- 4 hours ago
Mafia Don’s Contract Bride
Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:00One, two, three, four.
00:03Mrs. Marino stood frozen beside the ultrasound machine.
00:07Four tiny shadows flickered on the screen.
00:09Quadruplets.
00:10Her friend's daughter-in-law was pregnant with quadruplets.
00:14The young woman burst into tears.
00:16Her mother-in-law almost collapsed from joy.
00:18Mrs. Marino smiled politely,
00:20then stared at the screen until her smile nearly cracked.
00:23Four babies.
00:25Four future heirs.
00:26All at once.
00:27And her own son?
00:28Lorenzo Marino.
00:30The most feared mafia heir in New York.
00:32Money.
00:33Power.
00:34Blood on his hands.
00:35But not one woman in his bed.
00:37Mrs. Marino had sent him heiresses.
00:39Models.
00:40Socialites born to be mafia wives.
00:42None of them lasted.
00:43That night, she stopped looking for a suitable match.
00:46This time, she wanted a woman beautiful enough to break his self-control.
00:50Someone desperate enough to sign anything.
00:52Me.
00:52I was born beautiful enough to make men stop and stare.
00:55But beauty didn't save my family from debt.
00:58So I sold myself behind their backs.
01:00My buyer was the city's most brutal mafia family.
01:03The Marinos.
01:04And my task?
01:05Win over their woman-averse heir, whom everyone thinks is gay.
01:09I still remember the day Mrs. Marino came to me.
01:16She sat right down and got straight to the offer.
01:21Ten million dollars.
01:22This is the contract.
01:23Be my son's exclusive companion.
01:26Lorenzo Marino was cold and ruthless.
01:29No one could get close to him.
01:31No one knew his taste.
01:32Lorenzo is all we have left of this name.
01:35She said, her voice careful and low.
01:37He has never wanted any woman.
01:39Not ever.
01:41Word gets around, and I even think my son's into men.
01:44He's always only with guys.
01:46She held my hands.
01:47If you can change that, if you can secure our family's legacy, you will want for nothing.
01:53Money, protection, status, all of it.
01:55You want me to make your son fall for me.
01:57She corrected me calmly.
01:59I want you to give him a reason to try.
02:01To get him interested in women.
02:03But if he chooses you in the end, the entire Marino empire will back you.
02:08I agreed, but what I never saw coming, this rumored woman repeller left me begging for
02:13mercy night after night.
02:14Mrs. Marino laid out the terms clearly.
02:17Six months.
02:18If nothing changes between you two, you can leave scot-free.
02:21I'll pay you the full amount.
02:23No strings attached.
02:24Your reputation stays unruined.
02:26She then warned me.
02:27Lorenzo will know why you're here.
02:29She said, I've never been able to hide anything from him.
02:32She picked up her bag.
02:33But he just doesn't have to know about the contract.
02:36He hates shady deals.
02:42Three days later, I moved into the Marino estate.
02:45The advance money was already in my bank account.
02:48Elena Lorenzo, the Don's mother, met me at the door, pacing.
03:00A face like that.
03:02She muttered, looking at me with equal parts satisfaction and desperation.
03:06If that man still can't see what's right in front of him, I don't know what I'll do
03:10with him.
03:10Don't worry, madam.
03:11I'd try my best.
03:12She then introduced me to all the household staff and left.
03:15They all stared at me with obvious curiosity.
03:18Whispers spread among the servants.
03:20They've tried just about every type of woman by now, haven't they?
03:24Mrs. Marino won't quit.
03:26Not until our master has an heir.
03:28The last one lasted three days.
03:30The two before her didn't even stay one full day.
03:33How could they possibly have a kid?
03:34But I'm so curious.
03:36All those girls before were big socialists you see on TV and magazines?
03:40Who even is she?
03:41Just some nobody?
03:43The housekeeper approached.
03:45All the gossiping servants scattered at once.
03:48Miss.
03:50Mrs. Marino says you have no assigned room here.
03:53You'll have to figure it out on your own.
03:56That first night, I was passing the kitchen.
03:58Then I noticed his study light was still on.
04:00One of the staff whispered,
04:01He hadn't eaten since noon.
