CLAIMED - Chapter 23: Chapter 23

Bella
"SURPRISEEEE" the boys screamed as Lorenzo who looked at them in shock. It was obvious that he was taken back by the way he scanned the room intently. His eyes never meeting mine, despite me standing right beside Diego. I felt a pang of hurt hit my body, but I decided to ignore it. I was just here because Diego invited me. I didn't know that the family function was a surprise party for him. Heck, I am more surprised than him
I looked up at Diego who smiled sheepishly. Lorenzo was now greeting the boys who had approached him, congratulating him on something. Completely ignoring both me and Diego. "What is this, Diego?" I asked him lowly, not wanting someone to hear our conversation. I could see James walking towards us with the same confused expression.
"I don't know. He is just acting weird, Bels" Diego answered in the same tone. I turned towards him fully before sighing out loud, snatching his attention.
"Not, him. I am not talking about him. Heck, I don't even think about him. Why did you invite us here if you knew it was a surprise for him?" I said a little angered, James caressing my shoulder now that he had approached us.
I knew that it wasn't Diegos fault, but the fact that Lorenzo had ignored me made me mad. How could he just make me feel all these emotions by calling me his and then disappear just like that. FOR TWO WEEKS. Not even that, now he is pretending that he doesn't even know me! The worst thing is that I actually had missed him when he was away. I can't even pretend now because James already knows that I missed him. I bet that he didn't even think about me.
"Well, the last time I saw you two it seemed you were close" Diego said dumbfounded by my question.
"I don't like the thought of another man being with you" he whispered, lifting up my robe over his head and disappearing under my robe. I shut my eyes tightly as I breathed in and out. This is so wrong but feels so right. He had nearly killed Caleb and is invading my privacy. But I have missed him. My body has missed his touch.
"Lorenzo" I gasped as I felt his head between my thighs. "I missed you" he said softly, his breath touching me down there. I melted at his words as I threw my head back slightly, feeling him leave wet kisses on my thighs. My stomach filled with a warm feeling that wanting to engulf him in. "Did you miss me?" I heard his low and raspy morning voice utter. "Yeah" I breathed out in ecstasy.
I shut my eyes tightly as I thought about the day Diego was referring to. He was just as confused and lost as me. What had changed Lorenzo in two weeks? What am I saying, even I had changed. For the worse, of course. Missing him when he was on a vacation with his....
"Send him a message then" he said as he shook my shoulders. I kicked him harshly as he held into my legs, trying to wrestle me. "Okay, don't. He probably has a wife and a kid he is celebrating easter with, while you are here sulking for him" he said from behind.
"I'm sorry, Diego" I said as I looked up at his tall framed, his eyes holding worry. He looked down at me, his eyes softening slightly as he pulled me in for a hug. I closed my eyes, leaning my head on his chest. I think he forgave me, right?
"James" I heard the thick voice utter behind us, silencing every other thought in my brain. Diego pulled back from the hug and smiled at me. Instead of turning around to face Lorenzo and James, I walked to the opposite direction. Why am I walking as if I know the people here? I didn't look back for their reactions, but I could see the shocked faces that were looking at us closely. I hate how they are reacting as if he isn't a human we can walk away from. He is human too and guess what? I don't give two shits about him being a fucking mafia.
I dragged my legs to the kitchen where Sara was scolding some of the boys on which plates, they had to use. It looked hilarious to see the intimidating guys getting scolded for something like PLATES. I chuckled out loud at the thought catching their attention. Sara smiled warmly as she rushed the boys out with the "right" plates before she walked up to me.
"You look absolutely beautiful, dear" she said as she held my hands, looking up at me. My mind suddenly went back to my family before I blocked that thought out before it could affect me. This day is already too much for me.
"Thank you, Sara. I was just going to tell you that I am leaving now" I said, wanting to be out of this place immediately. She frowned at me as her little frame ran around the kitchen to grab a muffin. "Aren't you going to eat sweetie?" she said sweetly, her eyes clearly concerned. I shook my head at her, knowing that I wasn't strong enough to deny her request if I spoke.
