Chapter 3

Valerie’s POV

“Just give it some thought will you.”

I couldn’t believe what  the fuck was happening right now. was standing right in front of me, looking all intense and serious. I looked at him, still trying to process what he was just saying and I knew in that instant, I shouldn't have feigned interest to get out of their sticky mess.

. “You’re crazy, you know that?” I said, my voice shaky but filled with my annoyance I had been trying to hide. People rarely got under my skin but he was doing a mighty fine job pissing me off.

He raised an eyebrow, an amused smile creeping across his face. “Crazy, huh? Most people are grateful after I save them.”

“Grateful? Yes. Crazy? Definitely!” I shot back. Was he insane? What person asked someone to carry a baby when they didn't even know them? What if I was sick or teeming with diseases.

He chuckled, but I could see the surprise in his eyes. “You just called me crazy, and I don’t think anyone has ever spoken to me like that, especially a lady.”

“Well, I guess I’m new in the department then,” I replied, crossing my arms defiantly. This man really had never turn him down? Well, I was going to give him the best lesson there was to learn.

“Listen up sir, I sincerely couldn't be bothered about your offer but you don't know me. I work in your club, as an exotic dancer which is a colourful word for a fucking stripper and I could have some disease you don't know about. Moreover–”

“Yeah, that is one way to put it.” He said, abruptly cutting me short.

“Most people don’t insult me right after I save them,” he said, his tone teasing but with an hint of seriousness. He wasn't listening to me was he?

“Look, I’m just saying what everyone else is too scared to tell you,” I replied, feeling a mix of defiance and nervousness. “You can’t act like you own the world just because you’re wealthy. Also, I can't have no damn babies and ruin my chances to work. What am I going to be doing when I'm pregnant? Eat my ass away or get drunk?”  There was no way in hell I was going to put myself through the hell I saw a lot of pregnant women go through. I didn't have time to be friggin depressed or sit on my ass all day long.

His amusement faded momentarily, replaced by a glint of interest as he moved even closer to me and I was forced to move back. “Oh, I don’t just act like I own the world, dear. I actually do. And I like to get what I want. Also, I'll be paying you. So there's no loss.”

“Does that include pinning women against walls? Also, there's no amount, talk more of a mere five million that can cover for nine months of fucking wasted time. I make thousands of dollars in this club and can make more than that five million in the end of nine months so no, I refuse.” I asked, raising an eyebrow as he stepped closer.

“Well, maybe just you, I enjoy cornering.” he said with a smirk, leaning in slightly. I felt the wall against my back, and suddenly, I had nowhere to escape. He wasn't paying attention to any other word I had said.

“Uh... Lorenzo? What are you doing?” I managed to ask, my heart racing for reasons I couldn’t fully understand. He wasn't going to do any funny shit was he?

“I never let anyone leave when they insult me,” he said softly, his hands resting on the wall beside my face, forming a small barrier. “And you just insulted me.”

I swallowed hard, feeling the tension in the air. “I didn’t mean it like that. I—”

“I always get what I want, Valerie. If you need more money, I can increase the offer.” He leaned in closer, and I could feel his breath against my skin.

“What are you talking about?” I blurted out, confused.

“I want you to think about my proposal,” he said, gazing into my eyes. “If you agree to be my surrogate, I’ll give you fifteen million dollars.”

“Fifteen million?” I whispered, surprised by how much he was offering. “Why would you offer that much?”

“Because I need someone urgently and I don't want the stress of choosing. You really like making me repeat myself, and you intrigue me,” he said, his voice low. There was a seriousness in his eyes that made me even more uncomfortable.

“Wow, you really think I’d just jump at that?” I blurted, trying to maintain some control over the situation or sneak out

“Forget the idea of trying to sneak off.” He said as he put his hands on both sides, caging me completely. “Why not? It’s life-changing money,” he said, leaning slightly closer. “Think about what you could do with it.”

Before I could even respond, he kissed me. His lips were warm and soft, igniting something intense within me. I hesitated at first, but then I found myself kissing him back, lost in the moment. It was sudden and rushed , and it left me breathless when it ended.

I pulled back, feeling embarrassed. “I... I shouldn’t have done that,” I stammered, my cheeks flushed.

“Why not?” Lorenzo asked, looking just as breathless as I felt.

“I'm still not going to think about your offer,” I said, swallowing hard.

“Take your time, and think about it. I know you will.” he said, stepping back slightly, but his eyes were still locked on mine. “Just know that I’m serious.”

“I will,” I promised quickly, reaching for the door handle. Just as I was about to leave, I heard him call after me.

"Valerie!" I turned to see him looking at me intently. “Don't forget, the offer is now fifteen million. Think about what that could mean for you.”

I nodded, feeling the weight of his words. But the thought made me suspicious. Why was he so desperate? “I’ll think about it,” I said, and with that, I bolted out of the room.

“Take the rest of the night off.” He said after me and I quickly rushed to the locker room, ignoring everyone and going straight back home.

As I stepped into the house, the air was thick with tension. My father, Matteo, was pacing in the living room. When he saw me, he stopped, his eyes narrowing. Oh no, he had probably drank too much again and it was pretty late. He hadn't been knocked out yet so he was still having his wits about him.

“There you are!” he screamed, making me jump. “Where have you been? I need the money you made tonight!”

“I–” I stammered as I tried to stop the tears from rushing to my eyes from the sudden raise of his voice which I was never going to get used to.

“Stop talking like some mumbling idiot and pass that bag with the cash on you as well.”

“I’m not giving you anything, Dad,” I shot back, still shaken from my encounter with Lorenzo. “I told you, I’m done with that. You took more than enough yesterday and I have no idea how you managed to squander it all! This one is for grandma at the hospital. Please let it go.”

His face turned red with anger. “What do you mean you’re done? I need that money! I have bills to pay!” He stepped closer, his voice rising.

“What bills?! Your gambling debt?! You have to find a job and clear it. You can't keep taking my money like this! I’m trying to stand on my own while taking care of grandma!” I yelled back, feeling the heat rise in my chest. How could he be so selfish?! I have had the most stressful night in my life and here he was, acting like a total shit head.

“Stand on your own? You’re just a girl! You can’t survive without me!” he shouted, moving closer.

“I don’t need you!” I shot back, my hands shaking with anger. “You’ve only made things worse!”

“Worse? I’ve kept a roof over your head, haven’t I?” he yelled, his voice booming in the small space. “You owe me!”

I felt a surge of anger. “I owe you nothing! You’ve used me for long enough! Taking what I make to feed your useless urges!”

In a flash, Matteo lunged at me, and before I could react, he landed a blow to my face. I staggered back, shocked. “You ungrateful brat!” he shouted, his hand raised again and I felt the fear come over me like a paralysis.

“Stop! Please!” I cried out, panic rising in my chest.

“Shut your mouth!” he yelled, rushing toward me. I felt helpless, my heart racing as I braced myself for his next attack.

Suddenly, before I could react, I felt another force hit Matteo. I turned my head just in time to see a figure charging at him. “Get away from her!” someone shouted, and I felt my heart leap at the sound.

My vision blurred, and I couldn’t keep my eyes open. “What’s happening?” I thought, feeling everything fade away.

“Valerie!” I heard the voice again, but it was far away. Everything turned dark as I felt myself slipping into unconsciousness.

And just like that, darkness swallowed me whole.