04:03You might want to bring him some food.
04:05I grabbed a bowl of whatever was on the stove.
04:08I walked down the hall, pushed the door open.
04:10He was at his desk, reading.
04:12He hadn't heard me come in.
04:17Sharp jaw, dark eyes.
04:19His face was carved like a museum statue.
04:21Cold, flawless.
04:23The room was minimal.
04:24Clean lines, no clutter, just like him.
04:26One framed black and white photo hung on the wall.
04:29A lone wolf, striding through the snow.
04:31I'd only planned to stay six months.
04:33Collect the money, save the restaurant, then disappear.
04:36I never thought he'd catch my eye like this.
04:39Quiet, still.
04:40Totally different from the hymn in the magazine.
04:42I didn't know why he was drawn to this wolf.
04:44But in that moment, he wasn't the intimidating mafia heir anymore.
04:48He looked so lonely, just like the wolf in the painting.
04:51I stepped closer.
04:53He finally looked up.
04:54I told you not to.
04:55He stopped.
04:56The moment he saw me, everything in the room went still.
04:59Even his breath.
05:00I smiled softly and held out the bowl.
05:02You've been working all day.
05:04At least eat something.
05:05I could see wariness flash across his face.
05:07He must have grown tired of dealing with all kinds of women.
05:10But I wouldn't back down.
05:11I stepped forward closer.
05:13He stood and stepped back.
05:15Fast.
05:16Deliberate.
05:17Like I was something that needed distance.
05:19I told you to leave.
05:20I know.
05:21Then leave.
05:22After you eat.
05:24I leaned back in the chair.
05:25I took off the robe.
05:27The sleep set I had on was thin.
05:29Lace trim.
05:30Barely enough fabric to qualify as clothing.
05:33Yeah, I did it on purpose.
05:35I crossed my legs slowly.
05:37I'm not going anywhere.
05:38So we can do this all night if you want.
05:43His jaw tightened.
05:44He was looking very deliberately at the wall behind me.
05:48Or you could just drink the soup.
05:50Silence.
05:51He leaned back.
05:52Arms crossed.
05:53Waiting for me to fold.
05:54I didn't move.
05:55A minute passed.
05:56Maybe two.
05:57This is my house.
05:58It is.
05:58The soup's getting cold.
06:00He exhaled through his nose.
06:01That sound alone would have made everyone else flee.
06:03I picked up the spoon and held it out.
06:05He glanced at the spoon.
06:07Then me.
06:07Then quickly looked back at the wall.
06:09He took the bowl.
06:10Downed it in one stern gulp.
06:12Then set it down heavily.
06:13Happy?
06:13Extremely.
06:14Before I walked out, I thought of one thing.
06:16Oh, one more thing.
06:17I wasn't assigned a room.
06:18So unless you're okay with me wandering around your room like this all night?
06:21The lace.
06:22The legs.
06:23All of it.
06:24His ears went red so fast it was almost impressive.
06:27Take the room.
06:28The study is fine for me.
06:29Good.
06:29I screamed in my mind.
06:31I reached for the robe on the back of the chair and pulled it on.
06:34Tied it.
06:35Tight.
06:35All the way up.
06:36Then I walked out.
06:37I heard the study door close.
06:39Then silence.
06:40I didn't sleep much that night.
06:42Neither did he.
06:43When I saw him the next morning, dark circles lingered under his eyes, deep as fresh bruises.
06:48Mrs. Marino stared at him.
06:50She looked ready to hurl him out at any second.
06:52She is perfect?
06:54And you slept in your office?
06:56What is wrong with you?
06:57Lorenzo stood with his hands in his pockets, staring at the wall above my head.
07:01I just don't want anyone, mom.
07:03It's not about her.
07:04Do you prefer men?
07:06Tell me the truth.
07:07Not my thing either.
07:08Got something wrong with your...
07:10There?
07:11How can you turn down a stunning beauty like her?
07:13If so, we can get you a doctor.
07:15Nothing at all.
07:16I want to be alone.
07:18That's it.
07:20End of conversation.
07:21Kara, Sophia, Cora, whoever else is on your list, drop it, mom.
07:26I stood slightly to the side and said nothing.
07:28I'd grown up in Queens.
