Serena had not slept.
Every time she closed her eyes, she felt the heat of Lorenzo's body against hers, the sharp press of the wall at her back, and the whisper of his breath telling her to stay quiet. His eyes—dark, daring, relentless—haunted her more than the warning he left behind.
By morning, she looked fragile in the mirror. Pale skin, dark shadows beneath her eyes, lips pressed tight as if holding back secrets too heavy to speak. She tried to compose herself, slipping into the silken gown laid out by her maid, but no fabric could hide the storm beneath her ribs.
Downstairs, the Caruso estate buzzed with energy. Men in tailored suits walked with calculated steps, speaking in low voices Serena wasn't meant to hear. Her father was already seated at the grand table, laughing with false ease as servants poured coffee. Beside him, Matteo waited, his polished smile aimed straight at her.
"You disappeared last night," Matteo said as soon as she took her place. His tone was soft, but his hand reached across the table to brush her wrist with a grip that tightened just enough to sting. "Don't make a habit of it, Serena."
Her fork trembled. She forced herself to laugh lightly, masking her fear. "I was only tired."
His eyes lingered, searching, before he leaned back and gave her the same dazzling smile that charmed the world. Only she could feel the chill beneath it.
Serena barely touched her food. Every movement felt watched, every word weighed. By the time she excused herself and escaped to the quiet halls, her nerves were frayed raw.
The library had always been her sanctuary. Floor-to-ceiling shelves lined with leather spines, dust dancing in golden light, the faint scent of old paper that made her feel safe. Today, though, it felt different. Every shadow seemed deeper.
She ran her fingers over the spines, trying to steady herself.
"You hide your fear almost as badly as you hide your secrets," a voice murmured.
Serena spun, her heart leaping into her throat.
Lorenzo stood between the shelves, leaning casually as though he belonged here. The sight of him stole her breath. No smoke this time, no chaos—just him. Dark suit, tie loosened, a predator cloaked in elegance.
"You—" she whispered. "Are you insane? You can't keep coming here!"
He smirked, stepping closer. "And yet here I am. Seems I have a habit of being where I'm not wanted."
Her pulse fluttered painfully. "If Matteo or my father catch you—"
"They won't," he cut in, voice smooth as silk. "I'm very good at not being caught. That's something you'll need to learn, too."
Serena swallowed, the memory of the letter burning hot in her mind. "I read it," she said quietly.
For once, his smirk faded. His eyes sharpened. "And?"
"It's true, isn't it?" Her voice wavered. "My father—he's betraying everyone?"
"Selling loyalty he doesn't own," Lorenzo said flatly. "And when it all burns, do you know who will pay the price?"
Her throat tightened. "Me."
He stepped closer, close enough that she felt the heat radiating from him. "Smart girl."
Before she could answer, footsteps echoed in the hall. Matteo's voice, calm but sharp, cut through the silence:
"Serena? Where are you?"
Her blood froze.
Lorenzo moved instantly. In one swift motion, he pressed her back against the shelves, his body covering hers, his hand brushing her cheek. The world shrank to the pounding of her heart and the closeness of his lips.
"Don't make a sound," he breathed.
Serena's chest rose and fell rapidly. She could feel the solid weight of him, smell the faint trace of smoke and leather clinging to him. Her body screamed to push him away, but another part of her—reckless, treacherous—ached to pull him closer.
Matteo's footsteps grew louder. Serena squeezed her eyes shut, praying he wouldn't find them.
Then, Lorenzo tilted his head, his lips brushing hers—not in passion, but in command. A kiss meant to silence.
Her breath hitched, her world spinning.
The door creaked. Matteo entered, his shadow sweeping across the room. Serena thought her heart might stop.
"Serena?" His voice rang out, calm but laced with warning. "You're not playing games with me, are you?"
Lorenzo's hand slid down to clasp hers, steadying her trembling fingers. His body remained unmoving, shielding her in the shadows between the shelves.
For one unbearable moment, Matteo's gaze swept across the room. Serena swore he saw them—swore he knew.
But then he turned, muttering, and left. The door shut behind him with a heavy click.
Only then did Lorenzo pull back, though not far. His lips hovered near hers, his eyes dark and unreadable.
"See?" he whispered, his smirk returning. "Danger follows you. And I'm the only one keeping you alive."
Serena's knees nearly gave out. She hated the truth in his words almost as much as she hated the way her body betrayed her.
Because for one brief, dangerous moment—she hadn't wanted him to move at all.
End of Chapter 4 – A Kiss Meant for Silence