. We spent almost all our time in the library just to be ready. Matt was in the back of the library curled up on a rug, while Chris was sprawled out across a chair. Lorenzo was on the love seat across from me.
When I finally sat up to stretch, I found Lo sitting up, staring at me. For once, his face wasn’t cold and twisted. He looked as if he missed me.
“Come here,” he whispered and beckoned me with his finger.
I was so happy he wasn’t frowning at me and wanted me next to him, I almost ran across the space between us. I hopped onto his lap, into his waiting arms. He wasted no time pressing his lips to mine, hugging me tightly. I did my best not to moan, not wanting to wake Chris or Matt. Lorenzo didn’t seem to care.
“I miss you,” he whispered in my ear. “Sorry.”
“I’m sorry too,” I said.
“For what?” he asked.
“For trying to bite your head off last night.”
“That’s okay,” he chuckled. “I deserved it.”
He pulled my face to his again. I locked my arms around his neck. I never wanted to kiss him so badly. I needed to know we were okay that he did still love me, and that we were still the same.
“Oh, please you two. Get a room,” Chris grumbled.
“No, you get out,” Lorenzo growled. “You too Matt, you’re not sleeping over there. Get out.”
“Lo, seriously?” Chris yarned.
“Bro, I’m so serious. Get out!” Lorenzo shouted.
“Lo, now you’re being mean to them,” I whined.
“I don’t care. I want to be alone with you,” he said and kissed my neck.
Chris got up, stretching before he headed for the doors. Matt moved much slower to get up off the floor. Lorenzo looked in his direction and frowned. He rubbed my back, while he waited for them to leave the room. All the tension and stress he had been directing at me was gone. Lorenzo nuzzled my cheek, while waiting for Matt to make his way to the door.
“Matt close the door behind you,” he grumbled, while he dragged his face across my collarbone.
I wondered what changed, but I didn’t want him to stop. His hands gripped the small of my back tightly, pulling me toward him. It was like the tension had turned into something else.
His breath fanning against my skin made the hairs on my body stand up. Lorenzo wouldn’t kiss me. Instead, his lips brushed closely to my skin, just barely touching it, while he watched me through his insanely long lashes. I moaned as my body tried to mush in his hold, only causing him to squeeze me a little tighter.
“I love you,” he whispered against my skin. “I want to take you home.”
I reached for his face, tracing his lips. I wanted to go home too. If it meant he would be like this, be nice to me. I went to kiss him, but he wouldn’t let me. I would get just close enough before he’d pull away. Lorenzo just grinned at my frustration, giving a little laugh.
I tilted my head to the side, and lean for his ear. I repeat what Aunt Silvia taught me, licking the shell of his ear, before gently blowing. I smirked as I felt Lorenzo shiver beneath me, his breath caught, before he grinned.
He squeezed me tighter, while dragging his long, strong fingers up my back. I threw my head back and let out my own gasp. Lorenzo’s touch sets my skin on fire. I arched into him, aching for more.
“You like that, Beautiful?” he whispered, as my breasts heaved before him. “Come here.”
“Yes,” I answered his question, but shook my head, no to his request.
Now, he wanted to kiss me, but I wanted him to wait the way he made me. Lorenzo smiled and bit his lip. I missed this smile so much, his grey eyes twinkled with it. I broke, not able to resist the way his eyes lit up for me, as I leaned in to kiss him the doors flew open. Chris and Matt were running in at top speed.
“Head in the game, they’re here,” Matt bellowed.
I jumped from Lorenzo’s lap and ran straight for the stairs. Lorenzo was right behind me. I ran past Matt’s post and went straight to where Lorenzo and I were set up only about a foot apart. Before I could drop to the floor, Lorenzo had his hand around my waist with his mouth pressed hard against my ear.
“We’re going home. Stay focused.” I could hear the determination and command in his voice.
I nodded my head and dropped to my post. I pulled on the bulletproof vest as fast as I could. I could hear the gunfire outside the house, as I pulled on the pink holster, Uncle Frankie had made for me. It matched the twin 10 mm pink glocks he had customized for me.
I looked across the balcony and saw Chris lying flat on his belly with a rifle over his shoulder. I heard the doors burst open downstairs and understood at once, this was really happening. This was nothing like the time in the vineyard.
I was expecting this attack and the days had built up the anticipation. I was a little nervous. It was taking me a little while to fully react to what was going on. My own breathing rang in my ears in stereo.
I looked out of the library doors and I could see men entering the house. For every three that entered, two would disappear just as quickly. It was like they were just vanishing.
Once I focused a little more, I realized exactly what was happening. I started to count and I began to see them flash past, it was the Ghosts. They were picking them off in twos letting the third one head our way. I understood this, but still didn’t draw my weapons. It was all happening so fast.
