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Short filmTranscript
00:00Christmas Eve is supposed to be merry, peppermint-scented, and wrapped in twinkly lights.
00:05Mine?
00:06I'm knee-deep in freezing sidewalk slush on a Denver side street,
00:09chasing a panicked French bulldog wearing a tiny red puffer vest
00:12and the expression of someone who has absolutely no awareness of traffic laws.
00:17Buddy, please!
00:18I wheeze, slipping on a patch of ice that isn't even apologetic about it.
00:23This is what happens when you try to be a good person.
00:25You lose feeling in your fingers and dignity in your soul.
00:28The little dog skids under a parked SUV and trembles like he's deciding whether he trusts me or fate.
00:35Fate, for the record, is the Chevy with snow chains clacking like they're in a holiday horror movie.
00:40I'm not gonna hurt you, I say,
00:42lowering myself to my elbows in the most humiliating plank of my adult life.
00:46I'm just trying to avoid scraping you off a bumper.
00:49His big eyes blink.
00:51He wiggles backward, then crawls into my arms with the clumsy trust of a toddler.
00:56Warm.
00:56Quivering.
00:57Soft like a cinnamon roll, the universe didn't bake long enough.
01:01And then a shadow lands over us.
01:04Not cast by clouds, the sun is annoyingly bright today, but by a man.
01:09A very large, very expensive man.
01:13Black wool coat.
01:14Cashmere scarf.
01:16Shoulders broad enough to qualify as their own skyline.
01:19Dark hair brushed back with a confidence that whispers danger, money,
01:23and the kind of emotional damage therapists raise their rates for.
01:27He looks down at me.
01:28Then the dog.
01:30Then me again.
01:31My dog.
01:33His voice rolls low.
01:34Steady.
01:35Calm.
01:36Too calm.
01:38You found him.
01:39My heart jumps in my chest like it's trying to catch a bus.
01:44Uh.
01:45Yeah.
01:46He was running into traffic.
01:48I stand, wiping slush off my jeans.
01:52Cute little dude.
01:53Terrible street sense.
01:54The man's eyes flicker.
01:57Something like relief.
01:58Something like storm clouds.
02:00Something like he hasn't breathed in ten minutes until now.
02:03He steps closer.
02:05Too close.
02:06The air shifts in that cinematic way where your brain goes.
02:10Oh.
02:10I'm not ready for whatever this is.
02:12I've been looking for him for two hours, he says.
02:15He slipped out of the townhouse when one of my men opened the door.
02:19Men.
02:20Townhouse.
02:21This man screams power the way espresso screams caffeine.
02:25The Frenchie wriggles, recognizes him, and barks like a tiny, judgmental trumpet.
02:30You risked your safety for him.
02:33He lifts the dog from my arms with surprising gentleness.
02:37Not many people would do that.
02:40Well, I huff.
02:41I'm between jobs, so risking my safety is kind of included in the package.
02:46His gaze sharpens.
02:48Like he heard more than I meant to say.
02:49I try to brush off the moment, brushing snow off my jacket.
02:54Anyway.
02:55Glad he's safe.
02:56Merry Christmas Eve.
02:58I turn to leave.
03:00A hand catches my elbow.
03:02Not rough.
03:03Just...
03:04claiming.
03:05I didn't tell you to go.
03:08I pivot back slowly.
03:10Uh.
03:11Nobody has to tell me to leave.
03:12I'm great at making exits.
03:14It's my number one skill.
03:15His lips curve.
03:16Not quite a smile.
03:18More like a warning disguised as charm.
03:21I'm Lorenzo Velez.
03:23He says it like it should mean something to me.
03:25It does.
03:27My stomach drops.
03:28The Velez family is practically Denver royalty.
03:31On paper.
03:33In reality?
03:34They run half the city from behind tinted windows and marble conference rooms.
03:39Money, politics, and power braided so tightly nobody knows where one ends and the other begins.
03:44And standing here?
03:45That means I just rescued the dog of a mafia don.
03:49Oh, fabulous.
03:50My life needed this plot twist.
03:52I try to sound casual.
03:54Cool.
03:55I'm...
03:55Emery Clark.
03:57And I should get going.
