- 35 minutes ago
Taming the Ruthless Heir New
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Short filmTranscript
00:00At the Marino family party, children ran around Mrs. Marino, giggling up at her.
00:04Granny Marino! Granny Marino!
00:07She smiled and touched their little heads one by one, then held the wine glass tightly.
00:12Because not one of them was hers, her only son was Lorenzo Marino,
00:16the city's most brutal mafia heir. He had money, power, blood in his hands.
00:21But not one woman in his bed. Mrs. Marino had sent him heiresses,
00:25models, women born to be mafia wives. None of them lasted three days.
00:30By midnight, Mrs. Marino stopped looking for a suitable woman.
00:33This time, she wanted a weapon. Someone beautiful enough to ruin his self-control.
00:38Someone desperate enough to sign anything. Me.
00:43I was born beautiful enough to make men stop and stare.
00:47But beauty didn't save my family from debt. I sold myself to settle my family's debts.
00:53My buyer was the city's most brutal mafia family. The Marinos.
00:57And my task? Win over their woman-averse heir, whom everyone thinks is gay.
01:03I still remember the day Mrs. Marino came to me.
01:06She sat right down and got straight to the offer.
01:16Lorenzo Marino was cold and ruthless. No one could get close to him. No one knew his taste.
01:22Lorenzo is all we have left of this name. He has never wanted any woman. Not ever.
01:28Word gets around, and I even think my son's into men.
01:32If you can change that, if you can secure our family's legacy, you will want for nothing.
01:36Money, protection, status. All of it.
01:40You want me to make your son fall for me?
01:42I want you to give him a reason to try.
01:45To get him interested in women.
01:47But if he chooses you in the end, the entire Marino empire will back you.
01:54I agreed. But what I never saw coming, this rumored woman repeller, left me begging for mercy, night after night.
02:03Six months. If nothing changes between you two, you can leave Scut free.
02:09I'll pay you the full amount. No strings attached. Your reputation stays unruined.
02:15She then warned me.
02:16Lorenzo will know why you're here. I've never been able to hide anything from him.
02:22But he just doesn't have to know about the contract. He hates shady deals.
02:29Three days later, I moved into the Marino estate.
02:33The advance money was already in my bank account.
02:36Elena Lorenzo, the Don's mother.
02:38A face like that.
02:41If that man still can't see what's right in front of him, I don't know what I'll do with him.
02:45Don't worry, madam. I try my best.
02:48She then introduced me to all the household staff and left.
02:52They all stared at me with obvious curiosity.
02:55They've tried just about every type of woman by now, haven't they?
02:58Mrs. Marino won't quit. Not until our master has an heir.
03:01The last one lasted three days. The two before her didn't even stay one full day.
03:06How could they possibly have a kid?
03:07But I'm so curious. All those girls before were big socialists you see on TV and magazines.
03:12Who even is she? Just some nobody?
03:14The housekeeper approached.
03:16All the gossiping servants scattered at once.
03:19Miss, Mrs. Marino says you have no assigned room here.
03:23You'll have to figure it out on your own.
03:28That first night, I was passing the kitchen.
03:31Then I noticed his study light was still on.
03:34One of the staff whispered,
03:35He hadn't eaten since noon. You might want to bring him some food.
03:39I grabbed a bowl of whatever was on the stove.
03:42I walked down the hall, pushed the door open.
03:44He was at his desk, reading.
03:45He hadn't heard me come in.
03:47Sharp jaw, dark eyes.
03:49His face was carved like a museum statue.
03:51Cold, flawless.
03:52The room was minimal.
03:53Clean lines, no clutter.
03:55Just like him.
03:56One framed black and white photo, hung on the wall.
03:58A lone wolf, striding through the snow.
04:00I'd only planned to stay six months.
04:03Collect the money, sieve the restaurant, then disappear.
04:06I never thought he'd catch my eye like this.
04:08Quiet, still.
04:10Totally different from the hymn in the magazine.
04:12I didn't know why he was drawn to this wolf.
04:14But in that moment, he wasn't the intimidating mafia heir anymore.
04:18He looked so lonely, just like the wolf in the painting.
04:22I stepped closer.
04:23He finally looked up.
04:25I told you not to.
04:28Everything in the room went still, even his breath.
04:33You've been working all day.
04:35At least eat something.
04:36I could see wariness flash across his face.
04:39He must have grown tired of dealing with all kinds of women.
04:42But I wouldn't back down.
04:43I stepped forward closer.
04:45He stood and stepped back.