Within seconds, someone had entered the library pointing a gun and looking around for targets. Chris picked him off, as soon as he was fully in the room. The next guy entered and Matt had his turn.
It still didn’t register with me that I should draw my pistol to be ready. I could hear Lorenzo breathing next to me, but I didn’t look over at him. My eyes were glued on the flickering forms that shouldn’t have been moving at such speeds.
“Victoria, you okay?” Lorenzo asked, breaking my focus on the Ghosts.
It happened just in time because as soon as I looked away, I saw a man at the corner of the doorway. He was pointing right at Lorenzo, who was too busy looking at me. I snapped out of it, drawing my pistols. In the blink of an eye I put two in his head.
“I’m fine, don’t worry about me,” I ordered.
Lorenzo turned in time to see I had saved him again. In that split second that he lost his focus I almost lost him. I was furious. I hit everything that came through or next to the door. When my clips were empty, I reached for the tec with the scope.
I was tired of wasting time I had a perfect view of where they passed the Ghosts and headed our way. I aimed downstairs right at them, as they made their way up. Taking them out before they could get this far. Suddenly, the bullets from below started to enter the room we were in.
“Victoria, no, focus on the room,” Lorenzo barked. “Get down.”
I realized my mistake, they figure out where the bullets were coming from. We were now a target. A few of the bullets flew past my head hitting the bookshelves behind me.
I was a little irritated that I didn’t see what my impatience would start. I crouched down lower and pulled my focus back to the room. There were so many of them and they were coming so fast.
I was empty again, but I didn’t want to reach for something else, so I went to reload my pistols and the tec. I moved as fast as I could. I could tell that Lorenzo was covering me, while I reloaded.
I knew he was okay, but I wanted to know if Matt and Chris were all right. I quickly scanned the room to check on them. Chris was still across the room on his belly. Hitting everything he aimed at.
I looked past Lorenzo for Matt, he had the best view of downstairs. Right in the back corner, next to the stairs. Matt was holding something Uncle Frankie didn’t show me, but he handed it like it was a toy.
Obviously, I’d underestimated him. I went to place my attention back on my targets and felt Lorenzo’s arm smash across my chest.
“Victoria!” I heard him roar at the same time I felt the blow.
I hit the bookcase and a bullet hit a book right above my head. In the exact spot, I would have been in if Lorenzo hadn’t pushed me. Lorenzo let a few shots rip before I reclaimed focus and sat up again. I raised my pistols to aim down into the room and fired. However, a distracting sound came from beside me.
It was the sound of Lorenzo falling back and groaning in pain. I cleared anything that was in my sightline, so I could look to my side.
“No!” I screamed as I turned.
Lorenzo was lying face down in pain. I could see the blood spilling out onto the floor. In that instant, I forgot where I was. I couldn’t see anything but rage and hurt. This was my fault. He had told me to focus.
I quickly reloaded the pistols and placed them in their holsters. I kept as low as possible. I threw the strap to the tec across my body, without thinking twice.
I shoved few more clips in my pockets, picked up the rifle from my mini arsenal, and headed for the stairs. I moved so fast Matt missed me, when he reached to pull me down.
“Vic, what are you doing?” Matt called after me.
“Victoria don’t!” I heard Chris yell.
I paid them no attention. I aimed and fired at anyone in front of me. I was through the doors and out of the library before I could think about what I was doing.
I noticed the Ghosts flickering back and forth and began to count. They swung through the air so rapidly, you could barely see the cables they were suspended from. Their pace picked up the moment they noticed I was out of the room. I quickly adjusted my count.
I made my way to the stairs and felt Matt and Chris at my sides. I couldn’t worry about them, I was trying to keep count. If I lost count I could hit one of the Ghost or end up in the line of their fire.
I focused on keeping time and taking down any danger in front of me. As we made our way down the stairs, I had the count perfectly. I stopped firing at the right moments, and was even about to the Ghosts passing.
One, two, three, four…I counted in my head and dropped down low as they passed overhead. They took out their targets and the ones I would’ve hit if I were still upright. Matt and Chris were keeping time just as well, it was like we were dancing in sync with their invisible movements.
Once I reached the foyer, I noticed the Ghosts increased their speed again. I caught count quickly. It was like they were increasing their movements to compensate for the amount of danger I was putting myself in. I aimed straight at the door hitting whoever dared to enter or pass by it.
I was so in tuned with the whole room at this point, I knew where everyone was. I felt Chris on my right and Matt was at my left. They moved in sync with the Ghosts and me just as perfectly as if we had done this a million times.
You would think it would be difficult for guys as big as they are, but they moved as fluidly as panthers raising and falling with swift motions. When my rifle was empty, I draw both pistols faster than I thought I could and aimed straight head.
