Trapped with my Mom's Dangerous Ex-Husband

Chapter 1.

Gianna.

...and he thrust into her core, pumping his length until she could only feel him. A breathless moan escaped her lips. The tantalizing sound sending pleasurable shock waves through his body. Her hips rocked bringing him further into her until...

"We're home!" Vivian's shrill pulled me out from my book. With a sigh, I placed it in my bag and stepped out of the cab.

Vivian's house was a dream home.

Literally.

And I blame my mother for denying me the pleasure of calling something like this my own home.

Vivian's father had built it from a dream he had, or so he had told us when we were young girls. Looking at it now, I believed it. Little did I know that, in this house, all of my dreams would start to come true...

Years had gone by since the last time I came to Santa Monica. The mansion had tall, white, towering columns lining the porch, accenting the huge archways over the doors. The architecture was unique to Vivian's father's taste, which made sense since he had dreamed it up.

The difference now was the roof had been redone, and the landscaping was completely different, now with an Italian flare. Mr. Moretti had even added a marble fountain to the front yard that featured a goddess being worshiped. He had really outdone himself and based on the looks of the outside, I couldn't wait to see what he had changed inside. This was my home away from home.

"Oh, my god!" Vivian screamed excitedly. "Look at this place! Dad really did a number on the renovations, didn't he, Gianna?"

"Yeah, it looks to Vivian awesome," I replied, glancing towards Vivian, shaking my head. Thank god she has never been to my mother's house. Even when our parents were married, she preferred to stay with her Mom.

As much as I didn't want to think Vivian wouldn't judge the way I grew up... she is a stuck up brat, so she would. Prim and proper was Vivian's norm. These sorts of luxuries weren't possible for someone like me with a single parent.

I didn't come from mansions or luxury cars or tight security. My family didn't have yachts and butlers and maids. All of which seemed to tend to any need Vivian could possibly ever have. But it didn't matter to me in the end. I loved the life I lived, and I was grateful to have been able to take part in Vivian's as well.

"I'm starving. I wonder if Dad has a small spread ready for our arrival," she murmured as she grabbed her stuff and glanced at me. "Ready to get this party started?"

"Sure." Shaking my head with a smile, I watched her move with excitement towards the front door. Its mahogany finish gleamed in the Santa Monica sun. Beautiful. That's what it was.

Passing the threshold, it was as if being instantly transported to Italy. The decor embellished every inch of the Tuscan Valley, highlighting every aspect of the magical home.

The last time I had come here was when my Mom and her Dad got divorced. At that point in time, the home was still wildly styled to my mother's awful taste. So seeing her father's preference brought to life was refreshing sight.

"Daddy!" Vivian screamed, dropping all of her bags to the floor haphazardly as she moved towards the kitchen. "I'm home!"

I wasn't sure why Vivian continued to act like she was five, but at the same time, I was too entranced with the decor to care. Carefully, I sat done my things next to Vivian's while my eyes stared at the ceiling as I spun slowly in a circle, taking it all in. "Maybe he isn't here," I said as my eyes met hers once more.

"He is here. His car was in the drive, and he told me he had a long meeting. That's why he didn't meet us at the airport."

Rolling my eyes, the corner of my lip lifted into a smirk as I took a seat on one of the tall vintage barstools. There was only so much Vivian-drama l could deal with, and considering we hadn't even been here ten minutes, I would say this was a new record.

Regardless, I didn't want to partake in the conversation she was about to have with him. I already knew where it would go.

"Well," I shrugged, "maybe he took another car?" It's not like he is short on the money to afford it.

"This is bullshit!" Vivian screamed out in frustration. "He was supposed to greet me as soon as I got home."

Ah. There she is! Princess Vivian at her finest.

As my eyes cast towards the window in the kitchen, I caught sight of the Adonis-like figure walking about the balcony. There was no doubt in my mind who it was.

Because I already knew. Lorenzo Moretti.

Vivian's sex god of a father.

Since I was fourteen years old, I had fantasized about sneaking into his room and having him force me to submit, even if I barely understood what that meant at the time. The way his fingers would grip my throat as he told me I was his good girl. I knew it was wrong, but at the same time, it was a childish fantasy. One I never dared to share with Vivian.