07:29I knew mother and son needed to hash things out.
07:32No audience should linger.
07:34Lorenzo turned and actually looked at me.
07:36He'd barely put an eye on me last night.
07:38He only registered I was there, then fled.
07:40Now he looked carefully, for the first time.
07:43His gaze moved once, quickly, and then his ears went red.
07:46He looked away.
07:47Fine.
07:48What?
07:49She hadn't caught it.
07:50Fine.
07:50Last time.
07:51One month.
07:52I won't sleep in the office.
07:54But after that, I'm going back to my own schedule.
07:56Lorenzo valued his routine above everything.
07:58That first night, he came to bed, wrapped in a blanket.
08:01He held it tight, as if building a fortress around himself.
08:05I was in a thin cotton sleep set.
08:07I looked at him, almost laughed, then turned off the lamp.
08:10This is the first month.
08:12We do have six.
08:13Slow down.
08:14In the dark.
08:15The room was very quiet.
08:16I fell asleep fast.
08:18My body, however, had other plans.
08:20I've always been a grabby sleeper.
08:22Whatever's next to me, I hold onto it.
08:24Lorenzo was next to me.
08:26He'd wrapped himself so tight, he couldn't move fast enough.
08:29I shifted in my sleep and drew nearer.
08:31His body went completely rigid at once.
08:33I pressed closer all the same, still fast asleep.
08:36Warm and soft, I nestled right against him, through the thin fabric.
08:41Every small touch between us felt overwhelming.
08:43His pulse spiked so hard he could feel it in his teeth.
08:47Then, warm drops from his nose.
08:50Lorenzo shot out of bed and made it to the bathroom in four seconds flat.
08:54This became the routine.
08:55During the day, he was polite and distant.
08:58He existed in the room the same as quiet furniture, every night like clockwork.
09:02He disappeared to take a cold shower.
09:04Then one evening, Mrs. Marino left something on his nightstand.
09:07A small book with no title on its cover.
09:10He read three pages, then set it face down.
09:12He lay stiff as a plank in the dark until midnight.
09:15After that, he headed for another shower.
09:18At midnight, I was woke up because of the heat.
09:21I asked a maid to run me a bath.
09:22I undressed and stepped into the water, let the cool waster wrap gently around me.
09:27A shadow fell across the light.
09:29The lamp glowed bright behind him.
09:31His hair was still damp from his shower.
09:33Dark strands fell across his forehead.
09:35I had just poured water over my shoulders when I turned and met his eyes.
09:39Lorenzo stood frozen, the man who ruled a criminal empire with effortless ease.
09:44Yet he could not utter a single word.
09:46Heat flooded my cheeks.
09:47I snatched up a towel, pulled my knees tight to my chest, my skin flushing bright pink.
09:52Mr. Marino, I didn't know you're here either.
09:55Even as his companion for a period of time, I barely knew him.
09:59This was unbearable.
10:00Then I saw it.
10:02Two drops, bright red, falling from beneath his nose.
10:05Mr. Marino!
10:07My feet hit the wet tiles.
10:09I slipped and fell backward.
10:10Lorenzo moved on pure instinct.
10:12He ran to me, reached out, and stepped right in with me.
10:15Splash!
10:16Water everywhere.
10:17The framed photograph of another wolf on the wall caught the splash.
10:21His shirt was soaked through.
10:22I had nothing on.
10:24We were pressed together in a bathtub.
10:26I could feel his heartbeat against my chest.
10:29His skin burned like he had a fever.
10:31He was still burning.
10:32I turned my face away, bit my lip, and reached for a hand towel to press under his nose.
10:38His fingers closed around my wrist.
10:40Don't move.
10:41I had never been this close to a man.
10:43My voice came out unsteady.
10:44Are you okay?
10:46Why did you-
10:47You didn't see anything.
10:48His voice lower than usual, rougher.
10:50Before I could push back, he sneezed.
10:53I made a decision.
10:54I stood, grabbed the robe from the hook, wrapped it around myself.
10:58If Lorenzo got sick because of me, my family paid for it.
11:02The Marino family could erase us without blinking.
11:04I was about to open my mouth and scream for help.