03:58I've gotta shift it.
03:59I know who you are.
04:01Everything in me pauses.
04:03He studies me.
04:04A slow sweep that feels like scrutiny wearing a velvet jacket.
04:08You serve coffee on Colfax, he says.
04:11You walk to the job from East Cherry Creek.
04:14You take the long way home to avoid the construction by the hospital.
04:17And you were fired yesterday.
04:19My mouth goes dry.
04:21Wow.
04:21Okay.
04:22Creepy.
04:24His expression doesn't change.
04:26Not creepy.
04:27Observant.
04:28Uh-huh.
04:29Observant with...
04:30A dossier?
04:32Lorenzo's jaw flexes.
04:34Someone at the cafe insulted you.
04:36I don't tolerate disrespect toward people who help the only thing I love.
04:40I blink.
04:41Hold up.
04:42Sorry.
04:43The only thing you love?
04:45This dog?
04:46He lifts the little Frenchie who snorts in agreement.
04:49Yes.
04:51Something soft tugs inside me.
04:53Not attraction.
04:54No.
04:54Nothing that reckless.
04:55But something dangerously close to sympathy.
04:58He said it so simply.
05:00So honestly.
05:02Like admitting love is a luxury he can't afford.
05:05I wasn't fired for being insulted.
05:07I say.
05:08I was fired because I...
05:11May have told my manager where he could shove his holiday schedule.
05:14Good.
05:16Lorenzo's voice deepens.
05:17He deserved worse.
05:19I laugh.
05:20Unexpected.
05:21Unfiltered.
05:22His gaze catches it, warming by a fraction.
05:25Then everything changes.
05:27A black SUV screeches around the corner, tires spitting snow.
05:31Two men jump out.
05:33Rigid posture.
05:34Sunglasses even in the bright cold.
05:36Radios crackling.
05:38Sir.
05:39One says sharply.
05:40We have a situation at the Baxter property.
05:43They moved early.
05:45Lorenzo's entire aura flips.
05:47The warmth evaporates.
05:48The calm becomes ice.
05:50He flicks a glance at me.
05:51Quick.
05:52Calculating.
05:53Get in the car.
05:54I step back.
05:56Nope.
05:56Absolutely not.
05:57That's where kidnapping starts.
05:59You're not being kidnapped.
06:01That's exactly what a kidnapper would say.
06:04His patience thins in the air like heat from a vent.
06:07Emery.
06:09My name in his voice feels like a hand sliding down my spine.
06:13Someone followed my dog.
06:15That means they saw you.
06:17Which means you're no longer safe walking away from me.
06:20My life was already unsafe, I mutter.
06:23I have student loans.
06:25Not the same thing.
06:27The second guard murmurs.
06:29Boss.
06:29We need you now.
06:31Lorenzo turns fully toward me.
06:33Eyes steady.
06:34Resolute.
06:35Get in the car.
06:36He repeats.
06:37And I'll explain everything.
06:38I cross my arms.
06:40Why would I trust you?
06:42His jaw ticks once.
06:44Because you saved the only thing I love.
06:46He says quietly.
06:48And I won't let anyone hurt you for it.
06:50The dog barks again, as if backing him up.
06:53I'm standing in broad daylight.
06:55Christmas Eve traffic humming.
06:58People passing by with gift bags and iced lattes.
07:01Totally oblivious to the fact that my life just detonated like a glitter bomb.
07:05I take a breath that scrapes my ribs.
07:08Then another.
07:09Then I say.
07:10Fine.
07:11But if you murder me, I'm haunting you.
07:15A corner of his mouth lifts.
07:18If I intended to kill you, Emery, you wouldn't see it coming.
07:22Comforting.
07:23I deadpan.
07:24Truly.
07:26He opens the SUV door.
07:28Holds it.
07:29Doesn't rush me.
07:30Doesn't push.
07:32I slide in.
07:33Heart slamming around like it's trying to file a complaint.
07:36As he joins me, the dog curls into his lap, staring at me with adoration I definitely don't deserve.
07:42His name is Biscuit.
07:43Lorenzo says.
07:45Biscuit?
07:46Seriously?
07:47He chose it.
07:48Sure he did.