"Is it Lorenzo?" she said quietly as she put the muffin on the counter top, walking towards me. "No, it just that- I don't feel to good" I refraced my sentence as I smiled at her to strengthen my lie. I don't think It worked by the way Sara huffed and muttered something along the side of "boys" and "stupid". "Did you two at least talk?" she asked, her voice hopeful.
"Seems as if he has more important congratulations to receive" I said and bit my tongue right after. Bella, no talk more action. I was about to turn around and walk out the kitchen, when James walked in. "Our deals over. He came back" he stated confidently until he noticed mine and Saras face. Sara shook her head at James, as an indication for him not to talk further. "I mean you have Damon" he said, shooting me a smile. I smiled at his reference to The Vampire Diaries. Saras eyebrows shoot up as she looks at us shocked. I was highly confused at why she reacted like that, but I didn't care. If Lorenzo can have a wife. I can have Damon.
"Lorenzo or Diego can drive you home. LORENZO!! DIEGO!!" Sara said before screaming out theirs name to call them over. I looked at James wide eyed and punched him lightly for him to do something quick!!
"There is no need Sara. We already have a ride home" James rushed out at Sara. I smiled proudly at his abilities to lie like that. Wow, I am impressed.
"Oh, you do?" Sara asked skeptically. We both nodded our heads, looking even more suspicious.
"Sara" I heard the voice again. I didn't even look at him, not wanting to give him the satisfaction of knowing that I am mad because of him.
"Lorenzo, my son" Sara answered before pulling him into a big hug. I looked away and at Diego who looked happy taking in the moment. They pulled away from each other and coffee boy then proceeded to ask why Sara had called for them.
"Oh! I was just going to ask one of you to drop Bella home, but she already has a ride" Sara answered looking at me. By now, everyone was. I smiled at nodded at Sara and Diego.
"She does? Who?" Diego asked confused. Why is it so hard to believe that I have a ride?
I was about to answer before James took one for the team.
"Damon. Damon is her ride" he answered looking at me proudly. I smiled back and nodded.
i.love.you.James
"Oh, Damon! Right, well you two have fun. Take this food and-"
Sara started as the feeling of victory entered my body. She actually believed it! But honestly, she is missing out if she doesn't know who Damon is! Her sentence, along with my victory feeling, was cut short at the disrupt of a stupid voice;
"I will drive you home"
I hadn't looked at him and I wasn't planning to. I grabbed my bag and busied myself as I answered him back; "No thanks. You are probably tired after a long vacation" I said before looking up and smiling at Diego. I went over to hug him. But was soon held back by a strong grip on my hands. His hands were large and had a strong grip on me. He turned me around as I came face to face with him. His hair was messy, nothing like his usual gelled back hair. He had a cut right over eyebrow and his tan skin was even more tan. He really did look good.
"Like I said, I will drive you home Bella" he said in a low voice, but it was loud enough for everyone in the kitchen to hear. I could see Sara closing the kitchen door, not wanting anyone to see the chaos that she thought was about to erupt. What she didn't know, was that I had no intentions of looking like a mad lady in front of him.
We were both staring at each other, as he pulled me closer to him by the waist. My arm immediately trying to push him back by pulling me back with my hands on his chest. I felt embarrassed at the thought of being watched by Diego, Sara and James. Sara looked at me struggling as she stepped forward calling for him.
"I would rather be with Damon" I said looking up at him. He shut his eyes tightly, hanging down his head. I shuddered at the tired state of him, but flicked it off. I continued to wriggle myself out of his hold before he cupped my chin, turning it towards him.
"How is he?" he asked as he caressed my hair. I looked at the reaction of the three musketeers who had their jaws hanging open. I registered what coffee boy said and looked at him confidently.
"He is beautiful" I started off, to which he snapped his head up. "Bella" he hissed at me, daring me to continue further.
"He is so nice and polite. He hates black coffee and god is he beautiful. His chest-"I continued as I heard another "Bella" from Sara this time. Lorenzos eyes were pitch black, his jaw and fist clenched. He looked at me chillingly, taking in every description I was spilling. He held me tighter to himself, his chest in contact with mine.
