Ivy

Mr. Lorenzo, David and I sit in Lia and Blake’s living room, waiting for my friends impatiently. I’m still shaken from the whole incident at the club, but for some reason the huge jacket the Mr. Lorenzo put on me earlier gives me a sense of security. It’s so warm and big, and it smells of Mr. Lorenzo. I wish I could just bottle it up and smell it forever. It’s so tantalizing.

“Um, excuse me… - I get their attention – I would like to go home to change clothes, if you don’t mind. I’m covered in… blood.” I scowl at the stains on my body. I guess I got them by hugging Lia earlier.

“Of course, sweetheart. Where do you live?” Mr. Lorenzo asks softly, staring at me with those golden eyes of his that resemble molten honey. I could get lost in them for eternity.

“Just next door. – I answer, tucking a piece of hair behind my ear – I’ll just, uh, go and come back in few minutes. Is that okay?” I don’t know why but I feel like I have to ask them.

David only chuckles in amusement. “Sure, go ahead. You don’t have to ask.”

I glance at Mr. Lorenzo only to see him already staring at me in what seems to be adoration. I might be reading too far into this, but I’m pretty sure that’s what I see. He’s been looking at me like that ever since I saw him at the club. “Do you wish for me to accompany you?” He asks and I’m confused for a moment at the strange way he speaks.

“I’ll be fine, thank you.” I smile shyly, getting off the couch. I pull off the jacket, but Mr. Lorenzo stops me.

“Keep it. It looks good on you.” I blush furiously at the sweet tone of his voice.

“Woah, man, I’m still here you know.” David mocks, reddening my cheeks even further. I keep forgetting he’s here when I look into those honey-colored eyes.

“And why would your presence be an inconvenience to me?”

I notice David’s jaw drop as he gapes at Mr. Lorenzo. “You’re shamelessly flirting with my friend right in front of me!”

“If it bothers you, then you’re free to leave. – Mr. Lorenzo smirks before glancing at me – Go change, love. It must be uncomfortable to stay in this attire.” I only nod at him then throw a quick glance at David and leave, heading to my studio.

I take quick shower, washing off the remains of blood from my skin. I had no idea there was so much of it when I hugged Lia. She must’ve been really brutal to get so bloodied.

I glance dejectedly at my dirty clothes, knowing that I won’t be able to wear them again without thinking of what happened tonight. But, despite how weird it may sound, I enjoyed the night. That’s until that man grabbed me. It felt so good to be a free person for once, away from my parents’ influence and rules.

I change into a red sundress with lace sleeves that reach my elbows then put on a pair of black suede flats and braid my hair. I can't just show up at Lia's place in pajamas, can I? I take one last look at myself in the mirror then head back towards Lia and Blake’s apartment next door.

I don’t have to wait long after I knock on the door, cause as soon as I drop my hand, Blake opens the door and invites me inside. “Come in, come in. Want a drink?”

“No, thank you. – I politely decline, walking further into the room – Why did Lia want me to come here?” I question curiously as I sit down, glancing around when I don’t see the person in question anywhere.

“Oh, Lia’s in the shower. Lia said something about having to talk to you. It’s quite late but I figured it must be urgent.” Blake shrugs, putting a glass of juice in front of me before sitting on the other side of the couch.

I sit quietly next to Mr. Lorenzo as he talks to Blake about some weird cage stuff and ghost and whatnot. Why would they talk about ghosts? Is that their hobby or something?

“Ivy, thanks for staying up so late. I know you must be tired, but I figured you might want to know this.” Lia walks out of the bathroom, dressed in nothing but an oversized shirt, which is obviously Blake's, and some shorts that are barely visible. For a second I thought she has nothing underneath. She sits beside Blake, leaning her elbows on her knees.

“Know what?” I ask, a bit afraid of what she’s about to tell me. It can’t be good.

“One of those guys… He said something when I was beating him. He mentioned that…” She trails off with a sigh, rubbing her face tiredly. I don’t miss the bruises on her face, arms and legs and I’m guessing there are more under her shirt.

“W-What did he say?”

“He said that… oh god, how do I tell you this… He said that, and I quote, you got lucky tonight but you might want to avoid dark places if you don’t want to end up being sent to your daddy in pieces.” I gasp in fear at this. What?

“What do you mean?”

“The guy that grabbed you, he apparently knows your dad. And I think he’s trying to get to him through you.” Lia explains shortly, staring at me in worry. I feel Mr. Lorenzo tense beside me, but I don't dare look at him.

“But why?”

“I don’t know. But as of now, you shouldn’t go anywhere alone. I’ll be with you at the campus most of the time, since we have the same classes anyway, and you live in one of the most secure buildings in the city, so you should be safe here. Though I would like it if you had someone with you when you go out.”

“I don’t really go out all that much. – I admit a bit shamefully – And thank you for telling me this. I’ll be careful.”

“Careful doesn’t cut it, love. – Mr. Lorenzo growls from beside me then turns to Lia – Ghost, are you sure about what you said?” I see Lia scowl angrily at him then slump back on the couch with annoyed groan.

