| C H A P T E R - 14 |

ANASTASIA:It's been two days since Lorenzo's bike went up in flames, and he's been MIA. Most students believe Oliver's gang burned it to punish him and assert their dominance. Everyone knows Lorenzo was deeply attached to his bike.But here's the kicker: If Lorenzo's really with Mia, why would she want him kneeling down and getting punished? Isn't she the one who showed concern and stuck with him all along?Curiosity brewed in my mind like a storm. What's Lorenzo's story? What led him to entangle himself with such a dubious gang? Is he truly one of them, or just...I don't know. I sighed.The more I think about it, the more I want to uncover Lorenzo's real story. I can see he wasn't really into Mia, but he didn't leave her either. Numerous rumours circulate on campus, and I can't help but feel drawn to uncover them. There's a tangled web of curiosity nudging me to reveal what's beneath his cool, tough exterior.Something worth exploring.Mia and her friends seem determined to unveil and break what's hidden in Lorenzo's mysterious exterior, just for her to be with him. I can't help but worry about him, especially after seeing his lost face that day. He was hurt, maybe embarrassed.I hope he's okay.One thing is clear: Oliver and his gang are connected to the Falcon Group. Now, we just need evidence. But my thoughts also drift to another mystery – Aurora Romano. As I tried to gather more information from the internet about her, as suggested by Nandini, I realized that the articles I found were unhelpful, laden with only the information local reporters had provided.Made-ups.Aurora, a former student of Preston, met a tragic end near Edenfell Forest. She was an orphan under the care of the Simpsons, and her involvement in illegal activities, suspected by the police, raised questions about the impact of her family situation on her life. The discovery of her naked, mutilated body sent shockwaves through the town, leaving the circumstances of her demise shrouded in mystery. "In the post-mortem report, we have identified the presence of drugs in her system, along with traces indicating recent sexual activity. Unfortunately, it's not uncommon to see such behaviour in young individuals today. They can be impulsive and make irrational decisions. It's a tragic situation, especially for someone as young as her," Chief Hampton from BPD stated.Chief Hampton's statement ignited a surge of anger within me. How could he make such accusations without concrete evidence? It felt unjust, diverting attention from the real investigation. Determined to uncover the truth, I delved into research on Aurora, losing track of time.Link after link, article after article, I immersed myself in the study of Aurora Romano. Lost in my pursuit, I lost track of time.BEEP BEEPSuddenly, my alarm interrupted, signalling dinner and a much-needed break. Reluctantly leaving my desk, I vowed to resume the investigation after dinner.****Immersed in the haunting melodies of my favourite jazz tunes, I surrendered to the classic allure—a perfect accompaniment to the tempestuous weather outside. Gloomy and cloudy. Shedding the weight of the day, I undressed, the night's cold air caressing my bare skin, a prelude to the warmth and solace awaiting me in the bath.Finally, a respite from the day's turmoil had arrived. The intention was clear—no work, just relaxation. I had summoned Robert to prepare my dinner in the next half-hour, my appetite stoked by his promise of my favourite dessert.As I prepared to sink into the bathtub, a faint knock disrupted the tranquillity, emanating from my window. My head snapped towards the sound, senses heightened. What was that?Swiftly wrapping myself in a towel, caution gripped me amidst the town's unrest. Trained in karate since childhood, fear didn't dominate, but the lurking danger from my stalker couldn't be ignored. Armed with the nearest night lamp, I approached the window, scrutinizing it for signs of intrusion. Frowning, I found the locks secure, unable to discern anything outside.Was it just the wind? I thought, grappling with paranoia and frustration. "I need a break from these thrillers and cases," I mused, exhaling. Returning to the bath, I yearned to cast aside worries, longing for a night of undisturbed peace.****As I luxuriated in the warm bubbles of my bath, I closed my eyes, immersing myself in the relaxing temperature of the water. But suddenly, a crash of memories flooded my mind—The touch. The fire. The ice. The eyes.I shake my head off from the thought.My stalker has been absent for weeks now after the incident with Ben's car. I'm unsure whether to feel thrilled about it or be vigilant, considering he might just be regrouping for another attack.Then, in a sudden burst of clarity, my thoughts shifted to Lorenzo. He was a stark contrast to my stalker, someone who makes my heart flutter every time I see him. Someone I can't seem to control myself around.I remembered the day we first met, my foolish jump in front of his motorbike, desperate for help, and his immediate rescue. I couldn't believe it, especially after the stunt I pulled. Any other man might have walked away, but not him. He seemed like he had walked straight out of a movie, with a chiselled jaw, charming smile, and a little stubborn, scary with a dangerous aura. All just to save me from demise. The combination is dangerously tempting for any human, tempting them to tame their desires.Yeah, lots of tongue-twisted temptations. I know.But my heart ached to see his bruised face the last time, the way his eyes reflected pain while looking at his favourite bike. I wished I had been there to stop it all, to prevent him from losing his bike.I couldn't ignore the pull he had on me. Yet, with his reputation, I'm hardly sure if this would even work. But the more I thought