11:07Two hands covered my face from behind.
11:09Lorenzo coughed softly against my shoulder.
11:11You need to swear to God this never leaves this room.
11:14Please, Cara, stay silent.
11:18All worn out from last night's mess, Lorenzo spiked a fever at dawn.
11:23Mrs. Marino was shocked, spotting the soaked clothes on the couch.
11:26She blamed me for failing to look after Lorenzo well all night, but he told Mrs. Marino it had
11:31nothing to do with me.
11:32She forgave me anyway, but she gave the family doctor a strange look after the exam.
11:37He's always been tough.
11:38Didn't even get a fever after being shot.
11:41Why all of a sudden?
11:43Lorenzo, I heard you've been taking cold showers at night lately.
11:46Lorenzo coughed loudly, twice.
11:49The butler caught his look and quickly made an excuse to send Mrs. Marino away.
11:54Lorenzo exhaled.
11:56Then he realized I was still in the room.
11:58You don't have to stay.
11:59You'll catch it.
12:00I wrung out a cloth in cool water and pressed it to his forehead.
12:04If something happens to you, my father loses everything.
12:07So let's not be dramatic about this.
12:09Sit still.
12:11Like no one had ever spoken to him that way.
12:13Like he wasn't sure if he was offended or not.
12:15He sat still.
12:17I leaned over him to reach the bedside table to get the tissue.
12:20He stared at the ceiling with great focus.
12:23His jaw tightened and his ears flushed red once more.
12:26Then...
12:27Lorenzo!
12:27A voice, young and sharp, from the hallway.
12:30Lorenzo fell back against the pillow.
12:32He looked just like someone caught in the wrong act.
12:34A young girl stood there, no older than 15.
12:37She had dark curly hair and wore a green sundress.
12:41Already halfway through the door.
12:43Move!
12:44I need to see him!
12:45He's resting.
12:46You shouldn't...
12:47She finally looked at me.
12:49Who are you?
12:51Kara.
12:52I'm Mr. Marino's... assistant.
12:55I lied to her.
12:56The awe on her face evaporated instantly.
12:59I'm his cousin, Julia.
13:00You're just an assistant.
13:02Don't tell me what to do.
13:03Julia, don't be rude.
13:07I'm worried about you.
13:09That's allowed.
13:12She hit a wet patch on the tile near the door and went down hard.
13:16I lunged forward without hesitation.
13:18Threw myself between her and the cold floor.
13:21Took the full impact for her.
13:23One thought came to my mind.
13:25She's Lorenzo's family.
13:26I cannot let her get hurt.
13:28Julia's face landed squarely against my chest.
13:31Lorenzo appeared in the doorway.
13:33He arrived just in time to witness everything.
13:36The calm, untouchable Marino air looked utterly furious for one full second.
13:41His chest was heaving.
13:43His face was red.
13:44What are you two doing?
13:46Julia lifted her head slowly, looked at my face, then looked at where her face had just
13:51been.
13:51Her face turned red.
13:53She forgot Lorenzo entirely.
13:54I sat up carefully, ignored the dull ache in my back, took her hands to check for injury.
14:00Are you hurt?
14:01Here.
14:02I blew gently across her palms where the carpet had caught her skin.
14:05Julia went very still.
14:07Kara, you smell really good.
14:10Something shifted in Lorenzo that night.
14:12He'd spent years pushing everyone away.
14:15Women wanted his name, his money, his power.
14:18They looked at him like a prize, a title, a weapon.
14:21But she didn't.
14:22She saw he hadn't eaten.
14:24She didn't flinch when he snapped.
14:26She took a fall for his cousin without thinking twice.
14:29She looked at him like he was just Lorenzo.
14:31It wasn't her beauty that broke him.
14:33It was something he couldn't name.
14:35Lorenzo crossed the room in four sharp steps.
14:38He grabbed Julia by the back of her collar, pulled her roughly upright.
14:42Julia, stop.
14:43Did you come to see me or not?
14:48Obviously, I came to see you.
14:50Julia straightened her dress with dignity.
14:53Then, she immediately reached down to help me up.
14:57You don't look that sick, honestly.
14:59I feel better.
15:02Since he's fine, can you come hang out with me?