04:47Fast.
04:48A little bit.
04:49Like I was something that needed distance.
04:52I told you to leave.
04:54I know.
04:56Then leave.
04:59After you eat.
05:03I leaned back in the chair.
05:05I took off the robe.
05:06The sleep set I had on was thin.
05:08Lace trim.
05:08Barely enough fabric to qualify as clothing.
05:11Yeah.
05:11I did it on purpose.
05:13I crossed my legs slowly.
05:17I'm not going anywhere.
05:20So we can do this all night if you want.
05:24His jaw tightened.
05:26He was looking very deliberately at the wall behind me.
05:28Or you could just drink the soup.
05:33He leaned back.
05:35Arms crossed.
05:36Waiting for me to fold.
05:37I didn't move.
05:38A minute passed.
05:39Maybe two.
05:41This is my house.
05:45It is.
05:55The soup's getting cold.
05:56He exhaled through his nose.
05:58That sound alone would make everyone else flee.
06:01I picked up the spoon and held it out.
06:03He glanced at the spoon.
06:04Then me.
06:05Then quickly looked back at the wall.
06:07He took the bowl.
06:08Downed it in one stern gulp.
06:13Then set it down heavily.
06:18Happy?
06:20Extremely.
06:21Before I walked out, I thought of one thing.
06:24Oh, one more thing.
06:26He looked at me.
06:27A beat.
06:27I wasn't assigned a room.
06:29I gestured vaguely at myself.
06:31The lace.
06:32The legs.
06:33All of it.
06:33So unless you're okay with me wandering around your room like this all night?
06:36His ears went red so fast it was almost impressive.
06:39Take the room.
06:43The study is fine for me.
06:46Good.
06:46I screamed in my mind.
06:49I reached for the robe on the back of the chair and pulled it on.
06:52Tied it.
06:53Tight.
06:54All the way up.
06:55Then I walked out.
06:57I heard the study door close.
06:59Then silence.
07:00I didn't sleep much that night.
07:02Neither did he.
07:03When I saw him the next morning, dark circles lingered under his eyes, deep as fresh bruises.
07:08Mrs. Marino stared at him.
07:10She looked ready to hurl him out at any second.
07:12She is perfect and you slept in your office?
07:15What is wrong with you?
07:19I just don't want anyone, Mom.
07:21It's not about her.
07:23Mrs. Marino's voice cracked slightly.
07:25Do you prefer men?
07:28Tell me the truth.
07:29Lorenzo blinked.
07:30Not my thing either.
07:33Mrs. Marino lowered her voice.
07:35Something wrong with you there?
07:38How can you turn down a stunning beauty like her?
07:41If so, we can get you a doctor.
07:44Nothing at all.
07:45I want to be alone.
07:46That's it.
07:47End of conversation.
07:48Kara, Sophia, Cora, whoever else is on your list.
07:53Drop it, Mom.
07:54Lorenzo turned and actually looked at me.
07:57He'd barely put an eye on me last night.
07:59He only registered I was there, then fled.
08:02Now he looked carefully.
08:03For the first time.
08:04His gaze moved once.
08:05Quickly and then his ears went red.
08:07I stood slightly to the side and said nothing.
08:10I'd grown up in Queens.
08:11I knew mother and son needed to hash things out.
08:14No audience should linger.
08:16He looked away.
08:17Fine.
08:18What?
08:19She hadn't caught it.
08:22Fine.
08:23Last time.
08:24One month.
08:25I won't sleep in the office.
08:27But after that, I'm going back to my own schedule.
08:31Lorenzo valued his routine above everything.
08:34That first night, he came to bed wrapped in a blanket.
08:37He held it tight, as if building a fortress around himself.
08:41I was in a thin cotton sleep set.
08:43I looked at him, almost laughed, then turned off the lamp.
08:46This is the first month.
08:48We do have six.
08:49Slow down.
08:50In the dark.
08:51The room was very quiet.
08:53I fell asleep fast.
08:54My body, however, had other plans.
08:57I've always been a grabby sleeper.
08:59Whatever's next to me.
09:00I hold on to it.
09:01Lorenzo was next to me.
09:02He'd wrapped himself so tight, he couldn't move fast enough.
09:06I shifted in my sleep and drew nearer.
09:08His body went completely rigid at once.
09:11I pressed closer all the same, still fast asleep.
09:15Warm and soft.
09:16I nestled right against him.
09:18Through the thin fabric, every small touch between us felt overwhelming.
09:22His pulse spiked so hard he could feel it in his teeth.