about it, the more anger flashed through my veins. Oliver and his friends have terrorized Preston for too long, and I'm determined to do everything in my power to take them down now. Looking at Lorenzo's hurt eyes was my last resort.Yet, a frown surfaced.What was I thinking? Am I attracted to him? Maybe. Do I really like him? Maybe not. Or is it...I can't. He is forbidden. He is with... Someone.I closed my eyes, trying to shake off his thoughts from my mind, but I couldn't deny the fact that his very presence made me acutely aware of my existence. From his captivating smile to his dangerous yet alluring gaze, everything about him drew me in. And for some reason, my heart warned me that this was dangerous territory.My mind was playing tricks on me right now.I recalled the dream I had last time, where the mysterious figure in my dream had aroused my senses with his touch, leaving my panties wet. It felt so vivid, like an actual encounter. But then, my mind wandered, and I began to fantasize about what if it had been Lorenzo's hand caressing my thighs. What if the warmth I felt in the chilling sea was from his chest pressed against mine? My thoughts ran wild, imagining the sensation of his hands...My hands slipped down towards my sensitive area, as I began to caress my clit with my finger applying an acute pressure just in the right place. They were wet and slippery! I gasped. And I was left confused about whether it was for the devil in my dreams or Lorenzo. My breath started to feel shaky when I was about to enter.Just as I was lost in reverie, a sound behind the bathroom door startled me. Heavier this time.Again? I glanced at my clock, and it was nearly nine o'clock at night. I remembered securing the locks of the door and windows before I came in. Even though Robert and the guards are outside, I still don't trust my stalker.My ears were attentive. I quickly grabbed a towel covering myself, and slowly came out of the bathtub, water drops on the ground. Staring at the door, I waited for the intruder to break in, ready to lunge at him.I'm sure any minute now. And this time I am ready.I grabbed a nearby shampoo bottle, preparing for the worst.I know, stupid. Don't ask me. But I am in the bathroom, almost naked and without any defensive equipment with me right now. So, I gotta deal with what I got.A minute passed but no one came. Has he left already? Or is he waiting for me to come out and deal with him right now? I don't know what I am thinking at this point in time.When no one entered, I tentatively made my way to the door, only to be confronted with a cockroach on the doorknob!"Ahhhhhh!!!" I let out a scream of terror and bolted from the bathroom, colliding with the door in the process. I braced myself for a hard fall but instead found myself being held up by a hard chest!****I groaned, holding my head. When I looked up, my eyes met Lorenzo's!The same Lorenzo I had been fantasizing about his hands between my legs a few moments ago! What the...I blinked, my mind not processing at all. What was he doing here? How did he even get inside? I wanted to ask so many questions, but I was lost in his eyes for now.Slowly, when he cleared his throat, my mind reeled as I realized that not only had I fallen into his arms, but unexpectedly, our lips had collided.I froze. I couldn't move. I couldn't think. I couldn't believe what was happening. As I looked up, my eyes widened in shock, staring into his deep, clouded eyes.My heart raced like a wild horse. His muscular hands gripped my waist, preventing me from falling onto the possibly cold tiles. Unwilling to let go for any possible reason. And with his gaze locked on mine, the sensation only intensified.I tried to move quickly, but I couldn't go much further."You? What are you doing here?" I asked, frowning.But he didn't reply to anything as he kept staring at me, and I still lay on him.The rush of emotions was overwhelming, and his touch... intoxicating. My skin burned with unnamed desire, something I had never felt before. It was magical as if I never wanted it to end.After a moment lost in my world, I finally realized I was still on top of him, practically naked, our bodies crashed and collided with each other as our lips locked in a fiery kiss!His lips were so, so soft...Shut up, Ana.I needed to move. ASAP.Quickly, with heavy breathing and a flushed face, I tried to shift, but I frowned when I failed. His hands restricted me. I looked up at him, not knowing exactly what he was trying to do. My eyes only pleaded silently, hoping he'd understand and let me go eventually. But instead, he held me even tighter!"What are you doing?" I finally managed to whisper while attempting to move away.Instead of distancing himself, he looked back at me with an added smirk. "I think I'd like to stay like this for the time being," he replied.My mouth hung open at his words. I couldn't stop myself from turning red. Then I noticed his eyes were travelling down from my face to... my chest!"Lorenzo!" I snapped."What?" He asked nonchalantly.I tried to conceal myself with my hands, but his powerful grasp prevented me from doing so. The friction of our bodies wasn't helping either! I began to move vigorously, trying to break free from him. Both of us were determined to go against each other's wishes."Fuck, Ana," he cursed slowly. "Even though this kiss was unexpected, if you keep moving like this, I can't promise anything about the next one."My eyes widened, realizing the meaning behind his curse. I could feel him getting hard under me. Embarrassed and frustrated, I gazed at him, fully aware that he would not assist me, as he was enjoying this too much. Therefore, I needed to take control of the situation.I didn't say another word. The next moment, I bit his neck, causing him to hiss and loosen his grip a little, allowing