The seven’s obsession

Present

Ellie

It’s been eleven months since my sixteenth birthday and I still haven't seen Lorenzo after he spoke to me after the dinner. I guess its wishful thinking he would be any different from the rest of the mafia men in my life. I start the day like any other with my piano lessons, reading and studying how to be a proper lady. I’m in the library reading one of my favorite novels when I hear voices coming from under the door, not expecting anyone on this side of the castle of a home I tip toe to the door to hear the voices. Slowly putting my ear closer to the door I hear my father and someone else’s voice I don’t recall, I realize almost to late that they are about to open the door and walk inside, not wanting to be caught eavesdropping I hurry to the couch I was before I realized there was company. My father opens the door to the library, walks in and behind him follows in Lorenzo, father see’s me and says “Ellie i’ve brought you a visitor”. I stay seated on the couch and look to Lorenzo, he’s still as handsome as the day I met him, looking at me with those georgous deep blue eye’s. I have to mentally shake myself out of it and stand to greet him “hello Lorenzo, its nice to see you again”, he looks back at me with a smirk because he obviously seen the way i was checking him out when he stepped foot in the door. Lorenzo seems to be very quiet i front of a audience so i look to my father, he says “ Ellie, Lorenzo has come to see you for the day I will leave you to it, behave.” Giving me a warning look before he leaves the library, shutting the door behind himself. Lorenzo makes the first move to stand inches in front of me, wishing I would have known he was coming so I could have dressed a little more the part for him. He leans down and says “ hello beautiful, sorry it took so long to come see you my father has kept me rather busy and made that quit impossible”. Looking at him he seems genuinely sorry he hasn’t came to see me in so long, since he promised to see me soon the last time he was here. I say back “hi, I was beginning to wonder if you forgot about me, Im glad you came back to visit”, he looks relieved at my response so he proceeds to speak “actually i’ve came to see if you would like to go on a date to get to know each other better, i know this arrangement isn’t ideal but you seem so sweet i would like to know you better”. Im swooning with his words already, GET A GRIP ELLIE i battle with myself inside, smiling at him i reply “that sounds good to me, what did you have in mind?” Lorenzo grins at me “its a surprise, if you’re up for an adventure?” How would i not be? I would do anything to get it spend time with this man, except i would need to get promission from father first, noticing my fallen smile he speaks up “ I have already had it cleared by your father”. Just when I thought we wouldn’t be able to do what he had planned, I get surprised yet again by him and his thinking ahead, looking at him i ask “you were very certain I was going to say yes weren’t you?” Lorenzo lets out a laugh that gives me chill bumps, gosh he sounds so heavenly when he laughs, and says “well, I was very hopeful”. The way he said he felt about being hopeful I would agree to going on a date with him made me feel giddy inside. I let him lead me to the back entrance of the house, confused as to why we are going to the back and not the front to leave like i thought, he turns to me and says “we have to stay on the property during our date its not safe outside the fence, we have made many enimies over the years and I want nothing more than to keep you safe and sound”. Understanding where he is coming from about my safety I allow him to pull me out the back door and into the garden, “I know its not ideal for a first date to stay home but I hope i can make this a memorable first date for you, your father has agreed to give us privacy so long as we stay together on the property of the duration of our date”, again he has thought of everything which makes me very hopeful. Walking though the garden and into the path through the woods behind the estate, the trail is lovely at this time of day with all the flowers and animals roaming about it gives me a sense of euphoria. Lorenzo has a smile on his lips when i look at him, how did he know i liked nature and animals? No one has ever given me much thought nor attention to know me in this way, it's magical. As we walk through the animals and the nature is just calling out to me i begin to hum a tune not thinking, it just feels right oblivious to anyone watching me i run my hands over the plants and feel the softness of the leaves and the moisture it holds. Lorenzo clears his throat not really wanting to break me out of the trance i’ve been in but im getting carried away from the date he has planned fo me, i look to him to see he’s already looking at me with a toothy smile “Im sorry I didn’t want to intrude on the moment but I would love for you to sit with me and have lunch that i have picked out for us”, noticing we’ve stopped at a small clearing where there is a blanket laid out with a spread of food that smells delicious, I hurry to where the aroma is coming from and take a seat, Lorenzo sits next to me. I start to try all the crackers and cheeses that is here and go to reach for the juice he has sitting across the blanket but i guess we have the same idea because my hand brushes against