09:26Then, warm drops from his nose.
09:30Lorenzo shot out of bed and made it to the bathroom in four seconds flat.
09:37This became the routine.
09:38During the day, he was polite and distant.
09:40He existed in the room the same as quiet furniture.
09:43Every night, like clockwork.
09:45He disappeared to take a cold shower.
09:48Every droplet hitting the floor seems to silently whisper of his inner turmoil.
09:54Then, one evening, Mrs. Marino left something on his nightstand.
09:58A small book with no title on its cover.
10:01He read three pages, then set it face down, panic flickering across his eyes as never before.
10:08He lay stiff as a plank in the dark until midnight.
10:11After that, he headed for another shower.
10:16At midnight, I was woke up because of the heat.
10:20I asked a maid to run me a bath.
10:23I undressed and stepped into the water.
10:26Let the cool waster wrap gently around me.
10:29The cool pool water soothed every inch of my heated and taut skin, as if cleansing all weariness and unease.
10:35The water reflected my relaxed.
10:38A shadow fell across the light.
10:40The lamp glowed bright behind him.
10:43His hair was still damp from his shower.
10:45Dark strands fell across his forehead.
10:48I had just poured water over my shoulders when I turned and met his eyes.
10:53Lorenzo stood frozen, the man who ruled a criminal empire with effortless ease, yet he could not utter a single
10:59word.
11:00Heat flooded my cheeks.
11:01I snatched up a towel, pulled my knees tight to my chest, my skin flushing bright pink.
11:06I didn't know you're here either.
11:08I...
11:09Even as his companion for a period of time, I barely knew him.
11:13This was unbearable.
11:15Then I saw it, two drops, bright red, falling from beneath his nose.
11:20Mr. Marino!
11:21I scrambled up without thinking.
11:23He ran to me, reached out, and stepped right in with me.
11:26Splash!
11:27Water everywhere.
11:28The framed photograph of another wolf on the wall caught the splash.
11:31His pajamas were soaked through.
11:34I had nothing on.
11:35We were pressed together in a bath tub.
11:37I could feel his heartbeat against my chest.
11:40His skin burned like he had a fever.
11:42He was still burning.
11:43I turned my face away, bit my lip, and reached for a hand towel to press under his nose.
11:48His fingers closed around my wrist.
11:50Don't move.
11:51I had never been this close to a man.
11:54Are you okay?
11:55Why did you...
11:59You didn't see anything.
12:00His voice lower than usual, rougher.
12:02Before I could push back, he sneezed.
12:05I made a decision.
12:06I stood, grabbed the robe from the hook, wrapped it around myself.
12:10If Lorenzo got sick because of me, my family paid for it.
12:13The Marino family could erase us without blinking.
12:16I was about to open my mouth and scream for help.
12:19Two hands covered my face from behind.
12:23You need to swear to God this never leaves this room.
12:27Please, Cara, stay silent.
12:34All worn out from last night's mess, Lorenzo spiked a fever at dawn.
12:40Mrs. Marino was shocked, spotting the soaked clothes on the couch.
12:44But he told Mrs. Marino it had nothing to do with me.
12:48She forgave me anyway.
12:51But she gave the family doctor a strange look after the exam.
12:56He's always been tough.
12:58Didn't even get a fever after being shot.
13:03Lorenzo, I heard you've been taking cold showers at night lately.
13:08Mrs. Marino, the kitchen has prepared your favorite tea.
13:11It will get cold if you don't go now.
13:13Lorenzo exhaled close.
13:15Then he realized I was still in the room.
13:17You don't have to stay. You'll catch it.
13:19I wrung out a cloth in cool water.
13:21If something happens to you, my father loses everything.
13:24So let's not be dramatic about this.
13:26Sit still.
13:26He blinked.
13:28Like no one had ever spoken to him that way.
13:30Like he wasn't sure if he was offended or not.
13:33He sat still.
13:34I leaned over him to reach the bedside table to get the tissue.
13:37He stared at the ceiling with great focus.
13:40His jaw tightened.
13:41And his ears flushed red once more.
13:45Then, Lorenzo, a voice, young and sharp from the hallway.
13:49Lorenzo fell back against the pillow.
13:51He looked just like someone caught in the wrong act.
13:54I turned.
13:55A young girl stood there.
13:57No older than 15.
13:59She had dark curly hair and wore a green sundress.
14:01Move! I need to see him!
14:03He's resting.
14:05You shouldn't...
14:08Who are you?
14:09I can't tell her the truth about the contract.