Or anyone for that matter.

Not to mention her father would never dare take advantage of a young girl. Even if I had wanted to willingly give myself to him.

"Uh, it looks like he is still in that meeting," I breathed out, trying to divert my attention.

No matter how many times I tried to take my eyes off of him, I couldn't. He was far too breathtaking, and I couldn't help the drool.

Fuck me. Is he getting hotter the older he gets?

"What?" She gasped as she glanced in the direction I was looking. "Having a meeting instead of meeting me when I walked through the door?" The disdain in her voice snapped me out of my trance and caused me to roll my eyes.

"I don't understand what the big deal is, Vivian. Who cares? We are here now, and we have an entire summer to enjoy." She spun to face me, her gaze spoke volumes about her unhappiness.

"I know this."

"Soo?" I shrugged. "Then what's the big deal?"

Crossing her arms over her chest, she scoffed, "Because Daddy always greets me at the door. You don't think he has a new woman, do you?" Laughter escapes me as I stare at her in disbelief.

"Seriously? That's your go-to?"

"Well-" she shrugged in frustration, "I read online that when men change their patterns, it's usually because of a big change... like a new woman."

Should have seen that. It's what happened with Chase, I mentally noted with a sigh. I couldn't understand her reasoning. "Would that honestly be a bad thing?"

"Yes!" she shrieked. "Oh, my god, Gianna. That would be like the worst thing ever. If he wants a woman, he can get back with one of his exes, and I mean my mom, not yours. No offense." She added sheepishly.

Just as the words left her mouth, the sliding glass door opened, and the hottest man I had ever laid my eyes on stepped through the doorway.

The Italian Stallion has arrived. God, I want to kiss his abs. The dirty remark running through my mind caused me to bite my bottom lip as my eyes scanned his body up and down. No matter how much time passed, I still had the desire to climb him like a horse and ride him into the new year. Maybe run my tongue across his rock hard body even... hell, I'm not picky.

"Where were you?" Vivian snapped with disapproval, pulling me from my delicious thoughts. " I expected to see you, and you weren't there. I don't understand."

Confusion passed through his eyes as he stared at her with shock. "Sweetie, I didn't think your flight was supposed to be here for another hour."

"Uh-no," she quipped. "I sent you my flight info, and I texted you."

"You did?" he replied, quickly scrolling through his phone.

Standing impatiently, she stared at him. "Yeah, I did."

"I'm sorry, sweetie," he shrugged. "I guess it slipped my mind. I'll make it up to you."

Smart man. Smart man. When it came to Vivian, we both knew how to act. Because if Vivian didn't get her way, you would think World War 3 was breaking out. "It's okay," she sighed. "Gianna and I are hungry and tired. Can we order food?"

As his eyes slowly slid to me, he furrowed his brow in confusion, "Gianna?" Of course, he doesn't recognize me. It's been six years since the divorce and the marriage only lasted 3 months.

"Hey," I smiled, trying not to stare at him.

"You have grown up a lot, Gianna," Mr. Moretti replied, his dark, sultry gaze scanning up and down my body.

Shit. Was he checking me out?!

"Yeah." The breathlessness of my response caused me to clear my throat as I quickly averted my gaze, trying to look anywhere but at him.

"So..." he muttered, looking between the two of us. "What are the plans for summer?"

Before I could even get a word in, Vivian started rambling off about the parties and boating trips she wanted to take. Even though I was her guest, he was already accustomed to the fact we often did things apart.

"And you, Gianna?" he asked, bringing me back to the present. "Anything you would like to do?"

Yeah, let fuck me into oblivion.

"Um. I'm not quite sure yet. Had some rough shit happen a few weeks back, so kind of looking to relax and enjoy my summer? Then, it's back to school for my last year." I smiled, nodding my head as a glint of amusement crossed his eyes.

"Oh, very nice," he said, crossing his arms over his chest. "What was your degree again?"

"Nursing Science," I replied as I gazed down at my fidgeting hands.

