Page 211 of Lorenzo

The SUV turns too.

There is no longer any point in pretending this might be a coincidence.

Being involved with Lorenzo comes with certain realities, and I have never been stupid enough to ignore them. I know who he is, I know who his family is, and I know the polished offices and legitimate businesses are only one part of the Contis’ world.

I knew that before I slept with him.

Before he bought Mocha a dog bed and treats.

Before his staff started stocking drinks and snacks because I happened to like them.

Before I started leaving clothes at his house because hauling the same overnight bag back and forth had become inconvenient.

The risk has always existed.

What is different is that Lorenzo has never treated me as though I needed protecting from the realities of his family.

He knows what I used to do for a living. He knows I carry a weapon. He knows I pay attention to my surroundings, and he knows I am capable of taking care of myself.

Until today, he either trusted that or made certain his people stayed discreet enough that I never saw them.

Something changed between last night and this morning.

I know exactly what.

Lakeview Logistics.

I can still see Lorenzo sitting across from me in front of the fire while I laid the documents out between us. I knew that he would know Lakeview before I presented it to him.

I didn't know he would refuse to tell me.

I tighten my grip on the steering wheel as his answer comes back to me.

Right now, there is no difference.

Bullshit.

There is always a difference between can’t and won’t, no matter how elegantly Lorenzo tries to phrase it.

He knew something last night. This morning, he left early for a meeting he did not mention, and now one of his security vehicles is following me to work for the first time since I met him.

Well, following me more obviously anyway.

Something happened last night.

Something important enough that Lorenzo decided my usual level of security was no longer enough.

Which means I am on the right track.

That realization should probably make me nervous.

Instead, I feel a sharp little burst of satisfaction.

I knew it.

Lakeview matters.

And I can build off of that.