14:12It would cause a mess.
14:15I'm Kara.
14:16I'm Mr. Marino's assistant.
14:19I lied to her.
14:22I'm his cousin, Julia.
14:23You're just an assistant.
14:25Don't tell me what to do.
14:26From the bed, weakly.
14:28Julia.
14:29Don't be rude.
14:31I'm worried about you.
14:32That's allowed!
14:33She pushed forward.
14:34I stepped aside.
14:36She hit a wet patch on the tile near the door and went down hard.
14:39I lunged forward without hesitation.
14:41Threw myself between her and the cold floor.
14:44Took the full impact for her.
14:45One thought came to my mind.
14:47She's Lorenzo's family.
14:49I cannot let her get hurt.
14:50What are you two doing?
14:51He arrived just in time to witness everything.
14:54The calm, untouchable Marino air looked utterly furious for one full second.
14:58His chest was heaving.
14:59His face was red.
15:01Julia lifted her head slowly, looked at my face.
15:03Her face turned red.
15:04She forgot Lorenzo entirely.
15:06I sat up carefully, ignored the dull ache in my back.
15:09Are you hurt?
15:10Here.
15:11I blew gently across her palms where the carpet had caught her skin.
15:15Julia went very still.
15:16Then quietly, almost dreamily.
15:20Kara, you smell really good.
15:23Something shifted in Lorenzo that night.
15:25He'd spent years pushing everyone away.
15:27Women wanted his name, his money, his power.
15:29They looked at him like a prize, a title, a weapon.
15:32But she didn't.
15:32She saw he hadn't eaten.
15:33She didn't flinch when he snapped.
15:35She looked at him like he was just...
15:37Lorenzo.
15:38It wasn't her beauty that broke him.
15:39It was something he couldn't name.
15:41Lorenzo crossed the room in four sharp steps.
15:44He grabbed Julia by the back of her collar.
15:46Julia, stop.
15:49Did you come to see me or not?
15:51Obviously, I came to see you.
15:53Julia straightened her dress with dignity.
15:56Obviously, I came to see you.
15:58You don't look that sick, honestly.
16:00I feel better.
16:03Since he's fine, can you come hang out with me?
16:09You're so pretty.
16:10I just want to look at you, Elle.
16:13I smiled and reached out my hand.
16:15Lorenzo got there first.
16:17His hand was large and warm and closed completely around mine.
16:20I'm still sick.
16:22A cough.
16:23And weak.
16:23Perfectly timed.
16:23She has to stay with me.
16:25I panicked at the cough pulled free automatically.
16:27I put my hand on his back to guide him inside.
16:30Inside, Lorenzo glanced back over his shoulder.
16:32He looked at her with pure, unmasked satisfaction.
16:36Julia stared at him.
16:37You have changed, Lorenzo Marino.
16:39He didn't answer.
16:40He just settled back against the headboard, admitted he felt terrible.
16:44He needed me to stay close by his side.
16:46The fever lasted almost a week.
16:48By the end of it, something between us had quietly shifted.
16:54Stop calling me Mr. Marino.
16:57Tried the name out, low and a little uncertain.
17:02Lorenzo.
17:03I'd never said a man's name like that before.
17:06Like it meant something.
17:07He gave a single nod.
17:08Face neutral.
17:10But his ears betrayed him completely.
17:12I noticed his skin felt hot.
17:14I pressed the back of my cool fingers to his cheek.
17:16Then to his ear.
17:18The cooler I tried to make him feel better, the worse it seemed to get.
17:21His breathing shifted.
17:29Kara.
17:29He said, very quietly.
17:31I didn't catch it, because outside, heels on marble, not Julia this time.
17:36Nico stepped into the room.
17:37He carried an easy, unrestrained aura.
17:40Bold and outgoing.
17:41He never hid his emotions.
17:43Where Lorenzo was cold, quiet and reserved, Nico was warm, talkative and effortlessly sociable.
17:49He spent money like keeping it was a burden.
17:51No one understood how the two could be friends.
17:54He came to the bed directly.
17:56Snapped his sunglasses shut.
17:57Grinning, he looked at Lorenzo in bed.
18:01A cold kept the great Lorenzo Marine down for a month.
18:05Incredible.
18:06Lorenzo said nothing.
18:07Nico's gaze drifted to me.
18:11Kara Ricci.
18:13Even better in person.
18:15It's a crime, honestly.
18:18A woman like you, wasted on a man who won't even look a woman twice.
18:25Get out, Nico.