"His chest is ripped that I could swoon for him. His arms are big and muscular. Now, he must be waiting for me. I need to go" I said and smiled at him. His grip on me was too tight for me to get out of.
"Lorenzo, let the girl go" Sara said, placing her hand on his shoulder. His posture was stiff and hard. If I wasn't it this situation, I would definitely swoon over him. His tough and intimidating posture making me crave him even more.
"Diego. Find the man named Damon, just like you found pretty boy" he said loudly.
"And then what?" I snapped at him.
He pulled back slightly before pulling out a gun from his back pocket. I gaped loudly and could just imagine James fainting. Lorenzo looked at me, a smirk lingering on his face. He was satisfied at my reaction.
"And then this" he whispered in my ear as I heard a gunshot and the sound of a glass shattering. I shivered in his arms as I looked at the mess. He had aimed directly at that glass that was shattered to pieces.
"Boss" Scars voice was heard along with a knock.
Diego opened the door slightly telling him that ; "The party will continue in the gang house" and closed it again.
"You will stay here" Lorenzo said as he pulled back, letting go of me. I fixed my dress that had ridden up at looked at him, standing there unfazed.
"No" I said as I started walking towards the door. He was insane if he thought I was going to be his mistress.
"I am holding back from ripping that dress in two, right here and right now. Never before has anyone dared to talk back to me and you won't disrespect me again. I have told you countless times that you are mine and if I have to kill someone to prove it to you then I will. It sounds to me like you didn't take Caleb going to the hospital, serious at all. You will be in my room in my house until I am back from meeting the rest of the gang. Diego will drive you along with James. And listen to me closely amore, if you aren't there, I will punish you hard. And trust me when I say this, it won't have you moaning out my name in ecstasy" he said through gritted teeth, looking ready for murder.
I trembled in fear as I looked at him. He didn't look anything like he had two weeks ago. He was scarier, murderous and dark. No one in the dared to disobey him, not even Sara. I can just imagine what happens to those who do.
"I hate you" I whispered, to which he chuckled lightly and stormed out the room.
I breathed out as his frame could no longer be seen in the kitchen. I stood there in silence as James rushed to me, hugging and consoling me. Diego stormed out the door after Lorenzo and Sara grabbed a glass of water urging me to drink it.
"You can stay here dear. I am sure that he won't do anything" Sara said, but her face held another story. I could see how stressed she was. Lorenzo was uncontrollable.
I shook my head at her as I sniffled. Fuck, I will not cry in front of someone. I stood up abruptly, shoving the glass away and stormed outside. I was met with Diego and Lorenzo arguing in the hallway, but they silenced at my arrival. Lorenzo took long strides towards me, but before he could reach me, I grabbed the keys on the table and aimed them at his chest. They hit his face instead, earning me a low groan. I took that as a distraction and ran towards the door.
§
"I am glad you called me for help" Caleb said as I sat in his parked car outside the café. I smiled up at him before reminding him again; "please don't tell anyone that I am here"
"I still don't get why you don't come to my place. They won't find you there" he said with a frown.
I shook my head in reply. "You have done enough for me Caleb" He will kill you
I bid him farewell as I start walking down the road, away from the café. I can't trust Caleb completely when it comes to Lorenzo. I know that he will come looking for me here. Which is why I will go to Alis apartment. He is visiting home and gave me his key. Lorenzo will never know!
Lorenzo
The clocked ticked 4.00 pm as I stepped a foot inside my house. It was completely silent; no voice could be heard at all. It felt empty. I walked towards the bedroom to check for Belle. I had just been to the gang house to give the updates on Marco.
Apparently Scar and the boys had found video footage of the person who had stolen our van and beaten our guy. He was livid and showed the footage to Diego who recognized the man as Marco. Today I had seen the same footage and was shocked. it was insane to see him in front of him with my own eyes. he was finally here, but why did he steal the van? The last time I checked, he didn't like the business. He seemed to do it just fine, if he was stealing drug vans worth millions. There had to be a motive behind it, and I will find out what it is. Luckily for us, the tracking of the van was also done. The boys had been sent to get the van and Marco. Things were going according to the plan. Great things like this happens when I don't think about Bella.