I was so one with the room, when I felt someone move behind me, I turned one pistol behind me and went to shoot. My lips part, it was Lorenzo. He knocked my hand away just in time for the shot to miss him. My eyes widen at what I almost did, but I didn’t have time to think about it.
I looked behind Lorenzo and saw more men heading our way through the back door. I quickly turned my whole body toward Lorenzo. Aiming around his sides, I picked off the guys aiming at his back.
While I fired, I heard shots ringing past my right ear. As I counted and dropped out of the Ghosts way once more, Lorenzo dropped and spun around me to press his back to mine. The four of us rose once again, in perfect sync firing at will. There was fire coming from everywhere.
I reloaded much faster in the heart of the action. I could feel Lorenzo’s left arm pressed against my back. Blood dripped down my leg, I tried not to let it break my focus. Instead, it fueled my rage.
There were so many of them. As fast as we would drop them, more would come. I could tell the teams outside were overwhelmed.
Suddenly, the sound of fire outside increased. I cursed myself in my head. I started to panic. I knew we could handle what we were facing at the moment, but what were we going to do with more.
As my pistols emptied again, I dropped them for the tec, but to my surprise firing began to decrease outside. I also noticed that I was able to slow the count. A loud explosion sounded and then nothing.
We just waited. I could feel Lorenzo’s hand grab a tight hold of my t-shirt. I wanted to turn and make sure he was okay, but I couldn’t afford to lose focus anymore today. I could hear him behind me breathing harder than usual.
Finally, the Ghosts appeared at a normal pace. A few pulled their masks from their faces. I released a long sigh. It must be over. I could feel Chris and Matt relax and lower their guns.
I took the opportunity to drop the tec and reload the pistols I had dropped to the floor, just in case. I listened for any signs of danger, but nothing came. When I stood, I felt Lorenzo’s arm around me, pulling me to him as he kissed the top of my head.
“Are you okay?” he breathed into my hair. His voice was rough and his breathing was harsh.
“I’m fine,” I said as I turned to face him. “But you’re hurt. We need to get you to a hospital.”
“No, no hospitals, Vic,” Matt said.
“What do you mean? He’s shot. Look at all the blood,” I shrieked.
“No, Victoria, he’s right,” Lorenzo said, reaching into his pocket for his phone.
I watched him wince, as he dialed a number. Whoever he was calling answered right away. I could hear the anxious answer on the other end.
“Dad,” he tried to say, but his father anxiously questioned him.
“Yes, Victoria is fine.” I snatched the phone from him, as I watched the sweat pour from his face.
“Alfonzo, Lo was shot. What do we do?” I screamed through the phone.
“Shot, shot where?” he asked.
“In the arm, it looks like. There’s so much blood. What do we do?”
“Uncle Mike is out front. He just called. He will know where to take Lo.”
I hung up the phone right away. “Let’s go,” I barked.
Matt went to help Lorenzo, who looked a little unsteady. I wrapped my arms around his waist, careful not to hit his arm. I still had both pistols in my hands, not sure if I trusted going outside.
Once we were out the front doors, I understood the increase in fire and the explosion. Uncle Bryce stood there, beside his truck and two more like it were parked behind his. I quickly released Lorenzo’s waist to throw my pistol holding hands behind my back. I didn’t want Uncle Bryce to flip out.
“So, you needed my help after all, Kid,” Uncle Bryce called.
“Guess so. Thanks,” Lorenzo said weakly. “I guess my count was off on how many people wanted us dead.”
“No problem. As long as my niece is okay, but you look like you had a time making sure that happened,” Uncle Bryce said, as he looked at Lorenzo’s arm.
I was just about to tell Uncle Bryce we could talk later after Lorenzo got help. That’s when I noticed something move in the bushes. It was just a subtle move, but it was enough.
I could see someone raising a gun in my direction. I quickly pulled my hands from behind my back and aimed for his head and chest. I fired faster than I thought I could. I pumped two in his chest and two in his head, then watched as he dropped.
“Damn, Victoria, who’s protecting who?” My uncle chuckled.
Before I could respond, I heard a thud beside me. I looked down and Matt had just barely caught Lorenzo’s head before it hit the ground. He had passed out. He was losing so much blood; the adrenaline rush must have been wearing off.
I felt sick. Chris rushed over to Lorenzo, pulling off his shirt and ripping it to tie around Lorenzo’s arm. Uncle Bryce ran over and helped Matt lift Lo up. Everyone move quickly to help.
“Let’s get him in my truck. We deal with the best, our doc will take care of him,” Uncle Bryce ordered.
Matt looked at me, but I shot him a look. “Don’t even bother arguing, just do it,” I snapped.