18:27I'm just being honest.
18:29Nico ignored him.
18:30His eyes didn't leave me.
18:31Out.
18:33You deserve someone who actually shows up, sweetheart.
18:39If you ever feel like renegotiating with-
18:41Lorenzo stood up.
18:42He put himself between me and Nico without seeming to think about it.
18:46You have enough women around, Nico.
18:48I always have room for one more.
18:50If she wanted to leave-
18:51She doesn't.
18:53But she would understand ever.
18:55You'd understand you, Rissi.
18:57How would you know?
18:58You barely look at her.
19:01She's nothing like the other woman around you.
19:04You couldn't have her if you tried.
19:07You'd love to want to stand your enemy?
19:09You could just court a chance.
19:11If you'd love to offer me a chance, I'd like to try.
19:14Then let's make it interesting.
19:17Name it.
19:22The best of three.
19:24Whatever you pick.
19:26Deal.
19:31For what it's worth, he's never competed for anything in his life.
19:35Think about that.
19:42Finally, Lorenzo recovered.
19:44I had time to went out with Julia.
19:45I should have noticed the car that had been following us for two blocks.
19:48But I didn't.
19:50Neither did Julia.
19:50We were talking about Lorenzo's childhood.
19:52I was quite intrigued.
19:56Suddenly, they stepped out of the side street.
19:58Four men.
19:59Organized.
20:00Fast.
20:01One of them grabbed Julia by the arm.
20:03She screamed.
20:04I stepped between her and the man holding her.
20:07Who are you?
20:08Leave us alone.
20:10Another hit on me.
20:11I went down on one knee.
20:12My cheek was already swelling.
20:13I could taste blood.
20:15Julia was crying.
20:16Screaming my name.
20:18Run, Julia!
20:20Run now!
20:21Don't look back!
20:22She didn't.
20:23They took us both.
20:24The warehouse smelled like salt water and rust.
20:26They kept asking about Lorenzo.
20:28His schedule.
20:29His meetings.
20:30Who he trusted.
20:30Where he was vulnerable.
20:32I told them nothing.
20:33Every time I didn't answer, they made sure I knew there were consequences.
20:37I soon passed out.
20:38I woke up to find Julia zip-tied safely in the corner.
20:41They hadn't touched her.
20:43That was the only thing that mattered.
20:45She's okay.
20:45She's okay.
20:46She's okay.
20:47I had no idea how long we'd stay here.
20:49All I cared about was Lorenzo hoping he'd notice we were gone soon.
20:52By nightfall, the thugs grew impatient.
20:55They walked over to Julia and spoke to me.
20:58Heard she's Lorenzo's cousin.
21:00We'll find another way to make you talk.
21:02Before I could speak, he roughly tore Julia's clothes apart.
21:06She screamed and cried in terror.
21:07No, stop it!
21:08Leave her!
21:09You bastard!
21:10But if you still won't spit out what we want, I don't mind changing my interest.
21:14Stop touching her.
21:16I'll talk.
21:17Then noises came from outside.
21:19A bulldozer smashed the door open.
21:21Lorenzo and his men walked in.
21:22He didn't run.
21:23He didn't shout.
21:24He walked in like he owned the building.
21:26Which, I later found out he did.
21:27His eyes found me first.
21:29I was still on my knees.
21:31One eye nearly swollen shut.
21:32My wrists raw from the zip ties.
21:34My lips split at the corner.
21:36I saw his control slip completely for a split second.
21:38Something close to panic crossed his face.
21:41Then it all locked back down into nothing.
21:43He crossed the room.
21:44Crouched in front of me.
21:45His hands rose slowly.
21:47Like he was approaching something he feared breaking.
21:49He cupped my face.
21:51Took in every bruise.
21:52Every cut.
21:53Every detail.
21:54He didn't say anything for a long moment.
21:58I'm fine.
22:00You're not.
22:01I'm standing.
22:03You're on your knees.
22:04Same thing.
22:06Wait for me some seconds.
22:08He exhaled through his nose.
22:09Then he stood and turned.
22:10The men who'd taken us lined up against the far wall.
22:13His men held them in place.
22:14Lorenzo stared at them with cold indifference.
22:16The girl is my cousin.
22:18The woman is mine.
22:20Now's your time to pay.
22:21He straightened his jacket.
22:23Make sure they understand what that means.
22:25He didn't stay to watch.
22:26He came back to me.
22:27Pulled me up carefully.
22:28And walked me out.
22:29Suddenly.
22:30The gang's men rushed in through the door.