me to get up."Fuck!" He hissed. But I didn't really care. With a loosened grip, I finally rolled away from him and freed myself. Turning away from him, standing a few steps away, wrapping myself in my towel, I secured the ends tighter."What the hell are you doing here?" I asked again. I could feel him behind me. Blood rushed to my cheeks. Heat spread under my skin. He was close.Too close."Well, I don't know, honestly," he replied, his hand unconsciously reaching up to scratch his neck, a playful smile gracing his face.I snapped around to meet his eyes. "What do you mean you don't know?" I frowned.Lines ceased his brows too. Displeased by my act, or maybe due to the bite. Did I bite him too hard? I looked up at him, worried that I had hurt him too much, but instead of becoming angry, he returned a smirk on his handsome face.Shut up, Ana. He is not handsome! Okay, maybe he is. Maybe a little.A lot.He chuckled darkly as if he could read my dark thoughts right now, his eyes roaming over me from head to toe, as he finally replied, "I've been thinking about you, Piccola, even though I don't know why. From the moment I met you, I felt something here." He pointed at his heart, and mine began to race uncontrollably. "This has never happened to me before."Oh boy!He slowly closed the distance between us, trapping me against the cold wall, his hands on either side of me and I could just stand there, lost. His eyes moved over my body, leaving a trail of heat in their wake. It was like he was savouring the taste of my skin with his gaze, slow and poisonous...As he drew nearer, his voice, a gentle murmur, reached my ears, "You are unlike any of those perfect girls I've known. Yet, there's an inexplicable allure about you, drawing me in."Our breaths mingled and... he was drunk!"There's something," he continued, "something I've never felt before. I can't get you out of my head."Feeling offended, I retorted, "Then why are you here if you want to stay away from me so much?"His dark gaze flickered toward my lips as he responded, "That's precisely why I'm here. To discover what exactly is pulling me toward you. What is it that kept me captive in you? What's so special about this ordinary face, huh?" His long fingers gently lifted my chin, urging me to look at him as he continued, "The more they ask me to stay away from you, the more I want you. Why?"I don't know what to say or how to act right now. So all I did was stand there quietly, accepting my fate.My breaths grew ragged, mirroring his own heavy breathing. Our eyes never left each other's. I managed to stammer, "Maybe... maybe this is just infatuation."He chuckled a low, dark sound. "I'm past infatuations, Piccola," he replied, his gaze dropping to my lips. My hands tightened around the towel, and my breaths quickened. "There's something incredibly tempting about you that I can't ignore any longer."I got lost in his eyes for a moment. They were so dark, like storm clouds on the brink of unleashing their fury. I gulped, the lump forming in my throat."Let me just..." he almost begged.This was wrong. Utterly wrong, and I knew it. His reputation would likely end up breaking my heart. Yet, I couldn't stop it. The temptation had been there from the very beginning. I tried to deny it, but with him standing inches away, on the verge of giving me a taste of what I desired, it was pretty hard for me to..."You are drunk!" I remarked."I am aware of what I am doing, piccola."As he moved closer, his proximity shattered any semblance of self-control I possessed. The blood surged in my veins, and his onyx eyes continued to allure me, beckoning me to lose myself in this intoxicating temptation."But I have a stalker who is really scary and possessive about me!" I awkwardly chuckled to ease the tension in the air. However, Lorenzo didn't find it funny.His hands tightened around my waist, silencing me. His eyes grew darker than the night, and he asked, "Are you scared of him?"Meeting his gaze, I replied almost instantly, "No."The closeness was overwhelming, and warmth pooled deep within my core. Blood rushed in my veins and I pressed my thighs together. My arousal was all over the place.His nostrils flared like a wild animal scenting its prey, and his question sent shivers down my spine. "Tell me, little deer, are you wet for me?"Tempted beyond belief, I could only stare at him. His fingers slowly reached the hem of my towel, where it ended, and he traced the contours of my thighs. A low, uncontrollable moan escaped my lips as his lips brushed the sensitive skin on my shoulder, making me arch back in pleasure."Does this look like infatuation to you, hm?" He asked in a low husky voice."Please..." I begged though I wasn't entirely sure what I was begging for.His fingers continued their tantalizing dance on my skin, rendering my legs weak. He whispered in a low, seductive tone, "By the time I claim you as mine, no power on Earth can tear us apart. I will possess your soul, your body, and every inch of your being."His words... felt like a déjà vu.My eyes fluttered closed, my mind blank, teetering on the edge of sanity. He was playing with my desires, and I couldn't control myself. His nose touching my cheeks gave me butterflies and I bit my lip as his fingers continued their maddening exploration of my inner thighs. I was drenched by this time and my legs almost gave up. He placed a few kisses right above my jaws as his finger continued tracing deeper. As soon as he touched my wetness, a low, primal growl escaped from deep within him.Growl? Really?But all I could think at this time was his hands crawling right where I wanted and...KNOCK – KNOCK!A/N: Oh. My. God! What was that?Well, I hope you have enjoyed the story. If you did, could you please write a review and vote for this chapter? Thank you very much. See ya next week.