15:06You're so pretty.
15:07I just want to look at you.
15:09Lorenzo got there first.
15:11His hand was large and warm and closed completely around mine.
15:16I'm still sick and weak.
15:19She has to stay with me.
15:21I panicked at the cough, pulled free automatically.
15:24I put my hand on his back to guide him inside.
15:27Sorry, Julia.
15:28Another time.
15:29Inside, Lorenzo glanced back over his shoulder.
15:32He looked at her with pure, unmasked satisfaction.
15:35You have changed, Lorenzo Marina.
15:39He didn't answer.
15:41He just settled back against the headboard.
15:43Admitted he felt terrible.
15:45He needed me to stay close by his side.
15:48The fever lasted almost a week.
15:50By the end of it, something between us had quietly shifted.
15:53He stopped asking me to keep my distance.
15:56He told me to stop calling him Mr. Marina.
16:00Lorenzo.
16:01I'd never said a man's name like that before.
16:03Like it meant something.
16:04He gave a single nod.
16:06Face neutral.
16:07But his ears betrayed him completely.
16:09I noticed his skin felt hot.
16:11I pressed the back of my cool fingers to his cheek.
16:14Then to his ear.
16:15The cooler I tried to make him feel better.
16:17The worse it seemed to get.
16:18His breathing shifted.
16:20Kara.
16:21I didn't catch it.
16:22Because outside, heels on marble.
16:24Not Julia this time.
16:26Nico stepped into the room.
16:28He carried an easy, unrestrained aura.
16:30Bold and outgoing.
16:31He never hid his emotions.
16:33Where Lorenzo was cold, quiet, and reserved.
16:36Nico was warm, talkative, and effortlessly sociable.
16:39He spent money like keeping it was a burden.
16:41No one understood how the two could be friends.
16:44He came to the bed directly.
16:46Snapped his sunglasses shut.
16:48A cold kept the great Lorenzo Marina down for a month.
16:52Incredible.
16:53Lorenzo said nothing.
16:54Nico's gaze drifted to me.
16:56They stayed there.
16:57Kara Risto.
16:58Even better in person.
17:00It's a crime, honestly.
17:02A woman like you, wasted on a man who won't even look a woman twice.
17:06Get out, Nico.
17:08I'm just being honest.
17:09Out.
17:11You deserve someone who actually shows up, sweetheart.
17:15If you ever feel like renegotiating with...
17:19She's mine.
17:20You have enough women around, Nico.
17:22I always have room for one more.
17:24If she wanted to leave, she doesn't.
17:27How would you know?
17:28You barely look at her.
17:30She's nothing like the other women around you.
17:32You couldn't have her if you tried.
17:35If you'd love to offer me a chance, I'd like to try.
17:38Then let's make it interesting.
17:40Name it.
17:41Best of three.
17:43Whatever you pick.
17:46Deal.
17:49For what it's worth, he's never competed for anything in his life.
17:53Think about that.
17:54Finally, Lorenzo recovered.
17:56I had time to went out with Julia.
17:58I should have noticed the car that had been following us for two blocks.
18:01But I didn't.
18:02Neither did Julia.
18:03We were talking about Lorenzo's childhood.
18:05I had to say.
18:06I was quite intrigued.
18:08Suddenly, they stepped out of the side street.
18:10Four men.
18:11Organized.
18:12Fast.
18:12One of them grabbed Julia by the arm.
18:15I moved on instinct immediately.
18:17I stepped between her and the man holding her.
18:19Who are you?
18:20Leave us alone!
18:21Another hit on me.
18:22I went down on one knee.
18:24My cheek was already swelling.
18:26I could taste blood.
18:27Cut her!
18:28Cut her!
18:29Run, Julia.
18:30Run now.
18:31Don't look back.
18:32She didn't.
18:33They took us both.
18:33The warehouse smelled like salt water and rust.
18:36They kept asking about Lorenzo.
18:38His schedule.
18:39His meetings.
18:40Who he trusted.
18:41Where he was vulnerable.
18:42I told them nothing.
18:43Every time I didn't answer, they made sure I knew there were consequences.
18:49I soon passed out.
18:50I woke up to find Julia zip-tied safely in the corner.
