Chapter 10 - The Gala's Shadow
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Three weeks passed. Hannah fell into a comfortable, albeit surreal, routine.
Every morning she drove to the estate. She spent hours rehabilitating Nero, rebuilding his trust, training him with positive reinforcement instead of fear. The wolfdog thrived, transforming from a terrified weapon back into a loyal, intelligent companion who followed Hannah like a shadow.
And Lorenzo was always there.
He watched her from his study window. He joined her for coffee in the gardens. He asked her questions about her life, her dreams, genuinely listening to every word she said. The slow burn of their attraction was undeniable, a heavy, electric tension that crackled every time they were in the same room.
On a rainy Thursday afternoon, Lorenzo found her in the library, reading a book while Nero slept at her feet.
"I need a favor," Lorenzo said, standing in the doorway, his hands in his pockets.
Hannah closed her book. "Does it involve illegal activities?"
Lorenzo smirked, a devastatingly handsome expression. "Not entirely. The annual Syndicate Gala is this Saturday. It is a gathering of the major families in the city."
"Sounds terrifying," Hannah noted. "What does that have to do with me?"
"Vincent will be there," Lorenzo explained, his expression turning serious. "And so will the man who supplied the drugs to Nero's former handler. I need to flush them out. I need them to think I am distracted."
"And how do you plan to do that?"
"By bringing the most beautiful woman in Chicago as my date," Lorenzo said, his dark eyes locking onto hers.
Hannah's heart skipped a beat, but her insecurities immediately flared up. "Lorenzo, no. I can't go to a high-society gala. I don't fit in. I don't have the right clothes, and the women there will tear me apart."
"No one will say a word to you," Lorenzo promised, stepping into the room. "You will be on my arm. You will be untouchable."
"I don't even own a dress that isn't from a thrift store," she argued, wrapping her arms around her stomach.
Lorenzo walked over, gently grasping her wrists and pulling her arms away from her body, refusing to let her hide herself.
"You let me worry about the dress, Hannah," he murmured, his thumbs lightly caressing her pulse points. "Just say yes."
May you like
Looking up into his intense, pleading eyes, Hannah knew she was stepping past the point of no return.
"Okay," she whispered. "Yes."