"She's a nerd, Dad. You give her anything to do with numbers, and she is quick with a response. Book keeping and calculations and all that stuff. Kind of like

you. And to be honest, I don't know why she chose nursing Science." Vivian's response caused me to laugh before I cleared my throat, realizing I was finding amusement in her calling her dad a math nerd, basically.

"Something like that," His reply was followed by the upward turn of his mouth as my gaze met his once more. I didn't understand what was going through his head at that moment, but I was intrigued to find out.

Pulling out her phone, I watched as Vivian replied to whatever text she got while smacking on the bright pink bubble gum she had consumed at some point. "Shit. Gianna, we need to get unpacked. Jay wants us to meet for food."

"Oh-okay," I said, not really looking forward to it. "I thought we were going to eat here."

"I can order food," Mr. Moretti said happily as he glanced between Vivian and I.

"No, no," Vivian scoffed. "We are just going to go out," I felt bad about the situation overall. Mr. Moretti didn't know we were going to be here so soon, and Vivian was acting childish.

Even if I loved her dearly, the way she was acting was unacceptable. "Okay then," he smiled. "It's really nice to have you home, sweetie. I hope we can spend some time together while you're here."

The notion warmed my heart and made me miss my own father. But in true Vivian fashion, she didn't hold the same sweet sentiment I did.

"I'll fit something in," she replied as she made her way towards the stairs. "Can Rosa bring our things upstairs, please? I need to unpack and take a shower." As Vivian disappeared from sight, I shook my head, jumping off the barstool.

"Thanks for letting me stay for the summer, Mr. Moretti. I appreciate it."

His eyes drifted from where his daughter had disappeared to me, and as he looked at me, I couldn't help but feel small under his gaze. "There is no need to thank me, Gianna. Also, will you please call me Lorenzo?"

First name basis? Oh, shit... Gianna, stop, you're reading too much into it. "If that's what you would like... Lorenzo," I replied softly, fluttering my eyelashes in a flirtatious manner. "I better get going. I guess I'll see you around."

Raising a brow, his smile never faltered as he nodded, "Oh, you definitely will."

Chapter 2

Gianna's POV

Going out with Vivian had been more of a headache than I wanted it to be. What started out with dinner turned into an all-night at a local club. The stench of puke Vivian had managed to get on me when I was holding her hair prominent on my skin.

It shouldn't have been much of a surprise how the evening turned out. Yet, once again, I was left to babysit her while she dabbled in her fun. I wasn't the party girl Vivian had become, and even though she knew that, she still tried to drag me around.

Sometimes I wondered if that was simply a way to make sure she had a designated driver or if she genuinely enjoyed my company. By the time we had arrived back at her home, the lights were off, and it was dark. Vivian's drunken form was unable to carry herself up the stairs, which meant that it had been my job to do. So, Lucky me! After I had gotten Vivian undressed and in bed, and a hot shower had washed away the remainder of the night from my body, I lay on my bed, trying to find the will to go to sleep. Too much had happened over the past few weeks. My mind still reeled from my breakup with Chase, but I also couldn't stop thinking about Lorenzo.

Lorenzo was different. Not only was he incredibly sexy, with lips so plump I wanted to kiss him for days, but he was old school. He seemed like the kind of man who knew how to wine and dine a girl. Treat her special, and never cheat on her with some mystery girl like Chase did to me.

I didn't know Lorenzo that way, but my mind constantly wondered. I wondered how he would treat me and about all the wonderfully sinful things he could do to me.

I didn't understand the rush of emotions he brought over me. I wasn't the bad girl type, and yet everything about him wanted to make me submit on my knees.

I'm an idiot to think a man like Lorenzo Moretti would be interested in me though. Vivian's mom, is beautiful and classy. She has taste and is sophisticated... And my Mom, well, she was perfectly suited to him, I still to this day don't understand their need for a divorce, but hey! I'm not complaining. I can never be them, though.

Vivian had plenty of male friends in this city, and even though I didn't want another relationship, I couldn't help but wonder if one of them would settle my needs.

Picking up my phone, I scrolled through social media and took in the various photos of Chase and I that were posted on my account. I hadn't had the courage to get rid of them yet, and looking back at it now, I felt even more pathetic.

