Chapter 19

"Shifting Tides"

Lorenzo's POV

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I've always thought I knew what it meant to be in control. Hell, it's practically in my DNA, Moretti blood, more power than I'll ever need, and a world that practically bends to my will. But lately? Lately, I've felt like I'm losing my grip.

Especially when it comes to Vee.

She's like fire, wild and untamable. Every time I think I've figured her out, she does something to throw me off, like tonight.

I'm sitting on the couch, watching Vee pace back and forth, tapping away at her laptop, her brow furrowed in concentration. It's late, much later than I usually let myself stay up, but something about her being here, in my space, had me feeling restless. She's been staying in my penthouse for days now, but she still doesn't let me get too close.

And damn it, I want to get closer.

"I thought you said we were taking a break from work tonight," I said, breaking the silence.

She didn't even look up, her fingers still flying across the keys. "I am. I'm just... organizing some files."

I couldn't help the chuckle that escaped. "Organizing files at 2 AM?"

She finally looked up, giving me a half-smile that could either be sarcastic or shy. I couldn't decide, and that drove me crazy. "I work at night, Moretti. Haven't you figured that out yet?"

"Yeah, well," I leaned back in my chair, eyes narrowing playfully, "You also seem to work at being impossible to read."

Her smirk was small but there, and for a second, I thought maybe she was going to crack.

Instead, she stood up, pushing the laptop aside. "You're one to talk."

I raised an eyebrow. "What's that supposed to mean?"

She grabbed her jacket, slinging it over her shoulder. "I've been staring at you for days, trying to figure out if you're even a little bit human." She shot me a look, teasing but not completely dismissive. "You're a goddamn enigma, Moretti."

That damn look. The way she says my name with that smirk makes me feel like she's completely unraveling me with every word.

I stood up, moving toward her. "You want to figure me out?" I asked, my voice lowering just slightly, the challenge in it unmistakable.

Her eyes flicked to mine, guarded but curious. "Maybe. But not tonight."

She turned to leave the room, and I watched her for a moment, a strange sense of longing stirring in my chest. She was always so careful, always keeping me at arm's length. I couldn't help but want to pull her closer, even though I knew better.

"Wait," I called out before she reached the door. "Let's go for a walk. Get some fresh air."

Her shoulders tensed, but then she turned around, that guarded look still in place. "A walk? Seriously?"

I nodded, trying my best to look casual, even though my heart was doing that stupid flip again. "Yeah. It's late, but it's still a nice night. You've been cooped up in here working, haven't you? Come on, just... let's take a break."

She hesitated for a second, and I could practically hear the internal debate in her head. The walls were up, but I could see the tiniest crack.

Finally, she sighed, putting her hands on her hips. "Fine. But don't expect me to suddenly start spilling my life story to you while we walk."

"Wouldn't dream of it," I said, flashing her a grin.

We stepped outside, and the cool night air hit us both, refreshing in the way only the late hours of the night could be. The city was quieter at this hour, the usual hum of life muted by the darkness. It felt like we were the only two people awake in the world, and for a moment, it was just us.

We walked side by side, the silence stretching between us, but it wasn't uncomfortable. It was... peaceful. Almost like we didn't need to fill every moment with words.

I glanced over at her, stealing a quick look. She was looking up at the sky, her hands stuffed into the pockets of her jacket, her hair blowing slightly in the breeze. There was something about her, something calm and collected, even in the quiet of the night. She looked... at ease.

And I liked it. A lot more than I should.

"So, what's really going on in that head of yours?" I asked casually, breaking the silence. "You're always so damn guarded. What's the deal?"

She shot me a look, but there was no bite to it this time. "You've been asking that a lot, Moretti. What do you think? You think I'm some kind of broken person who needs to spill their guts to you?"

I shrugged. "Maybe. Or maybe I'm just trying to understand you. Maybe I'm just tired of the mystery."

She stopped walking for a moment, her eyes searching mine. "You won't like what you find."

I raised an eyebrow, leaning in slightly. "You'd be surprised."

She let out a breath, glancing away. "You have no idea what I've been through."

"Maybe I don't," I said softly. "But I'd like to."

She took a step back, shaking her head. "We're not doing this, Moretti."

I let the air hang between us for a moment before stepping closer, lowering my voice. "I don't want you to talk. I just want you to be here. With me."

She looked at me for a long beat, her eyes softening just a little. "Why?" she asked quietly.

"Because you're not just some hacker," I said, my heart pounding in my chest. "You're Vee. And that... that matters to me more than I can explain."

She didn't say anything for a moment, and I could feel her pulling away. But this time, I didn't want her to. I didn't want her to go back to the guarded version of herself that kept me at arm's length.

"You know," I said, taking a step back and trying to ease the tension, "I promised I wouldn't push you."

She blinked, almost surprised. "And you're actually keeping that promise?"

I nodded. "For now. But I'm not letting you run forever."

She chuckled softly, the sound catching me off guard. "We'll see, Moretti."

And as we continued walking under the stars, I couldn't help but wonder how much longer it would take before she finally let me in. How much longer before we stopped playing games and started being real.

But for tonight, I was content with just having her beside me, her walls still up, but maybe... just maybe, a little less high than before.

And that was enough. For now.

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ˏˋ Author's note ˎˊ˗

Heyy (✿◡‿◡)

Aww is our Vee finally warming up a bit?

Please Vote and comment to make another insignificant human happy (^◕.◕^)

Question of chapter:

Books or movies?

Books.

See you next Sunday!

You have time. Slow down and make sure it's right <3

*hug*

Byeeee

Izel

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