Chapter 2

Lorenzo’s POV

I arrived at one of my clubs, the loud music already vibrating through the walls the moment I stepped in and was greeted by my favourite place of debauchery.

I walked past a few of the dancers and they were all quite busy. Just last week, in this very same place, I attended a meeting called the Occasion.

“Talk about the most friggin annoying meeting.” I muttered to myself.

It was basically the underworld's heavy hitters who had gathered to talk about our territories and family matters.

We were clearing up our agenda for the month when all of a sudden, they had put me on the spot, asking when I would remarry. I hated it. I had no interest in going through that again, and I definitely wasn’t looking for love. My ex-wife had made sure of that. They kept butting in where it was completely unnecessary.

“Come on, Lorenzo,” my right-hand man, Leonardo, said, following me and interrupting my thoughts as well. “You know those old men won't let up. You need an heir for the organization.”

“I’m not interested in getting married again,” I replied, shaking my head.

“And what do you want to do? Wait for them to knock down your door?” Leonardo shot back, arms crossed. “You need to think about getting a surrogate. They won’t back down, and you know it.”

I sighed. “I’ll think about it.”

I needed a drink to calm my mind. “I’m going to my office,” I muttered, wanting a moment to breathe.

A few minutes later, I walked around the club, taking in the scene. The flashy lights, the laughter, and the music made it easier to forget the annoyance lingering at the back of my mind. But that’s when I heard a piercing scream. I was close to the dance service rooms so that's where it must have been coming from.

I sprinted out of the office and hurried toward the sound. I pushed through the crowd, making my way to the private room. When I opened the door, everything inside looked tense. I saw a strong man leaning over a woman, trying to force himself on her. She was dressed up like one of my workers

“Hey!” I shouted, stepping in without a second thought. “Get your hands off her!”

The man turned, surprise flashing across his face. Then my bodyguards, Lewis and Giovanni, stepped in and grabbed him. “What are you doing, man?” I commanded, pointing at  the girl he had pinned down.

“Nothing, I was just—” the man protested, but the guards dragged him out quickly.

I turned to her. She looked scared, and I felt bad. What sort of stupid freakshow couldn't read the rules. “Are you okay?” I asked, stepping closer.

Her eyes were wide, and I could see the fear in them. “You... you work with him, don’t you?” she stammered. “Are you here to hurt me? Please, please, please. I promise, I'll keep calm.”

“No!” I shook my head hard. “I’m not like him. I promise. My name is Lorenzo.” I stepped closer, trying to calm her down. “You’re safe now.”

Valerie’s POV

“Mi–mine is V–Valerie.”

I felt fear as I stared at the very same man who had just saved me from getting raped or worse. But I couldn’t shake the thought that he might be just like the man who had attacked me.

What the fuck would have happened to me if i hadn't screamed. I thought to myself as I tried to control my shaking as I stared at the man who had saved me but he was suspicious.

“Why should I believe you?” I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.

“I can't have my workers friggin raped. I'd cut off his balls if he had hurt you anyway.”

“Oh–oh. Well, thank you Mr–”

“I guess you didn't hear the first time. The name's Lorenzo.”

I blinked slowly as the name registered and I remembered how madame had talked about the boss one time.

FLASHBACK

“If you ever come across the boss, you have to be very careful and mindful of your actions.”

“Well, who is this boss? What's his name ma'am.”

“I'll let you know, newbie. It's Mr Lorenzo.”

END OF FLASHBACK

“B–boss?”

He smiled and I immediately straightened myself out. The last thing I needed was someone who had so many rumours about him even noticing I existed.

“Thank you very much sir and I'm terribly sorry for the inconvenience.” I said as I walked out of the roon

“Wait.”

I stood and turned my head slowly, still feeling unsure. “Sir?”

He stared at me up and down and blurted out, “I need a surrogate mother. I can offer you five million dollars for your services.”

Huh? Was he insane or plain out of his mind?

“Five million?” I repeated, my eyes going wide. “You think I would just jump at that?”

“No, I know it sounds strange,” he said, looking serious. “But I need someone who can get it done and I'd hate to bother even picking. Are you in or not.”

I hesitated, considering his words. “And what if I say no?”

“Then that’s your choice, and I’ll respect it. I’d never force you into anything,” I knew that was a lie. There was a look in his eyes that told a far different story.

Lorenzo’s POV

I could see the doubt in her eyes, but there was something else too. She looked like she was desperate and would actually say yes to my crazy ass proposal.

“What do you say, Valerie?”

“What's the catch sir? Last time I checked, no one offered so much for a surrogacy and you won't give me that much for no reason.”

“Well, the pregnancy and your silence.”

“That's not hard to buy.”

“Five million can change everything for you, Valerie,” I continued, wanting her to see the possibility. “And I can make sure you’re safe while doing it.”

She smiled faintly. “It sounds good, but I have to be sure it’s real and not something sketchy. What about your wife?,” she asked, her arms crossed and I had to tamper down the urge to kiss her again.

“It is real and there is no wife,” I said firmly. “I’m not just looking for a deal. I’m offering you a good amount.”

“I get it. If you ever want to back out, that’s fine. This isn’t a trap,” I reassured her.

Valerie’s POV

I glanced around the room, still feeling a bit tense. I needed to get out of here before this crazy man would ask me to do some shit I damn well knew I couldn't do. What was with me and  running into crazy weirdos tonight? I pretended to even consider it but there was absolutely bl fucking way I would carry a baby for some strange man. Boss or not!