24

LORENA

A knock sounds downstairs, and I flinch, but it’s entirely due to fear.

It’s still late afternoon, so I thought I had more time to tidy up the cottage, but maybe Alessandro missed me so much that he came early and will save me from papa’s plan.

At least, that’s what I choose to believe as I slip into a robe and wrap the belt around me. I practically fly down the stairs and throw the door open with a huge grin on my face.

I’m about to jump him in a hug, but I freeze.

It’s not Ales who’s standing in front of the door.

Not even close.

A henchman looks at me without a change of expression, his hands balled into fists on either side of him and his face hard.

“ I'm Giuseppe a guard of your father here to take you.” he declared

As I took a step back he took a step into that house.

“ I was told to deliver the news to you and if you didn't change your mind I should bring you in by any means possible.”

Oh, shit.

Shit