MARRIED TO THE CAPO

Chapter 16

Eva

The dinner table was filled with sound of lively conversation with Dante teasing Luna who playfully rolled her eyes and give him witty replies. Maria laughed and playfully scolded them both while Mr De Luca smiled and noded along.

Lorenzo was sitting besides me not engaging himself in any conversation. He was quiet the whole  dinner just answering if somebody asked him anything. I tried to ignore his lingering gaze on me the whole dinner.

I was now with Maria helping her to serve the dessert. Everybody were out in the lawn enjoying the night.

"Eva, is everything all right between you and Lorenzo?" she asked, her eyes filled with concern. "You two seem a bit... off."

I hesitated, unsure of how to respond. "He's been good....." I began, choosing my words carefully. "But, suddenly, he just distances himself from me. It's like he shuts down, and I don't know what's wrong."

Maria's expression was filled with understanding. "Eva, I know it's hard to deal with Lorenzo sometimes, but you need to give him time and be patient with him. He's been through a lot in his life, and sometimes it takes him a while to process his emotions."

She paused, her eyes filled with a deep love for her son. "Lorenzo has his struggles. He needs someone like you, Eva, someone who can understand and support him through the tough times."

Maria's eyes sparkled with knowing as she leaned in closer. " tesoro, I can tell you that Lorenzo is totally taken with you. The way he's been looking at you throughout dinner, and even before... it's like he's besotted."

She smiled, her voice filled with warmth. "I've seen the way he gazes at you, with such intensity and adoration. He's smitten, Eva. And I think he might even be a little scared of his feelings, which is why he's pulling back."

Maria's words sent a flutter through my chest, and I felt a surge of hope. Her words were like a balm to my soul, soothing my frustrations and worries.
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I slammed the door behind me, grateful to finally be alone in my room. The silent car ride home had been suffocating, Lorenzo's occasional glances burning a hole in my skin. I couldn't bear the thought of talking to him, of pretending everything was okay when it wasn't.

I flopped onto my bed, staring blankly at the ceiling. My mind raced with thoughts of Lorenzo's distant behavior, his mother's words echoing in my head. Was he really struggling with his emotions, or was he just playing games with me?

I rolled over onto the middle of the bed, burying my face in my pillow. I didn't want to think about it anymore, didn't want to feel the ache in my heart. I just wanted to escape, to forget about Lorenzo and his mixed signals. But deep down, I knew I couldn't avoid him forever.
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I lay on the chaise lounge, my book abandoned beside me, as I gazed up at the star-filled sky. The night air was crisp and cool, and I had wrapped my thin robe over my short night dress around me, but my legs still felt bare and exposed.

I sighed heavily, my eyes scanning the darkness beyond the pool area. The sound of crickets were the only breaks in the silence. I felt alone and vulnerable, my mind racing with thoughts of Lorenzo and where he could be. He was not home the whole day.

I felt a sudden chill run down my spine as I sensed someone's gaze on me. I turned to see who it was, and my heart skipped a beat as I met Lorenzo's intense stare. He was leaning against the doorframe a glass wine is his hand, his eyes fixed on me with an unnerving intensity. My exposed legs, seemed to be the focus of his gaze.

I felt a flush rise to my cheeks as I quickly pulled my robe tighter, trying to cover myself. Lorenzo's eyes never wavered, his gaze still fixed on me with an unspoken message. I felt like he could see right through me. The silence between us was heavy with tension.