I opened the door to the bedroom as I was met with an empty room. No signs of her. the bed was tucked in neat and the cold was too much to bear. Anger consumed me as I called Diego
"Where is she?" I spat at him before he could say anything.
"What do you mean?! Did you arrive home now?!" he screamed into the phone in panic.
"Don't ever raise your voice at me again. Answer the damn question" I said coldly. Trying not to let my heart waver at the fact that she wasn't with Diego.
"look. I don't know. I will call around and ask" he said before I cut the call.
Where the fuck was, she at 4:00 pm?! Its dark and dangerous outside at this hour. Especially for a girl like her!
"I am holding back from ripping that dress in two, right here and right now. Never before has anyone dared to talk back to me and you won't disrespect me again. I have told you countless times that you are mine and if I have to kill someone to prove it to you then I will. It sounds to me like you didn't take Caleb going to the hospital, serious at all. You will be in my room in my house until I am back from meeting the rest of the gang. Diego will drive you along with James. And listen to me closely amore, if you aren't there, I will punish you hard. And trust me when I say this, it won't have you moaning out my name in ecstasy"
Fuck, why did I say that?! She is probably scared shitless, but she has to be used to it. She has to see me as me. I don't even know what I am doing. In Italy I had made up my mind to not talk to her and it had gone well until I heard her talk about the new boy Damon. I had missed her so much in two weeks, dreading every hour without her. and she had been inspecting the guys body. But again, that was good, right? I don't even know. I can't see her with someone else. Letting go of her is like shutting the little light inside my heart, shut. I can't do that.
I decided to call James. I had saved his phone number the day Scar had found information on him. it was thankfully useful, even though I am sure I won't call him again.
"Hello?" his voice was heard through the phone.
"It's uhm Lorenzo" I said softly, trying to not scare him away further. I don't want him to run away, if Bella is at his place.
"Hi Lorenzo. Can I talk to Bella?" he asked, and I think my heart stopped beating for a second.
"Meet me at your café" I said and ran outside. I was starting to panic, and the time was just flying.
04.45 pm
I stood outside the café as it rained. I had waited for 15 minutes and James had just now arrived. I was standing outside in the rain even though the car was parked right there. I was just too stressed to sit down, which was the reason to why I was pacing in the rain.
"Here" James said as he opened the cafes door with his keys. I nodded at him as a thank you as we both walked to the kitchen to check if she was there. To our surprise, she wasn't, and I slumped in one of the chairs as I grabbed a beer from the counter. James looked at me with sympathy as I sighed out loud.
"Where the fuck is, she?" I thought out loud. I didn't want any other guys going behind her to look for her, so I will have to do it myself. I and James sat in the car, our clothes completely drenched. I started to drive around town with James in the passenger seat. I would never have imagined us two sitting together in my car, at night looking after Bella. I can tell that he is nervous by the way he isn't breathing properly. I shoved him to relax his stiffened body, to which he chuckled. We were both worried and we knew that the stiffened bodies were a great façade.
James continued to call Bella from both his and mine phone before giving up and turning on the radio.
"OH, I FALL APART! DOWN TO MY CORE, OHHH DIDN'T KNOW IT BEFORE"
The unfamiliar song blasted out the radio as James gasped out loud. "Bella loves Post Malone" he said as I looked at him confused.
"She loves Damon too" I said looking outside the window.
"Everyone does" James said slightly offended. I punched him harder on the shoulder as he laughed out loud. Luckily, he is relaxed now. "I will show you a picture of him" he said as he started flicking through photos. I continued driving around looking for my Bella. I was too worried for her, to be mad over a dumb boy like that.
"HERE!" he screamed over the music as he shoved me the picture. I took a quick glance before wavering it away.
"HE IS NO MORETTI" I screamed back as he laughed.
"HE IS EVEN HOTTER THAN ALI" James laughed, but he stopped suddenly before I could say anything. He turned off the loud music as he looked at me shocked.
"I know where she is"