07:49The SUV peels forward, sunlight flashing across the dashboard.
07:54I'm officially in the car with a Mafia Don, on Christmas Eve, because I tried to help a dog in a tiny red coat.
08:01His gaze flicks toward me again, unreadable, intense, maybe curious.
08:06This is the moment, he says softly, where your life stops being ordinary.
08:11I swallow hard.
08:12I was kind of hoping for something less dramatic, I whisper.
08:17Too late.
08:18And that's the exact second I know I'm not getting my old life back.
08:22Not now.
08:22Not ever.
08:26The SUV slices through Denver's sunlit streets like it owns every lane, which, judging by Lorenzo Velez's vibe, it probably does.
08:34Biscuit is snoring on his lap like we're on a road trip instead of fleeing unknown enemies who want...
08:39What?
08:40To hurt the Don?
08:41Kidnap the dog?
08:43Murder me for returning said dog?
08:45Honestly, I'd love more specifics.
08:48I clear my throat.
08:50So, that situation at the Baxter property?
08:54Is this where you tell me you're secretly in real estate?
08:56He flicks his gaze toward me.
08:58I'm never secret about my real estate.
09:00Right.
09:01I mutter.
09:02Forgot I'm in the car with Forbes magazine's problem child.
09:06A ghost of a smile touches his mouth.
09:09And God help me.
09:10It hits like a warm breeze.
09:13We're going to my ranch outside the city.
09:15He says.
09:17It's secure.
09:18You'll be safe there until I understand what the threat is.
09:22I bristle.
09:22He exhales through his nose like he's debating how much to tell me.
09:37The Baxter property is a development I purchased last month, he says.
09:41A rival family wants it.
09:43They think hurting things I care about will change my mind.
09:47Things, I repeat.
09:48That's comforting.
09:49His eyes land on me.
09:52Stay there.
09:52Stay too long.
09:54I didn't mean you.
09:55That helps exactly zero percent.
09:58He leans back, jaw ticking.
09:59They're watching my movements for leverage.
10:02Biscuit escaped.
10:03You held him.
10:04They could assume you matter to me.
10:05I snort.
10:07Wow.
10:07Plot twist.
10:08Imagine me mattering to anyone right now.
10:11You matter to me.
10:12He says simply.
10:14The words land like a punch.
10:17I stare.
10:18Speechless.
10:19Shocked.
10:20And very aware my heart is doing gymnastics.
10:24You don't even know me.
10:25I whisper.
10:26I know you ran into traffic for a creature you've never met.
10:30I know you tell the truth even when it complicates your life.
10:33I know you're brave enough to be terrified and still argue with me in my own car.
10:38His gaze softens.
10:39Barely.
10:40But enough.
10:42You matter.
10:44That's all the reason they need.
10:46Silence rushes in.
10:48Bright.
10:49Heavy.
10:49Terrifying.
10:50I finally mutter.
10:52You should teach a class on emotional whiplash.
10:54I don't teach.
10:56He says.
10:57I acquire.
10:58The SUV stops at a private airstrip.
11:01Sun glaring off a sleek jet so white it looks like a luxury tooth.
11:04I blink.
11:06A plane?
11:06Already?
11:07You said ranch.
11:08Not...
11:09Sky Mansion.
11:10He opens his door.
11:12It's faster.
11:13That's not an answer.
11:15He just lifts biscuit and steps out.
11:17And I swear the dog waves goodbye to my sanity.
11:20Inside the jet, everything smells like leather and quiet ego.
11:24The sunlight streams through oversized windows, painting Lorenzo in shades of gold and menace.
11:28I sink into a cream-colored seat.
11:30This is insane.
11:33I'm supposed to be home baking cookies for my sister's kids.
11:36You have a sister?
11:38Two.
11:39Both nosy.
11:41Both convince my purpose in life is to bring deviled eggs to every family gathering.
11:44I rub my face.
11:47I texted them I'm working today.
11:49I can't explain...
11:51This.
11:52I'll take you home before Christmas dinner, he says.
11:55Assuming I'm not kidnapped, shot, or enlisted in mafia boot camp.
12:00He studies me again.
12:01Like I'm an equation he can't fully solve.
12:04You're handling this better than most people.