18:53They hadn't touched her.
18:55That was the only thing that mattered.
18:57She's okay.
18:57I had no idea how long we'd stay here.
19:00All I cared about was Lorenzo hoping he'd notice we were gone soon.
19:03By nightfall, the thugs grew impatient.
19:06They walked over to Julia and spoke to me.
19:09Heard she's Lorenzo's cousin.
19:11You're so tight-knipped.
19:12We'll find another way to make you talk.
19:14Before I could speak, he roughly tore Julia's clothes apart.
19:17She screamed and cried in terror.
19:20No!
19:20Stop it!
19:21Leave her, you bastard!
19:24Truth is, I'm not interested in this girl.
19:26But if you still won't spit out what we want, I don't mind changing my interest.
19:32Stop touching her.
19:34I'll talk.
19:35Then noises came from outside.
19:37A loud rumble echoed.
19:39A bulldozer smashed the door open.
19:41Lorenzo and his men walked in.
19:43He didn't run.
19:44He didn't shout.
19:45He walked in like he owned the building.
19:47Which I later found out.
19:49He did.
19:49His eyes found me first.
19:51I was still on my knees.
19:52One eye nearly swollen shut.
19:54My wrists raw from the zip ties.
19:56My lips split at the corner.
19:57I saw his control slip completely for a split second.
20:00Jaw tight.
20:01Eyes wild.
20:02Something close to panic crossed his face.
20:05Then it all locked back down into nothing.
20:06He crossed the room.
20:08Crouched in front of me.
20:09His men stood in front of us.
20:11Like a wall.
20:11His hands rose slowly.
20:13Like he was approaching something he feared breaking.
20:15He cupped my face.
20:17Turned it gently toward the light.
20:18Took in every bruise.
20:20Every cut.
20:21Every detail.
20:21He didn't say anything for a long moment.
20:24I'm fine.
20:26You're not.
20:27I'm standing.
20:30You're on your knees.
20:32Same thing.
20:36Wait for me some seconds.
20:38He exhaled through his nose.
20:40Then he stood and turned.
20:42The men who'd taken us lined up against the far wall.
20:45His men held them in place.
20:47The girl is my cousin.
20:49The woman is mine.
20:51Now's your time to pay.
20:55Make sure they understand what that means.
21:01He didn't stay to watch.
21:02He came back to me.
21:04Pulled me up carefully.
21:05And walked me out.
21:07Suddenly, the gang's men rushed in through the door.
21:09Chaos broke out.
21:11Someone charged over with a baseball bat.
21:13As the bat swung down, Lorenzen stepped in to shield me.
21:16He pulled me tight into his arms.
21:18A low, painful grunt escaped him.
21:20The bat slammed straight into his back.
21:21His men moved in, at once.
21:24Watching this, I couldn't hold back my tears.
21:27Julia was rescused.
21:28Lorenzo kept one hand on my back the whole time.
21:31Outside, in the cold air, I finally stopped holding myself together.
21:35My knees went.
21:36He swept me up bridal style before I hit the ground.
21:39I was bedridden for a week, but I was finally better.
21:42Today, Lorenzo and Nico were going to compete.
21:45Nico bet his vintage Alfa Romeo, while Lorenzo wagered a chance to court me.
21:52You're really racing for a chance to court her?
21:54I don't bet on things I don't intend to win.
22:22Nico was good.
22:23His women treat around.
22:24I have no clue how Nico gets all those girls to get along so well.
22:28Yet the mere thought of Lorenzo being swarmed by them makes me oddly upset.
22:33I turned to see Lorenzo.
22:34He shot me a reassuring look, making my heart skip a beat.
22:38He was really handsome when he shooted.
22:40Finally, Lorenzo won the competition.
22:42It wasn't even close by the end.
22:44I watched from the side and felt something strange move through me.
22:48Three years ago, Lorenzo Marino took over the family empire at 24.
22:53There had been a piece about it in the paper.
22:55A photograph.
22:56Him stepping out of the courthouse.
22:58Sharp, dark suit, no smile.
23:01Completely unbothered by the swarming cameras.
23:03I'd been sitting in the back of my father's restaurant when I saw it.