They placed Lo in the back of Uncle Bryce’s truck and I jumped in with him. I pulled his head into my lap, trying to wipe some of the sweat from his face. He looked so pale. I kissed his face before putting my lips to his ear.
“Lo, you promised me,” I whispered in his ear. “We both leave alive. You promised. You said you were taking me home, don’t do this, Lorenzo. Wake up, please.”
I was so angry at myself, I couldn’t even manage the tears to cry. I wouldn’t cry because he promised. He said we were going to be okay. I made some mistakes, but I wasn’t trying to show off.
I just wanted to protect us and make sure everyone was okay. I knew having Matt there was a bad idea, but this was my fault. I would never forgive myself if I lost Lorenzo like this.
“Please, Lo. I love you. Please. I’m sorry, just don’t do this. Stay with me please,” I begged.
Uncle Bryce was in the front seat, murmuring on the phone. He reached into the back seat to check Lorenzo’s pulse.
“His pulse is there, it’s just weak and he’s lost a lot of blood,” he told the person he was talking.
My cousin Marcus was driving much faster than he should’ve been, but I was thankful. I just hoped we didn’t get stopped. We didn’t have time and I sat with two pistols at my sides.
I realized where Uncle Bryce was taking us right away. It was one of the buildings my grandfather owned. It didn’t take long to get there at the speed we were going.
Once we were in the garage. Marcus parked and Uncle Bryce jumped out of the truck. He had the back door opened, checking Lorenzo’s pulse again. Chris had my door opened, pulling me out of the way, so he could help Uncle Bryce get Lorenzo out of the truck.
I got out of the way, looking around the garage. I could see that Matt and Chris had driven in Lorenzo’s Austin Martin. I had a feeling they weren’t just going to let us go without them. Matt knew Uncle Bryce, but he also knows how my father feels about my mother’s family.
Lorenzo’s phone was going off like crazy in my pocket, but I was focused on Lorenzo and getting him help. We piled in the elevator, riding up to the penthouse level. I’ve spent weekends in the condo Uncle Bryce was taking us to. I knew the place well.
When the doors opened to the penthouse, I could see a man with medical supplies spread out by the chaise lounge. He was all set up and waiting. He motioned for them to bring Lorenzo over to the chaise.
Chris placed Lorenzo gently on the chaise. He then backed away to stand by the little stairway we had come down to enter the living room area. Matt already stood there on the opposite side. I went right to Lorenzo’s side and wiped his forehead with my hand.
The man went right to work. He checked Lorenzo’s pulse and picked up a solution that looked like water. He poured it over Lorenzo’s wound and twisted the arm to get a better look.
“It went clean through, Bryce,” the doc said. “I’ll have him patched up in no time. I didn’t know his blood type, but my cooler is full of whatever I might need.”
I looked over to where he was sitting. He sat on top of a large cooler. I couldn’t help but wonder how often he did this type of thing, or how often it was for my uncle.
He pulled out a needle and stuck it in Lorenzo’s arm. He worked fast to sew the holes in Lorenzo’s arm shut. I tried again to wipe the moisture from Lorenzo face.
“Young lady, you can take one of the gauges right there,” the doctor nodded. “Your friend is going to be fine.”
I reached for the gauges he pointed out and used it to clean Lorenzo’s face. I didn’t like the color of his skin, but the doc said he would be fine. I trusted Uncle Bryce. He had saved us and Angie. If he said this man was one of the best, then he must be. I wasn’t ready to let Lorenzo go, he had to be okay.
“I love you,” I whispered in his ear. “Please Lo, for me, be okay. Baby, I love you.”
I continued to whisper in his ear, as the doctor worked. He had blood, hooked up and flowing into Lorenzo’s arm before I realized. The doc bandaged the arm up and gave me a smile.
“Don’t worry, he’ll wake up for a pretty girl like you,” he said, reaching over to brush my hair aside. “I just wanted to make sure none of this blood belongs to you,” he said and looked me over.
“I’m fine,” I said softly.
“Well, he’s going to be fine too. His face looks fatigued. I’ll be here to watch him, but let’s give him a chance to rest up. He’s young, he’ll heal up nicely,” the doctor said.
“He better, he’s getting married next Saturday,” Uncle Bryce teased.
“Oh, well, I guess congratulation is in order,” he said, looking at my hand and spying out the ring on my finger.
“Thank you and thank you for helping him,” I said.
The doctor smiled and went to talking to Uncle Bryce. I watched Lorenzo, as he started to regain a little color. Chris and Matt were still standing in the same spots, just watching the room.
Matt had answered his phone once and Lorenzo’s had stopped ringing in my pocket. My own adrenaline rush was wearing off. I was suddenly so tired. I placed my head on Lorenzo’s stomach and wrapped my arm around him. I could hear the voices in the room, but they stopped making sense.