96

ALESSANDRO

Lorena’s fingers gracefully moved across the keys of the piano. From the short, tense interaction between her and her mother it was clear she loved that piano. I would get that piano for her, if it was the last thing I did in this life.

The last tune of the song ended, and it was like watching Lorena wake up from a dream.

Her soft, dreamy expression disappeared and turned into a guarded expression. She met her mother’s expression by tilting her chin up in a challenge.

The young, gentle girl I picked up at the club almost four years ago was now gone. In its place stood a strong and resilient woman that would fight the world to protect those she loved.

And whether she liked it or not, I would fight right alongside her. She was my family. My life. My everything. She might not need me anymore to survive, but I needed her. And Matteo.