12:07Please.
12:08I panic in the produce aisle when avocados are too expensive.
12:11This is just...
12:12Temporary numbness.
12:14He sits opposite me, draping biscuit on the bench like he's a loaf of bread that rules the world.
12:19When we land, Lorenzo says,
12:21You'll stay in the main house.
12:23Don't wander alone.
12:25Don't engage with anyone I didn't introduce to you.
12:27And if anyone approaches you, you call for me.
12:30That's incredibly romantic, I deadpan.
12:34A girl dreams of a man who says,
12:36Stay alive for me.
12:38His lips twitch.
12:39I can phrase it sweeter if it helps.
12:43Oh, this I gotta hear.
12:45He leans forward, elbows on knees.
12:48Stay alive.
12:50He murmurs.
12:51Because I intend to spend more time finding out why you walk around the world like you're disposable.
12:56The breath leaves me.
12:58Lorenzo.
12:59He sits back again like nothing happened.
13:01Like he didn't just reach inside me with scalpel precision.
13:04The jet hums, lifts, glides into sunlight.
13:08Outside the window, Colorado becomes a postcard.
13:12Inside the cabin, danger becomes something personal.
13:15Halfway through the flight, a guard approaches Lorenzo, whispering.
13:18I catch fragments.
13:20Baxter entry.
13:22Rival crew.
13:24Daylight assault.
13:25Property breach.
13:27Unusual move.
13:29They want leverage.
13:30Lorenzo's voice turns lethal.
13:32They won't get it.
13:34I stiffen.
13:35They want leverage like...
13:37Biscuit, or you.
13:39Fantastic.
13:40Should have stayed in bed.
13:42You'll be protected.
13:44I'd like a refund on today, actually.
13:46He gives me a look.
13:48Sharp, amused.
13:49Dark with something warmer beneath.
13:51You're not fragile, Emery.
13:53No, but I am breakable.
13:55Like a phone with no warranty.
13:57He huffs a quiet laugh.
13:59The kind that escapes before he decides to cage it.
14:02When we land, sunlight turns the snow into glitter.
14:05His ranch is sprawling and modern.
14:07Glass walls, stone patios.
14:10Horses running in open fields that look like freedom wearing high-end boots.
14:14Inside, the air smells like pine, cinnamon, and wealth that doesn't apologize for itself.
14:19A tall woman with tattooed forearms and steel-gray eyes steps forward.
14:24Lorenzo introduces her as Taron, his head of security.
14:27She nods at me like she's measuring my soul for threat levels.
14:32Taron says,
14:33Anyone touches her, I'll feed them to the horses.
14:37Holy crap, I mutter.
14:40Do the horses eat people?
14:43No, she says.
14:44But they can learn.
14:46Comforting.
14:48Lorenzo gestures for me to follow him into a sunlit atrium,
14:51where cactus plants and glass sculptures coexist like a desert museum.
14:54Stay close, he says.
14:58Dude, I don't even know where the doors are.
15:01His mouth twitches again.
15:03Good.
15:04He hands biscuit off to Taron and starts briefing his men.
15:07Voice firm.
15:08Clipped.
15:10Baxter Breach suggests they want to provoke me.
15:12Watch the perimeter at all times.
15:14Keep Emery off every camera until I say otherwise.
15:17My gut twists.
15:19This is my fault, I say quietly.
15:22His head snaps toward me.
15:23No, this is theirs.
15:26I mean, if I hadn't grabbed your runaway loaf.
15:29You saved him.
15:30His tone softens like a sunbeam cutting harsh light.
15:34That makes you my responsibility now.
15:37You say that like it's supposed to be comforting.
15:40It is.
15:41It's not.
15:43He steps closer.
15:45Inches shrinking like the air itself is pulling us tight.
15:48You're not in danger because of what you did, he says softly.
15:51You're in danger because of what they are.
15:54I swallow.
15:55Hard.
15:57Okay.
15:58But what are you?
15:59Really.
16:00He studies my face,
16:02and I swear I've never been seen with this much intensity.
16:04I'm someone who protects what he values, he says.
16:07And right now, Emery, that includes you.
16:11These words sink into me like sunlight through cold glass.