22:32Chaos broke out.
22:33Someone charged over with a baseball bat.
22:35As the bat swung down.
22:36Lorenzo stepped in to shield me.
22:37He pulled me tight into his arms.
22:39A low, painful grunt escaped him.
22:41The bat slammed straight into his back.
22:43His men moved in at once.
22:44Watching this.
22:45I couldn't hold back my tears.
22:46Julia was excused.
22:48Lorenzo kept one hand on my back the whole time.
22:50Like if he let go.
22:51Something would happen.
22:52Outside.
22:52In the cold air.
22:53I finally stopped holding myself together.
22:55My knees went.
22:56He swept me up bridal style before I hit the ground.
22:59I was bedridden for a week.
23:00But I was finally better.
23:02Today.
23:02Lorenzo and Nico were going to compete.
23:04Just like they promised.
23:05They went to the estate's private court out back.
23:07Racing first.
23:09Then shooting.
23:10Nico bet his vintage Alfa Romeo.
23:12While Lorenzo wagered a chance to court me.
23:15Nico was good.
23:16His women treed around.
23:17I have no clue how Nico gets all those girls to get along so well.
23:21He's definitely smooth with women.
23:23Yet the mere thought of Lorenzo being swarmed by them.
23:25Makes me oddly upset.
23:26I turned to see Lorenzo.
23:28He shot me a reassuring look.
23:29Making my heart skip a beat.
23:31He was really handsome when he shoot.
23:32Finally.
23:33Lorenzo won the competition.
23:35It wasn't even close by the end.
23:36I watched from the side.
23:38And felt something strange move through me.
23:40Three years ago.
23:41Lorenzo Marino took over the family empire at 24.
23:44The youngest heir in three generations.
23:46There had been a piece about it in the paper.
23:48A photograph.
23:49Him stepping out of the courthouse.
23:50Sharp dark suit.
23:52No smile.
23:52Completely unbothered by the swarming cameras.
23:54I'd been sitting in the back of my father's restaurant.
23:57When I saw it.
23:58Couldn't explain why I'd kept looking.
24:00That's Lorenzo Marino.
24:02Every family in the city watches what he does.
24:05I'd kept the paper.
24:06I don't know why.
24:07Now he was fighting for me.
24:09Nico lost his vintage Alfa Romeo.
24:11Shipped all the way from Milan.
24:13One of a kind.
24:13The only one in the entire state.
24:15He stared at Lorenzo with open disbelief.
24:18You set me up.
24:19They told me you were hurt, but you looked totally fine.
24:22Lorenzo said nothing.
24:23He walked toward me, unhurried, and held out his hand.
24:26Come on.
24:27I'd never ridden in something that fast.
24:29I hesitated.
24:30He easily lifted me up in a bridle carry.
24:32Settled me into the passenger seat like it was nothing.
24:34The engine turned over.
24:35Nico was still standing in the driveway when we left him behind.
24:39Mr. Marino?
24:40You're back?
24:41Is it actually fine?
24:42The car hit a rough patch in the road.
24:44I lurched sideways, directly into his arm.
24:46Somewhere I couldn't see, the corner of his mouth moved.
24:50Say my name.
24:52Lorenzo?
24:53Are you actually better?
24:55Yes.
24:56The city opened up around us.
24:57Gold in the late afternoon light.
24:59I remembered something.
25:01The month Mrs. Marine asked for.
25:03It's over.
25:04A pause.
25:05If you want to go back to your own room, I understand.
25:08I'm not going to-
25:08He braked hard.
25:09He slammed on the brakes.
25:10The car screeched to a halt in the middle of the road.
25:12I jolted forward sharply from the sudden stop.
25:14He turned around at once to check if I was alright.
25:17Close enough to feel his every breath.
25:19His voice dropped.
25:20Are you trying to leave?
25:21My throat tightened.
25:22I'd been his companion for months.
25:24He had never once touched me on purpose.
25:27I'd assumed that meant he didn't want me here.
25:30Why are you asking me that now?
25:32I turned to look at him.
25:33My eyes were embarrassingly wet.
25:35He stared at me, jaw working.
25:37Caught completely off guard by the tears.
25:40Kara.
25:40I-
25:42I took his hand.
25:43Held it flat against my chest.
25:44Over my heart.
25:45If he pulled away, I had my answer.
25:47When the six months ended, I'd go.
25:51I got bounced around pretty hard in this car.
25:54Could you just help me with that?
25:59His face went red.
26:01Ears.
26:01Cheeks.
