103. Athena
“Ready?”
The deep timbre of his voice wrapped around me like a protective shield, but it still couldn’t quiet the thundering of my heart.
My eyes lifted from the reflection in the vanity mirror to the man standing behind me: Lorenzo.
His casual attire—a simple grey T-shirt and dark jeans—felt oddly out of place for a day like this and for the man he was. But even in simplicity, he was effortlessly handsome and had this aura of authority around him. The sharp cut of his jawline, the way his hair fell in waves, the glint of determination in his eyes—every detail anchored me to reality.
“I… I am nervous,” I admitted, rising from the chair.
My palms felt clammy, my heart a fluttering mess beneath my ribs. Despite his reassuring presence, dread gnawed at the edges of my min