With a push of a few buttons and much-needed courage, I deleted the history of my relationship with

Chase. I welcomed the hollow feeling in my chest when I was finished, but at the same time, it hurt.

"God, why can't I sleep," I groaned as I looked at the clock, realizing I had spent two hours laying awake instead of sleeping. Slipping from bed, I padded my way out of my room and towards the stairs. The idea of hot tea and a snack to settle my mind seemed more enjoyable with every step I took.

Despite the darkness, I made my way to the kitchen. The dim light over the stove was enough for me to see what I was doing, and yet, not disturb anyone in the home. Not that anyone would likely wake. It was 2:36 in the morning, and normal people slept at this hour. As I moved around the kitchen setting the kettle, I hummed a tune from earlier in the night that had gotten stuck in my head.

"Having fun?" a voice called from behind me, causing a small scream to leave my throat as I spun around, coming face to face with Lorenzo himself. His dark, brooding eyes stared at me with amusement.

As much as I wanted to form a coherent sentence at that moment, my thoughts were lost in the realization that Lorenzo, my mother's ex and my best friend's father, was standing before me in nothing but a towel.

Oh, sweet baby Jesus.

"Uh-oh, hey. Sorry, just making tea."

"I see that," he hummed with amusement. "Couldn't sleep either?"

Shaking my head, I shrugged my shoulders. "Not lately. Plus, after all the excitement tonight, I had to wind down." There was a moment of awkward silence that fell between us as Lorenzo stood by the counter, simply staring at me.

Clearing my throat, I turned back towards the kettle that was now hissing and poured the hot water over the tea bag so it could steep. Motion out of the corner of my eye made me freeze as I realized he had taken two steps closer towards me.

"You really have changed over the years... haven't you, Gianna?" he whispered softly, causing me to turn around and notice only a few feet between us.

My heart raced with anticipation of what the hell was happening. Was this what I hoped it was? But I couldn't do that to Vivian, could I?

"Yeah," I replied uncomfortably, "l guess I have. I'm not really the dorky girl I was the last time you saw me. Then again, I could say you have changed as well." He had changed. He had gotten older, obviously, but he didn't seem as sad as he once had. Instead, he seemed satisfied with his life. As if he finally found his calling after leaving his exes

"Interesting." His eyes took me in once more as he casually leaned against the counter. "So, did your boyfriend decide to join you this summer?"

My eyes kept drifting down his ripped, toned body. Every muscle was on full display, and only the towel kept me separated from the prize I wanted so desperately to have. I tried not to look, but I couldn't help it when he stood so willingly in front of me.

"Uh, no." I shrugged, trying to remain calm. "I don't have one. We broke up a few weeks ago." He seemed intrigued with my response as if that had been the answer he was hoping for.

"Is that right? Was it mutual then?" Glancing down, I shook my head. "No, not exactly."

No matter how innocent his question had been, the wound of Chase's betrayal was still fresh. So for Lorenzo to bring it up was like pouring salt on an open wound. "I'm sorry if I upset you, Gianna. That wasn't my intention."

"No, no. You're fine," I replied as my eyes met his again. "Just, shit happened, and it wasn't the most joyous moment in my life. Nothing I won't get over with in time, though." There was an unmistakable fire that crossed his gaze for a moment at my words. I wasn't sure what it was, but it was almost as if he was angry, but pleased at the same time.

"He was an idiot for letting a beautiful woman like you go."

Holy fuck, he just called me beautiful. The compliment caused my cheeks to redden with embarrassment as I bit my lip and quickly turned back to my tea.

I wasn't sure why his remark surprised me like it did. Men from his generation were notorious for being this way, or at least, that was the assumption I had with most men I knew his age. My professors and even my Dad's friends were from a generation of class. So why was it that his words caused me to react like this?

Trying to wrap my head around what he was saying, I cleared my throat and straightened my shoulders.

"Thank you for your compliment. But I am not as pretty as other women. Plus, l am driven when it comes to my career. So I wasn't giving him the attention he wanted." Excuses.