23:07Couldn't explain why I'd kept looking.
23:09That's Lorenzo Marino.
23:11Every family in the city watches what he does.
23:13I'd kept the paper.
23:14I don't know why.
23:15Now he was fighting for me.
23:17Niko lost his vintage Alfa Romeo.
23:20Shipped all the way from Milan.
23:21One of a kind.
23:22The only one in the entire state.
23:24He stared at Lorenzo with open disbelief.
23:27You set me up.
23:28They told me you were hurt, but you looked totally fine.
23:31Lorenzo said nothing.
23:34Come on.
23:36I'd never ridden in something that fast.
23:38I hesitated.
23:40He easily lifted me up in a bridal carry.
23:43Then settled me into the passenger seat like it was nothing.
23:46The engine turned over.
23:48I pressed my lips together.
23:51Mr. Marino.
23:53Your back.
23:54Is it actually fine?
23:55The car hit a rough patch in the road.
23:57I lurched sideways.
23:59Directly into his arm.
24:00Somewhere I couldn't see.
24:02The corner of his mouth moved.
24:03Say my name.
24:05Lorenzo.
24:06Are you actually better?
24:08Yes.
24:10The city opened up around us.
24:11Gold in the late afternoon light.
24:14I remembered something.
24:15The month Mrs. Marino asked for, it's over.
24:21If you want to go back to your own room, I understand.
24:24I'm not going to-
24:24He slammed on the brakes.
24:26The car screeched to a halt in the middle of the road.
24:28I jolted forward sharply from the sudden stop.
24:31He turned around at once to check if I was alright.
24:34Close enough to feel his every breath.
24:35His voice dropped.
24:36Are you trying to leave?
24:38I'd been his companion for months.
24:40He had never once touched me on purpose.
24:43I'd assumed that meant he didn't want me here.
24:45Why are you asking me that now?
24:48He stared at me, jaw working.
24:50Caught completely off guard by the tears.
24:52Kara, I-
24:53If he pulled away, I had my answer.
24:56When the six months ended, I'd go.
24:58I got bounced around pretty hard in this car.
25:00Could you just help me with that?
25:03His face went red.
25:05Ears, cheeks, the back of his neck.
25:07All of it.
25:08He pulled his hand back like I'd burned him.
25:11The most controlled man in New York City.
25:13Trapped in his own car.
25:15Unable to form a single complete sentence.
25:18Then he got out of the car and walked.
25:20That night, he didn't come back to the room.
25:22The next morning, I started quietly packing a bag.
25:25He came through the door at dawn, dark circles, still in yesterday's clothes.
25:30What are you doing?
25:32I won't keep bothering you.
25:34When the six months are up, I'll go.
25:36At the word go, something shifted in his face.
25:39What six months?
25:40What are you talking about?
25:44He caught my arm, pulled me in.
25:47My things scattered across the floor.
25:50Are you angry with me?
25:52You can yell at me.
25:53You can hit me.
25:55Just don't leave.
25:57Please.
25:59He lifted his hand and pressed it to my face.
26:03Wiped the corner of my eye with his thumb.
26:05Slow.
26:05Careful.
26:06I explained the contract's terms.
26:08The six-month clause.
26:10The hidden agreement no one had ever told him about.
26:13Lorenzo went very still.
26:14Maybe he was disappointed in me too.
26:16Never thinking I'd team up with his mother to lie to him just for money.
26:20Kara.
26:23I hate this.
26:24I was ready to cry.
26:25I ruined everything.
26:26I should leave.
26:27Liked I planned.
26:28But I already liked him.
26:30I picked up my clothes on the floor and ready to pack and leave.
26:33But if it's you, I don't want to be apart from you.
26:37I know you have feelings for me.
26:40But yesterday...
26:43I didn't want to overstep.
26:45I didn't know if you actually...
26:47If I had another chance, I would do it differently.
26:52I only want you.
26:54Before I could answer, he kissed me.
26:56It was nothing like I expected.
26:58Deep and sure, and like he'd been making up his mind about it for months.
27:01When he finally stopped, his arm was still around my waist.
27:05He pressed his lips to my ear.
27:07You're not leaving, Kara.
27:08You're not leaving, Kara.
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