ISABELLA
"Relax, dude... no one is taking her away from you," Carlo's voice said, but it was too late.
A scream escaped my lips as I covered my ears, my eyes still wide with shock at what had just happened.
A shot had been fired in front of a crowded mall. I could hear the screams of passersby, and I was too scared to even look in their direction.
"Four," Lorenzo counted, his voice calm and menacing. Another trigger was pulled, and this time, I could feel my leg trembling with fear.
"Three." Another shot was fired, and I was already having another panic attack, seeing some of the men groaning on the ground, and blood splattered all over the floor.
"Two." By this time I was paralyzed with fear, unable to move or speak.
"Enough!" Carlo yelled. "I let her go! You don't have to harm my men because I touched your bit..."
But before he could finish his sentence, Lorenzo's pistol was pointed at him. I shifted away from the two men, almost losing my balance in the process.
"The next time you touch or use a foul word on my woman, I will make you regret it," Lorenzo warned, his eyes blazing with anger.
Carlo swallowed hard, his face red with embarrassment, and looked down, shaking his head.
"We are in the presence of some eyes, drop your pistol," Carlo said, walking forward as his men helped the wounded men out of the mall.
Lorenzo snickered, placing his pistol back in his back pocket. He moved closer to me, his eyes locked on mine.
My leg went weak immediately, and I hit the ground, my mind racing with fear. "What have I gotten myself into?" I thought.
Lorenzo's eyes narrowed. "You are shivering," he said, his voice low and husky.
I glanced down at my hands and shook my head, trying to compose myself. I shouldn't be scared in front of this man. I was married to him, after all. If I am careful, he will use this against me.
He squatted about to touch me and I quickly flinched in the process, but then I didn't feel any impact on my body.
I looked up at him to see he had hurt in his eyes like I was bound to,
"Let's go shopping," he announced and stood on his feet, his back facing me as he was walking into the mall.
"Hey! Aren't you forgetting something!" I yelled after him, even though I was still damn terrified of the man.
He turned to me, with an exhausted expression. "You didn't want me to touch you," he stated and I shook my head.
"You sure really don't know how to treat a woman, you should fucking appease me, who on earth wouldn't be scared of someone pulling a trigger in front of them." I cried out, this time tears were already traveling down my eyes.
"You… keep threatening me with a pistol! Why wouldn't I be scared!" I yelled again.
I could feel his footsteps now drawing nearer, "Solo Mia… I… didn't know you would be that scared," this time I could hear the worry in his tone.
"Hey!" I exclaimed annoyed making him shift back, "Why the heck won't I be fucking scared of pistol!"
He leaned closer now staring into my eyes, "You are a lawyer,"
"So!"
His hand ran through his hair as he exhaled sharply, "I am sorry Solo Mia, I will make sure to never shoot in front of you again," I fluttered my eyes in shock.
I wasn't expecting him to take that easily and even make a promise not to shoot that way again.
"So, can we go inside the mall and get what you want?" he asked, and a small smile played on my lip.
I nodded in agreement. He helped me up, and we entered the mall together.
As we walked in, some of the mall staff lined up, bowing to him.
"Welcome, Mr. Mattteo. It's a pleasure to see you here," one of them said, and Lorenzo nudged me forward.
"New dresses for my woman," he announced. "I want the best." The staff nodded eagerly, scurrying to attend to his request.
As we followed the staff to the upscale clothing section, I couldn't help but feel a little overwhelmed by the luxurious surroundings.
Lorenzo, however, found a chair and decided to wait for me.
I was still picking my new dresses when I heard a familiar voice, "Oh…
Well well sister, it's nice to meet you again today.." I turned to see Emilio and Livia walking toward me.
I noticed how the ladies behind me panicked, "What are you doing here?" Emilio snickered at this.
"Last time I checked this is a mall and I have the right to come anytime. I want to get something for my queen. So what would you give me the right to ask the question?"
I smirked at this, I am gonna be this bastard senior soon he showed to be respectful.
"I have only asked you the question because I was concerned for you but guess…" my eyes are boring into that of Livia.
I was about to continue when I heard the voice I had been expecting.
"How come you are inside this place?" Lorenzo asked, his voice firm as Ashe still sat.
"Oh… Mr. Matteo wasn't expecting you here," he stuttered, "My wife is here, why shouldn't I be?" my eyes darted at Lorenzo who was already on his feet now.
"My wife," he had been using that title ever since we signed the contract, my mind flashed back to Emilio who never used that word for me.
"They feel it's their right to come in anytime they want," I replied, strutting towards him. I wrapped my arms around his waist, embracing him. "But let them go, she's my sister."
He stared down at me, his expression unamused. "She's your sister-in-law, so..." I trailed off, and his eyes softened slightly.
"Fine, just for today." He nodded, and then we continued shopping after winking at him.
Weirdly I didn't understand despite him gaining a dangerous vibe I feel comfortable with him.
As we browsed through the racks, I picked up a few dresses that caught my eye. Emilio stood beside Livia, his eyes also scanning the selection as Levis would pick and he would praise her.
"Regrets kicked in at the thought that Emilio could be this nice and caring. How stupid was I to think I would make him fall for me?
Suddenly, a stunning corporate dress caught my attention. The dress is a rich, navy blue color with intricate, silver embroidery.
The fabric was luxurious, with a subtle sheen that caught the light. The dress is tailored to perfection, with clean lines and a sleek silhouette.
"Wow, this is going to suit me for my new position." I thought as I pointed at it.
"I want this!" I and Livia both exclaimed in unison, our eyes locked on the dress.
We exchanged glances, and the sales ladies beside us exchanged nervous glances.
"I said it first... hand it to me," Livia announced, her eyes flashing with irritation but it pissed me off.
The sales ladies looked at me, waiting for my response. I raised an eyebrow, unwilling to back down. "I am not letting go. I saw it first."
Livia's face fell, but she quickly regained her composure. "Emilio, tell her to give it to me."
Emilio's eyes locked onto mine, and for a moment, I thought I saw a flicker of amusement.
But then, his expression turned serious. "Isabella, why don't you allow her to take the dress? It suits you perfectly."
Livia's face lit up with excitement as she grasped the dress, holding it close to her chest. I felt a pang of disappointment, but Emilio's words cut deeper.
He had always treated Livia with such care and attention, whereas I was just an afterthought.
I glanced over to Lorenzo to see he was on a call. "You want to call him to your rescue.." Emilio mocked.
"He is busy, you think you are important because he married you, trust me he sang to use you,"
"Luca!" I yelled with my hands folded against my chest as I had a pouty lip and this made Emilio stare at me weirdly.
Lorenzo glanced at me and then I saw him hanging up immediately as he strutted toward my direction.
"I want that dress," I pointed out and he stared at the ladies.
"My woman said she wants the dress so what is taking so long for you to bring it to her?" immediately the ladies rushed toward Livia, snatching the dress from her grip.
"Mr Matteo, that is cheating. I saw it first and I wanted it to be.."
"Solo Mia said she wanted it, I don't care if you have paid for it, as long as she wants it I will get it for her." He cut her off.