16:15My chest warms.
16:16My throat tightens.
16:18My brain is desperately looking for sarcasm as a lifeline.
16:21You and your dramatic lines, I whisper.
16:25Do you rehearse these in the mirror?
16:27No.
16:28You bring them out of me.
16:30I actually short-circuit for a second.
16:32Before I can respond, Taryn rushes in.
16:34They moved again, two SUVs spotted on the north ridge.
16:39Lorenzo's expression turns deadly calm.
16:42They want to be seen.
16:43Why?
16:44I ask.
16:45To draw me out.
16:46Are you going?
16:47I ask.
16:48No.
16:50Lorenzo steps in front of me, shielding me from nothing and everything.
16:54They want a confrontation.
16:55They won't get one.
16:56My voice shakes.
16:58So what now?
16:59Now, he says.
17:01We stay inside.
17:03Daylight is on our side, and they won't breach the property.
17:06You're safe here.
17:07I exhale slowly.
17:09Can you stop saying safe like it's a magic spell?
17:12Safety isn't magic, he says.
17:14It's control.
17:15And I have plenty of that.
17:17I should be terrified.
17:19I should be running for the nearest bus stop.
17:22Instead, standing in his sun-drenched ranch with his eyes locked on mine,
17:25I feel pulled to him.
17:27Irresistibly.
17:28Stupidly.
17:30Lorenzo?
17:31I ask softly.
17:33Yes.
17:34What if they don't want Biscuit?
17:36What if they want you?
17:37He lifts a brow.
17:39And you care?
17:41Shut up.
17:42I whisper.
17:43Don't make this weird.
17:45His lips curve.
17:46The slow, dangerous kind of almost smile that feels like a secret.
17:49Emory, he murmurs.
17:53Everything between us is already weird.
17:55And just like that, my pulse betrays me.
17:58The danger outside is building.
18:00But the danger inside?
18:02That's the one I might not survive.
18:04Taryn ushers us into the glass-walled conservatory,
18:07the kind of sunlit space rich people casually read newspapers in.
18:11Today it feels like a greenhouse for anxiety.
18:14Outside, horses trot across snowy fields,
18:17oblivious to the rival mafia crew hiding on the north ridge like idiots waiting for heatstroke.
18:22Lorenzo stands at the window, hands clasped behind his back,
18:25posture carved from stone.
18:28Sunlight catches the sharp line of his jaw,
18:30the tension pressed into every angle.
18:32He hasn't spoken in five minutes.
18:35Which, for someone who usually radiates quiet control,
18:38is practically screaming.
18:40I hover a few feet back.
18:41You okay, supreme ruler of real estate and chaos?
18:46He doesn't turn.
18:47Don't joke right now.
18:49Oh.
18:50So this is serious, serious.
18:53Finally, he pivots,
18:55eyes locking on me with a force that feels like gravity shifting.
18:58They're not leaving, he says.
19:00They know I won't retaliate while you're here.
19:03Wait.
19:04I'm the safety buffer in this messed-up mafia snow globe?
19:07They assume you...
19:09mean something.
19:10I snort.
19:12Well, joke's on them.
19:14I'm emotionally constipated.
19:16He doesn't laugh.
19:18Not even a twitch.
19:20Instead, he steps toward me,
19:21closing distance with slow, deliberate confidence.
19:25Emery, he says, voice low.
19:28They're not using you to hurt me.
19:29They're using you because they think I'll protect you.
19:33That sounds like the same thing.
19:35It's not.
19:36He stops in front of me.
19:38Too close.
19:39Too intense.
19:41Too everything.
19:42I protect things I own, he says.
19:44I protect things I value.
19:46Which category am I in?
19:48Neither, he says tightly.
19:50That's the problem.
19:51I blink.
19:52How is that a problem?
19:53Because I protected you anyway.
19:56Something hot and dizzying unfurls behind my ribs.
19:59Lorenzo.
20:00What does that mean?
20:02Before he can answer,
20:04Taryn bursts in,
20:05sun glaring behind her like she's a dramatic angel of violence.
20:09They're coming down the ridge, she says.
20:12Slow.
20:13Making it obvious.
20:15Lorenzo's jaw clenches.