They were all excuses, but at the same time, these excuses were what allowed me to get past the pain I felt over Chase's betrayal. The excuses I made were ones I gave for his actions towards me. No matter how horrible they were.

"He didn't deserve you. Traits like that I think are sexy in a woman," Lorenzo replied moving closer to me, causing my breath to catch in my throat.

I was highly aware of the distance between us in the kitchen. The fact that he was in a towel sent me into hyper drive, and I hoped he couldn't tell how much he was turning me on. Slowly turning around with parted lips, I faced him. In the time I hadn't been paying attention, he had taken two steps closer to me, and the distance between us closing caused my heart to race. I wasn't trying to be bad, but the smell of him wrapping around me made my body want to do all kinds of bad things.

"Perhaps, someday, someone will show me what it is I deserve." My words came off more flirtatious than l meant them to be, and he must have noticed, because his response was to brush against me gently as he reached over my head for a cup.

The contact of his skin against mine caused my nipples to instantly harden and my core to clench with desire. I wanted him so fucking bad, but at the same time, there was no way a man like Lorenzo Moretti wanted me.

As he pulled back, setting his cup on the counter, I tried to clear my mind. There was a boundary I didn't need to cross, and with the teasing moments around us, I was dangerously close to crossing.

"Are you okay?" he whispered, causing me to slowly look up at him to see the amusement dancing within his eyes.

"Of course, why wouldn't I be?" I shifted uncomfortably. "Are you?" As his eyes drifted down towards my chest, I felt the stir within me once more.

"Oh, l'm more than alright, Gianna." He grinned and his eyes met mine again. It took me a moment to process what he meant, and as I glanced down, I saw the erect strain of my nipples pressing against the white tank top I was wearing.

"Oh, I'm so sorry" I stammered, wrapping my arms across my chest. "It's a bit cold."

"No, it isn't." He chuckled as he grabbed his glass and went to the fridge to pour a drink. He may have been right, but the arrogant response made my mouth part in surprise.

"Yes, it is. It's a bit chilly, and well, yeah-" As the door to the fridge closed, he turned to face me, bringing his cup to his lips. The movement of his Adam's apple as he drank down the liquid caught my eye. I had never seen something as simple as that look so sexy before. "I know what you want, Gianna," he said, grasping my attention once more.

"I don't want anything," I replied, trying to play the moment off.

"Enough lies!." Setting his cup down, he quickly cleared the space between us once more.

His body was cornering me against the kitchen countertop, an arm on either side of me as the 'come fuck me' eyes gazed into my soul.

"Mr. Moretti-"

"I told you to call me Lorenzo, Gianna." His firm reply flipped the switch on the situation and instantly made me want to behave. "I can see that I turn you on, but I can promise you I'm not what you want. The things I would do... well, they would be too dark for you."

Holy shit. "Y-you have no idea what I can handle. You don't know me like that." My stuttered response showed clearly how uneasy I was with this situation, and yet I wanted it. I wanted him to show me exactly how dark he could be.

"Be a good girl, Gianna. You need to go upstairs and go to bed," he whispered as he inhaled deeply and pushed himself back from where we stood.

The distance he was placing between us gave me a chance to breathe once more. Without a moment of hesitation, my feet pushed me towards the stairs, only to be stopped again with a firm grip on my arm.

"Remember what I said," he all but growled in a sexy way that had me weak in the knees.

Turning to face him, I placed my hand on his chest, trying to push him away. But the realization hit me that I was touching him, and the feeling of his body under my fingers made everything worse.

The firm ripple of his skin under my fingers was intoxicating, and even with the slight show of chest hair present, I couldn't help but want to run my fingers through it as his plump lips devoured mine. Snapping out of my reverie, I quickly jerked myself from his grasp. His lips turned upwards as he stared at me, causing me to press my thighs together as I tried to control my arousal.

"Goodnight, Mr. Moretti," I stuttered, forcing my gaze from his before I turned and ran from the kitchen.

Lorenzo Moretti was a mysterious man, and there was no telling what he truly meant by what he had said.

Perhaps he was dangerous, but perhaps I would like it.