“You just had to fucking say it, huh? – she shakes her head – Yeah, I’m sure. I heard it from the shithead himself.”

“Mr. Lorenzo-” I turn to the man beside me.

“Just Lorenzo, love.” He cuts me off with a smile. Wow, his mood switches so fast!

“Um, okay. Lorenzo, why did you call Lia a ghost?” I ask curiously, unintentionally making everyone laugh, while Lia groans in irritation.

Lorenzo glances at Lia questioningly. “She didn’t know? I figured if those three knew then she must too.”

Lia glares at him. “I didn’t get to tell her yet. But thanks, you just provided me with an opportunity!” She cheers sarcastically before turning to me.

“Okay. Ivy, I need you to stay open-minded about what I’m going to tell you, alright?”

“Okay.” I agree with no hesitation.

“I’m an underground fighter. – I frown in confusion at this, so Lia clarifies – I fight illegally for money.” I gape at her in shock for about… 3 seconds before jumping in excitement.

“OH GOD! THAT’S HOW YOU FIGHT SO WELL! THAT’S SO COOL! Can you teach me how to fight? What’s your style? Boxing? Judo? Muay Thai? Kung Fu? Karate? Can I see you fight? Please, can I see?” I jump like a kid on a high then give her my best pleading look – the irresistible puppy eyes.

“Okay, that’s not the reaction I expected. – Lia chuckles, looking slightly taken aback by my enthusiasm – If you want, we can talk about it some other time. Now that the cat’s out of the bag, I guess it’s also time to tell you that Lorenzo here is an owner of one of the clubs I used to fight at.” Lia smugly smirks at Lorenzo, getting a glare in response.

“You wicked witch. You just had to tell her.” I give him a confused look. Does that mean he didn’t want me to know that?

“Yes, love, I didn’t want you to know it yet. I don’t want to scare you.” I said that out loud?!

“Aww, look at that, old Lorenzo is feeling the feelings. I’m gonna cry.” Lia mocks, wiping off a nonexistent tear.

“Witch. – Lorenzo grunts, but I can see the smile on his face as he turns to me – Why don’t you go home and rest, love? I can see you’re exhausted.” He trails his finger under my eye, staring at it worriedly.

“Um, yeah, I think that’s a good idea.” I stutter pathetically. This man is doing something to me. I feel like an idiot when he's around.

“I’ll walk you.” He states with finality that I don’t even want to argue with.

“Okay.” I meekly reply, waving a goodbye to my friends before leaving the place. I feel Lorenzo’s eyes on me the whole time, and for some unexplainable reason, it makes me feel… special.

“Ivy.” Lorenzo speaks from behind me and I feel literal shivers at the sound of my name on his tongue. I turn around to face him, slightly surprised at our proximity. He's standing barely a foot away from me! Lorenzo holds out his phone to me, and I look at it for a moment, confused about what he might want. “Would you grace me with your phone number, love?” I giggle at his tone, but take the phone nonetheless. I like this guy. He’s so… different than everyone else.

“Here you go.” I hand him back his phone when I’m done. His fingers touch mine as he takes it and I gasp when a sudden electric-like shock passes through me. It’s not a bad or painful feeling, just surprising. In just a second, my whole body is set off, tingling, as if it was asleep this whole time and only now came back to life. Why didn’t I get shocked like this earlier when I was holding his hand, though?

Lorenzo seems to notice my reaction, taking my hand in his gently. He pulls it up to his lips, pressing a small kiss to the back of it, but his eyes don’t stray from mine. “Do not be alarmed, love. I know it might sound confusing to you, but this is perfectly normal.”

He gives me a charming smile and his eyes soften considerably as he stares at me. I can only stand here, staring back at him dumbfounded. Lorenzo releases my hand and I let it fall limply by my side.

“I wish we didn’t have to part yet, love, but you appear positively tired. Why don’t you go to rest?”

“Um, yeah… Thank you… I mean, for earlier, at the club. And sorry for bumping into you. Um, can I have your number? I have to give you your jacket back.” I ramble nervously. Despite feeling tired after tonight, I want to prolong my time with Lorenzo as much as I can.

“You can keep it. Like I said, it did look better on you. – He smiles – Would you like to go to dinner with me tomorrow?” He suddenly asks, taking me off guard.

I fumble with words, suddenly feeling more nervous than before. Is he asking me on a date?

“Yes, I am.” Lorenzo says amusedly.

“I said that out loud?” Let the ground swallow me now! This is so embarrassing!

“You did.”

“Um… okay. I’ll go to dinner with you.” I say breathlessly, lost in those honey-gold eyes again.

“It’s a date, then. I’ll call you. – He leans down and swiftly pecks my cheek – Sleep well, love.” With that he nonchalantly puts his hands in the pockets of his slacks, walking away. I stand like an idiot in front of my door, just staring at his muscular frame with wide eyes then rush to my studio. I run to my bedroom, jumping on the bed face-down and squeal into my pillow, kicking my legs like excitedly.

I just got asked on a date by the hottest man on earth!

Oh my god!

Time to fangirl!