20:17They want to talk.
20:18Or bait, she warns.
20:21They know I won't risk a gunfight with civilians around.
20:24He looks at me again.
20:26Emery, stay here.
20:28No.
20:29He actually freezes.
20:31No?
20:32You heard me.
20:33I'm not sitting in a sunroom like a terrified houseplant while men with guns march around outside.
20:38If they're here because of me,
20:39I want to be part of the solution.
20:42Taryn raises a brow, impressed.
20:45Girl's got spine.
20:47Lorenzo, on the other hand,
20:48looks like he swallowed a lemon.
20:50You're not coming with me.
20:52Yes, I am.
20:53No.
20:54Too bad.
20:55His nostrils flare.
20:57Emery.
20:58Lorenzo.
20:59I mimic, matching his tone.
21:01You don't get to helicopter parent me into oblivion.
21:04Also, it's Christmas Eve.
21:05I refuse to be kidnapped to Jason on a holiday.
21:08Taryn coughs,
21:09suspiciously close to laughing.
21:12Fine.
21:13Lorenzo grits out.
21:14But you stay behind me.
21:16Obviously.
21:17I'm brave.
21:17Not stupid.
21:18We step outside into crisp winter sun.
21:22No clouds.
21:23No shadows.
21:24Everything crystal bright.
21:26As if the world wants a perfect view of whatever chaos is about to unfold.
21:30Down the long driveway,
21:32two black SUVs approach in slow, arrogant confidence.
21:35A man steps out.
21:37Mid-forties.
21:38Tailored coat.
21:39The smug aura of someone who thinks scented candles are beneath him.
21:41His name is Victor Dario, a rival boss whose reputation is basically,
21:46will smile while ruining your entire life.
21:49He spreads his arms.
21:51Lorenzo.
21:52Lovely day, isn't it?
21:53Merry Christmas Eve.
21:55Lorenzo's voice is ice.
21:57State your business.
21:59Victor smirks.
22:00Your little property stunt irritated my partners.
22:03They want reconsideration.
22:05No.
22:06Lorenzo says simply.
22:07Thought you'd say that.
22:09Victor's gaze slides to me.
22:11She's new.
22:12I stiffen.
22:14Lorenzo steps directly in front of me like a human shield.
22:17She's none of your concern.
22:19Oh, I think she is.
22:21Victor tilts his head.
22:22You flew her here.
22:24Hid her.
22:25Clearly she's important enough to protect.
22:27I whisper through clenched teeth.
22:28This is not helping my blood pressure.
22:31Victor steps forward.
22:32I don't need her.
22:34I only need you to concede the Baxter development.
22:37No.
22:39Lorenzo.
22:40Victor sighs.
22:41You're making this difficult.
22:44Lorenzo's tone deepens.
22:46If you so much as breathe in her direction again, there will be no negotiations.
22:50Oh?
22:51Victor grins.
22:53Since when do you threaten people over women?
22:56My stomach drops.
22:57Lorenzo says nothing.
22:59No denial.
23:00No correction.
23:00The silence becomes its own confession.
23:04Victor notices.
23:05His grin widens.
23:07Ah.
23:07I see.
23:08She matters.
23:10I step out from behind Lorenzo, ignoring his whispered curse.
23:14Hey!
23:15I snap.
23:16If we're using me as the plot device, I'd like fifteen seconds to speak.
23:20You two are making decisions like I'm a table lamp.
23:23Victor blinks.
23:24Thrown off.
23:25Who...
23:26Are you?
23:28Someone who wants to go home, eat cookies, and pretend this day never happened.
23:32So how about you take your SUVs and your smug eyebrows and leave?
23:36Taryn chokes on a laugh.
23:38Victor's surprise melts into amusement.
23:41Lorenzo.
23:42You've chosen a spitfire.
23:43Back away from her, Lorenzo growls.
23:47Victor shrugs.
23:49Fine.
23:49The message is delivered.
23:51He gestures to his men.
23:53Fall back.
23:54As he turns, he adds casually.
23:57Merry Christmas Eve, Emery.
23:59Try not to die before New Year's.
24:02Taryn steps closer to me, hand hovering near her holster.
24:05Do you want me to shoot him in the foot for that?