26:02The back of his neck.
26:03All of it.
26:04He pulled his hand back like I'd burned him.
26:06The most controlled man in New York City.
26:07Trapped in his own car.
26:09Unable to form a single complete-
26:10sentence.
26:11Then he got out of the car and walked.
26:13That night, he didn't come back to the room.
26:15The next morning, I started quietly packing a bag.
26:18He came through the door at dawn, still in yesterday's clothes.
26:21What are you doing?
26:22I stepped back so he couldn't reach me.
26:24I won't keep bothering you.
26:25When the six months are up, I'll go.
26:28At the word go, something shifted in his face.
26:31What six months?
26:33What are you talking about?
26:34I pressed my lips together and moved to step past him.
26:37He caught my arm, pulled me in.
26:39My thing scattered across the floor.
26:41He held on.
26:42And his voice, when it came, was stripped of everything caref-
26:45Are you angry with me?
26:49You can yell at me.
26:52You can hit me.
26:55Just don't leave.
27:04I looked up at him.
27:06He lifted his hand and pressed it to my face, wiped the corner of my eye with his thumb.
27:11I explained the contract's terms, the six-month clause, the hidden agreement no one had ever
27:16told him about.
27:17Lorenzo went very still.
27:19My heart sank.
27:20I knew he hated this deal.
27:21Maybe he was disappointed in me too, never thinking I'd team up with his mother to lie
27:25to him, just for money.
27:29Kara, I hate this.
27:30I ruined everything.
27:32I should leave liked I planned, but I already liked him.
27:35I picked up my clothes on the floor, and ready to pack and leave.
27:38He blocked my way.
27:39But if it's you, I don't want to be apart from you.
27:47I know you have feelings for me.
27:50But yesterday...
27:54I didn't know if you actually...
27:56I didn't want to overstep.
27:59If I had another chance, I would do it differently.
28:06I only want you.
28:09Before I could answer, he kissed me.
28:11It was nothing like I expected.
28:13Deep and sure, and like he'd been making up his mind about it for months.
28:18When he finally stopped, his arm was still around my waist.
28:21He pressed his lips to my ear.
28:23You're not leaving, Kara.
28:27Two weeks later, I found him at his desk at midnight.
28:30I brought coffee, set it down next to him.
28:32What was he like?
28:35Your father.
28:36Lorenzo was quiet for a long moment.
28:39Careful.
28:40Never wrong about people.
28:43He turned the coffee cup in his hands.
28:45Before he married my mother, he loved someone else.
28:50She took away his fortune and his trust.
28:56She left him with endless trouble and a broken heart.
29:00He paused.
29:02After that, he had one rule for me.
29:06Stay away from beautiful women.
29:09Beautiful women are how you lose everything.
29:14Stay sharp.
29:16Stay alone.
29:18He said it like it was law.
29:20Like it had been law his entire life.
29:23I understand him.
29:25He was trying to protect you.
29:28But it was also a prison.
29:30Lorenzo went very still.
29:32And you moved right in.
29:35Are you afraid?
29:37He didn't answer.
29:40Or are you still hiding?
29:44He just hugged me tight.
29:47I thought he should try to figure something out by himself.
29:52I finished my coffee and went to bed.
29:54He was still sitting there when I left.
29:58She's running a con.
30:01She targeted him.
30:03She knew exactly what she was doing from day one.
30:06The rumors spread fast within the family's circle.
30:09The sharp, deliberate kind of whisper meant to travel.
30:11I first heard it from a housekeeper.
30:13She'd gotten it from a driver.
30:14Who had heard the gossip at Nico's table.
30:17I didn't say anything to Lorenzo.
30:19I didn't have to.
30:20He came home that Friday night from a meeting.
30:22And stopped in the kitchen doorway.
30:24I was on the phone.
30:25Not crying.
30:26Not waiting.
30:26I was on the phone with my father's supplier.
30:29Negotiating.
30:29A new payment plan for the restaurant.
30:31It was the same tedious task.
30:33I'd chipped away at.
30:34For two months.
30:35Done.
30:36In every quiet corner I could find on this estate.
30:39I held up a single finger to Lorenzo.
30:41A silent ask.
30:42Give me a minute.
30:43Then I finished the call.
30:44Looked at him.
30:45You heard.
30:46It wasn't a question.
30:48I heard.
30:52You want coffee?
30:53Something shifted in his face.
30:57That's it?
30:58What do you want me to do, Lorenzo?
31:01Fall apart?
31:02Rumors are rumors.