Chapter 3

Gianna's POV

The warm heat kissed my skin as I lay on a white lounge chair by the pool. As much as I wished I had this kind of comfort back at home, I didn't. It was more humid there than enjoyable,

Vivian had insisted on having a bunch of people over for a pool party, and as they milled around in the cool water laughing and drinking, I couldn't help but feel annoyed by that.

They seemed so carefree with their upscale lifestyles, able to come and go as they wanted. Never really having to work for anything, and having their parents hand them money whenever they wanted.

"Are you just going to lie there all day or come join us?" Vivian asked as her shadowed form peered down at me, blocking out the sunlight I had been enjoying.

"I am joining you, but just from this chair. The sun feels amazing, and I don't feel like swimming," I told her with honesty as I relaxed further into my seat.

"At least you're drinking," she smirked.

Holding up my margarita, I let the corner of my lips rise in a smile. "That I am. Tequila and sunshine my day couldn't be better."

"With hot guys?"

"Uh-no," I laughed. "I can satisfy myself. Haven't you heard it's the twenty-first century? Women don't need men. We have each other and toys for our entertainment purposes."

"Well, that needs to change. I want you to meet someone," she replied, rolling her eyes.

My lips met tightly as I shook my head. "No, Vivian. I told you before. I'm not ready."

"Oh, my god. It's literally been almost a month, Gianna. You're wasting your time being no fun at all because Chase was fucking someone else."

What the actual fuck?!

Taken aback by her forward response, I looked at her in shock. "Wow. Thanks for that."

She may be my best friend, but she was a fucking bitch sometimes. Letting out an exasperated sigh, she sat down next to me, placing her chin in her hand. "You know what I mean. I- just want you to be happy again."

"Well, then maybe my boyfriend shouldn't have been fucking someone behind my back. Second of all, I am happy."

Groaning with frustration, she rolled her eyes again. "Let it go already. He isn't worth it."

"Oh, I am well aware of that," I scoffed. "Now, leave me alone. I'm fine."

"No, you're not. I don't know why you keep lying to yourself," she replied, causing me to shake my head. She had no idea what she was talking about.

"Why don't you stop worrying about trying to play matchmaker and find yourself someone to play with?" I urged her with a smile as I closed my eyes behind dark sunglasses and tried to get back to relaxing.

"I am really happy you came, Gianna," Vivian said after a moment of silence. "There is no telling where we will be next year, and I have missed spending my summers with you over the last few years."

Peaking open one of my eyes, I watched the sincere expression cross her face. She was being honest, but there was something about the way she acted lately that told me otherwise.

It was as if she was happy, but then also hiding something. Deciding not to press further, I let a smile crest my lips. "I'm glad I came too. But l'm still not letting you play matchmaker."

"No fun." She laughed hysterically. "Fine... do what you want."

"Oh, I will. Now, hurry and get back to that sexy redhead. He has been watching you with fuck-me eyes since the moment you left the pool and came over here."

Turning her head, she peered at him, pushing down her glasses slightly before giving him a small wave.

"He is cute, huh?"

"Yeah, he is," I replied. "But he is more your type, so you have fun. I will catch another man some other time. I am content for right now."

"Fine, fine," She smirked. "Don't say I didn't try." Turning on her feet, she skipped over towards the red-haired man who pulled her into the pool. Her giggling voice echoed through the air as I settled back into the comforting zone l was in before she arrived.

However, without warning, another figure took her place, and it was that of a godly built man with a clear agenda on his mind. "Well, hello gorgeous."

Raising a brow, I let my eyes rack over him before a sigh escaped me. "No."

"No?"

"Yeah, no," I snorted. "Look, I don't know what Vivian has told you, but I'm not interested, honestly. I just want to do my own thing and lie by the pool, relaxing."

"She told me you played hard to get. I like that in a woman."

Oh, for fuck's sake. Is he stupid?

"No, I am not the kind of woman to lead a guy on. l am genuinely not interested... I'm sorry, I didn't get your name..."

"Bryant," he replied. "What might your name be?"

"My name?" The question followed with laughter as he nodded his head. "It's.. l'm not interested." I wasn't trying to be a bitch, but I also wasn't going to beat around the bush. I grew up with the philosophy that it was better to be forward and to the point. Bryant stared at me for a moment with disbelief as I tilted my head, curious about his response. But in shock, he simply smiled.