24:08I mean...
24:09I whisper.
24:10A little bit, yeah.
24:12But Lorenzo isn't amused.
24:14He waits until the SUVs disappear down the road, before turning to me with frustration burning
24:19through every vein.
24:21What were you thinking?
24:22I cross my arms.
24:24I was thinking nobody gets to use me as a pawn without hearing my opinion.
24:28You could have been hurt.
24:29But I wasn't.
24:31That's not the point.
24:32I lift my chin.
24:34Then what is?
24:36He steps closer.
24:37Too close.
24:38I told you to stay behind me.
24:41I told you no.
24:42He drags a hand through his hair, breath sharp.
24:45You drive me insane.
24:48Yeah, well, you started it.
24:49I was trying to protect you.
24:51I know.
24:52But I get a say in my own life.
24:55His chest rises.
24:56Falls.
24:57Then he whispers.
24:59I don't know how to do this.
25:01Do what?
25:02Care about someone who can be taken from me.
25:05The world tilts.
25:06Lorenzo.
25:08I didn't plan for you.
25:10He says quietly.
25:12I don't do attachment.
25:14I don't do feelings.
25:15I don't do any of this.
25:18You say that like I'm a problem.
25:19I say that like you're the first thing in years that makes me want to choose something other than power.
25:26The breath whooshes out of me.
25:28Sunlight catches on his lashes.
25:30Biscuit winds somewhere behind us, sensing tension.
25:33I step closer.
25:36So choose.
25:37He looks stunned.
25:39Choose?
25:40Yeah.
25:41Choose not to push me away.
25:43Choose not to hide behind your empire or your security team or your silent brooding.
25:47Choose to let this be real.
25:48A beat passes.
25:51Then another.
25:53Then he reaches out.
25:54Slow.
25:55Hesitant.
25:56And cups my cheek with a warmth that makes my spine melt.
25:59You saved the only thing I love, he murmurs.
26:03And somehow, you became something I love too.
26:07My heart cracks open in the most inconvenient way.
26:10I lean into his touch.
26:12About time one of us admitted it.
26:15He laughs softly.
26:17The first real laugh I've heard from him.
26:19Then he says it.
26:20Quiet.
26:21Certain.
26:22I choose you.
26:24Sun floods the ranch.
26:25Bright and golden like the world is witnessing a secret.
26:28I exhale shakily.
26:31Good.
26:31Because I'm choosing you too.
26:33Even though your life is a dumpster fire covered in diamonds.
26:37His forehead presses to mine.
26:39Stay with me.
26:40For now, I say.
26:43And for Christmas dinner.
26:44But if your family tries anything weird, I'm leaving with the deviled eggs.
26:49He smiles against my skin.
26:51Deal.
26:53Taryn clears her throat loudly.
26:55Hate to ruin the moment, but everything's secure.
26:57No more threats.
26:59Lorenzo doesn't look away from me.
27:01There weren't any threats that mattered.
27:04We walk back toward the house together.
27:06Sunlight warm on our backs.
27:08Biscuit waddling ahead like he's leading a parade.
27:10I glance at Lorenzo.
27:13So, I say lightly, this is our meet-cute story forever, huh?
27:18I save your dog.
27:19You save my life.
27:21We emotionally combust in broad daylight.
27:23His hand finds mine.
27:25Steady.
27:25Sure.
27:26Claiming.
27:27It's a good story.
27:29It's a ridiculous story.
27:31It's ours.
27:32And just like that, on Christmas Eve of all days, I fall into something I never expected.
27:39A love bright enough to defy all the shadows he's lived in.
27:42A future that finally feels like possibility.
27:45A man who chose me in the clear, unapologetic daylight.
27:49Hey, beautiful people.
27:52Thank you for reading this wild, snowy, heart-thumping mafia romance with me.
27:56If you loved Emery Lorenzo and Biscuit's chaotic Christmas Eve adventure, make sure to hit that subscribe button so you never miss another story.
28:03Drop a like, leave me a comment telling me your favorite moment, and share this episode with someone who needs a little daylight danger and dog-saving drama in their life.
28:13Your support keeps these stories coming.
28:15Love you all, and see you in the next one.
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