31:03They won't be truth.
31:04You know me.
31:09I turned back to the counter.
31:14He was quiet for a long moment.
31:16I grew up in Queens.
31:17People talk.
31:18It passes.
31:21Nico is handling a shipment for us next quarter.
31:23I need you to understand something.
31:25Whatever you came here as.
31:27Contract.
31:28Companion.
31:29Arrangement.
31:30That's not what this is.
31:31He said it simply.
31:32No performance.
31:33You don't need to worry about it.
31:35I'll handle it.
31:35I looked at him for a second.
31:37Telling the truth.
31:38I touched.
31:39Then I handed him a cup of coffee and went back to my notes.
31:42He stood there another moment.
31:43Like he'd expected more of a reaction.
31:46Then he sat down across from me and didn't leave.
31:49Three days later.
31:50Nico showed up at the estate.
31:52Quieter than usual.
31:54He found me in the garden.
31:56Sat down across from me without being invited.
32:01He's never done that for anyone.
32:04I've known him 15 years.
32:07He doesn't defend people.
32:09He doesn't explain himself.
32:12But he stood for you.
32:14I had wanted to see what you were made of.
32:18I was wrong about the answer.
32:23For what it's worth, I'm sorry.
32:28He left before I could respond.
32:32Lorenzo told me once he'd been supposed to take the seat four years ago.
32:36His father died before the transfer was complete.
32:39He stepped back.
32:40Handled the grief quietly.
32:42Honored it in private.
32:43And waited.
32:44This year, he was ready.
32:45Whatever you did, thank you.
32:49She had stopped caring about where I came from, approximately, three months ago.
32:55My parents came to the estate for dinner, the following Sunday.
32:58My father shook Lorenzo's hand for a long time without letting go.
33:02My mother cried in the bathroom and pretended she hadn't.
33:06They had no idea I'd known about the debt.
33:08Lorenzo was in meetings most nights that month.
33:11Working through every alliance and loose end before the transfer.
33:14I stayed.
33:16Made coffee.
33:17Sat nearby.
33:18Didn't talk unless he wanted to.
33:21He told me the whole story about his father one of those nights.
33:25The loss.
33:26The years of silence after.
33:28The wolf photograph had been his father's.
33:30Lorenzo had taken it down.
33:32Into its place, he'd had someone paint me.
33:34I stood in front of it for a long time, not sure what to say.
33:38You can still get out of this.
33:41If you've changed your mind.
33:43He picked up a pen and wrote two words on a notepad and turned it to face me.
33:47No regret.
33:48Then he looked at me with the expression of a man waiting to be told.
33:52The moment broke when we heard a crash from the kitchen.
33:55Julia had found the dessert I'd made for him and eaten most of it.
33:58That was for me.
33:59Oh, she's had a really hard day.
34:02She hid behind me.
34:03You always smell like something good.
34:05It's not fair.
34:07Julia.
34:08I covered my mouth so neither of them would see me laughing.
34:11The morning of, Julia found me alone in the dressing room.
34:16She sat in the chair across from me and was, for once, completely quiet.
34:20We sat there for a while.
34:22Then she said,
34:23You're his now.
34:26She picked at a thread on her sleeve.
34:28You won't just be mine anymore.
34:31I reached over and took her hand.
34:33I'll always be yours too.
34:36Door opened.
34:37Lorenzo stepped in, saw our hands linked, walked over without a word, and lifted my hand out
34:42of Julia's.
34:43Julia rolled her eyes so hard it was almost audible.
34:47You are so dramatic.
34:48She announced.
34:49She picked up her bouquet and walked out.
34:51Lorenzo watched her go.
34:53Then he looked down at me.
34:54The same look I'd seen that first night, in the study, when everything in the room went
34:59still.
34:59Only now, he didn't look away.
35:02The ceremony was held on the estate grounds.
35:05Afterward, he wanted to get back fast.
35:07His impatience was quiet, unmistakably him.
35:10No fidgeting.
35:12No sharp remarks.
35:13Only a stubborn, total inability to slow down.
35:17When he lifted my veil, Lorenzo, his mouth curved.
35:23Try again.
35:24He exhaled like that, was exactly right.
35:27The candles burned low.
35:28The man I'd watched from the outside, controlled, untouchable, alone by architecture, was gone.
35:33What was left was warm, and present, and absolutely not interested in stopping.
35:38I asked for mercy.
35:39He laughed, and pressed his lips to my temple.
35:43You're too beautiful.
35:46I want everything with you, Kara.
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