"I like it," he claimed as he tried to lean closer, my eyes widening as I quickly moved back and stood from my seat. Was he really trying to make a move on me?

"Excuse me, but I told you I wasn't interested," I snapped as I grabbed my things and quickly made my way inside.

To think Vivian had actually sent that guy to meet me. Disgusting.

"Gianna, what's wrong?" Vivian called from where she was in the pool. "Don't be like that."

Don't be like that. Was she fucking serious right now?

Without saying a word, I shut the door to the kitchen behind me. Taking off the wide sun hat I was wearing, and laying it down on the counter, I took a deep breath. "I can't believe-"

"Where are you going, beautiful?" Bryant said behind me while closing the door. Spinning on my feet, I watched as he stumbled his way towards me. It was clear now this guy had been drinking, and from the way he kept looking at me, he only wanted one thing.

"Look, I will say this slower for you, So you understand. I'm not interested, honestly."

Laughter left his lips as he walked towards me. "You don't have to lie."

"I can assure you I am not lying," I replied, backing away from him. "Now, please just leave me alone."

"Leave you alone?" He laughed again. "Women wish they could be in your shoes. I am one of the most eligible men in Santa Monica..."

"Please, stop!" I yelled at him as he backed me into the fridge. My heart raced, and my palms were clammy. The last thing I wanted was to be in this situation, but at the same time, I didn't want to attack the man. I just wanted him to leave me alone.

"I think you're just scared. I heard about your ex, and I promise I won't hurt you."

Was this man fucking serious?!

"How dare you?!" I screamed as I tried to move around him. "You don't even know me, and you have no right to say such things to me,"

Grabbing my arm, Bryant pushed me against the counter, pinning me with his body. I knew exactly what was going through his mind, but there was no way I was going to let that happen. Thinking fast, I brought my knee up and clocked him between his legs.

"You fucking bitch!" he roared as his hand came up, slapping me across the face. He had hit me, and my desperation in getting away became even more real.

"Let me go!" I yelled, hoping anyone would come to intervene. I didn't want to be the woman who was sexually assaulted at the party because no one noticed she was missing.

"Stop, stop."

He laughed as I struggled against him. "Stop fighting me, my love. Let me show you how to love again. I will forgive you for your actions just a moment ago."

"Get the fuck off me!" I screamed as his hand came over my mouth.

"Oh, baby come on-" he panted. "I know you want this."

"What the fuck is going on here?" Lorenzo snapped as he walked into the kitchen.

Bryant turned, looking over his shoulder, and scoffed. "Mind your business, old man."

It was obvious this kid didn't know who Lorenzo was, but with the way Lorenzo' eyes narrowed and his fists clenched, I could tell he was about to find out.

"Excuse me!?" Lorenzo sneered, "I think you need to leave... NOW!." I found myself wary about the way Lorenzo spoke, and I would have sworn that this guy would have as well. However, that wasn't the case.

"You heard me..."

Before Bryant could finish his sentence, Lorenzo grabbed him by the neck and brought him in close. "I am the owner of this house, and if you don't leave right now, I will make sure your future in Santa Monica is done. Do YOU understand ME?" Fear coursed through me as I watched the scene unfold.

Bryant was ripped from my body, and as he was, I fell to my knees on the floor, trying to catch my breath and calm my racing heart. If Lorenzo had not stepped in, God knows what would have happened. Bryant was much bigger than me, and I was already having a hard time fighting him off.

The two men struggled in the kitchen until security arrived, and Lorenzo had him thrown from the house. He had been my rescuer when no one else was around. Vivian and I were seriously going to have words about this.

I couldn't believe she thought this guy was the right fit for me. He was everything I despised in a man, and so much more.

"Are you okay?" Lorenzo asked, pulling me from my thoughts and from the floor. My eyes slowly met his as my breath caught in my throat. Through everything I had just gone through... He took my breath away and set my body on fire.

I didn't think twice, I rushed to him and kissed him as fierce as I could.