his and i stop. Looking at him with a reddening face “sorry Im just out of my element no one has ever done such a sweet and romantic gesture for me before”. “That’s okay, i know as well as you do that our family would never in the past let anyone with romantic tendencies get near us, to save us from destruction of the treaty and alliance our families will have from us marrying”, still baffled I smile at him while he pours me some red fruit juice. Looking around at the scenery that is all around us I feel so whole at the moment being able to be somewhat myself around someone. Lorenzo seems to be content on the silence we are in, its not uncomfortable just feels right, until he says “I thought you would like a change of scenery from your four walls and enjoy some fresh air”, he couldn’t have been more right. “It’s really nice for someone to think of my wants for once and not my needs, though you probably didn’t know i enjoyed nature and animals did you?” “I have a pretty good radar when it comes to reading people and you just seem to be more at ease when you can enjoy yourself, and not around anyone”. Not sure how he got all that from our first meeting, but im happy for it, “thank you, im really enjoying myself”. I feel I can be myself with him, so i decide that once we get done i want to show him my favorite spot, “ I would like to show you something later when we finish here, if that’s okay”, “i would like nothing more” he says. We are finishing up our meal and drink and begin to get towards the end of our time together, so i pull him towards my most precious spot on the whole entire world, the well. We arrive at the well and i turn to him “ this was my mother's sanctuary and now its mine, well has been for a long time since i discovered it years ago while out here exploring the gardens”, hoping he doesn’t find me silly as i open up to him about myself, “ I think its beautiful Ellie, I would have never known this was even here but its amazing you have such a place to run to when you need it to escape”. I lead him to the concrete bench that’s near the well and take a seat as he follows my movements. “ I love it here, It’s the only place that i can come to and really feel like my mother is with me”, hoping he understands my meaning “ I understand I couldn’t imagine loosing either of my parents the way you’ve lost your mother, but you’ve grown to be such an amazing and beautiful woman I know your mother would be very proud of you if she were here”, such kind words I never know I never knew I needed to hear, a tear almost slips free, “ thank you, you are such a kind gentleman I just know we will be happy together after we wed” blush creeping on my cheeks mentally face palming myself for letting my mouth talk before I really think about what I was saying, hope that statement doesn’t scare him away now. Lorenzo chucked “ I agree, i think we will be just fine” sitting there with him has made me feel like i’ve known him all my life and that he’s my closest friend i never knew i needed, content with how the day has turned out. The sun is starting to set in the horizon and i know our time is coming to an end, I feel sad he will have to leave me again, I hope he is able to come back sooner this time instead of like last time. “ I plan to come and spend more time with you over the duration of the time we have left before the wedding, i enjoy your company Ellie, I promise”, happy with his statement since i didn’t want to say anything about his absence for the past eleven months, “ I hope we can manage that too, im looking forward to many more days like this one”, walking back towards the back entrance of the house i release a sigh not really wanting today to end only for my hand to be grabbed for me to stop and turned around, looking at him unsure as to why he’s stopped me, then he gently grabs the side of my face with both hands and leans down and presses his lips to mine, not thinking about it I grab his sides and pull him closer making him groan out loud, In a heated kiss not knowing what’s come over me, he slowly pulls back and places his forehead on mine breathing a little heavy. That was the best first kiss I could have ever hoped for, “ I’ve wanted to do that since the moment i fist seen you in that beautiful golden gown”, Im shocked at his omission but not caring anymore i tell him “ Im really looking forward to seeing you more often Lorenzo”. He seems taken aback from what i’ve said, eyes turning from lust filled to a little stormy “ I love my name on your lips, I will be seeing you soon, Goodnight Ellie, as always dream of me” as he turns to leave towards the front door, if he only knew what transpired after the last time he left he would more than likely be very happy. Feeling very giddy with everything I make my way to my chambers to retire for the evening, like nothing could bring down my bright mood. True to his word, over the next ten months Lorenzo has came and we have enjoyed each others company getting to know one another. I have fallen pretty hard for Lorenzo over the time he’s been coming and spending time with me, things have been going pretty well though we haven't shared anymore steamy exchanges but I know he is worth the wait, Im even looking forward to the wedding with him. Lorenzo will be here in a few mins we're meeting in the garden for another date, just as im about to sit he strolls through the door making his way towards me. “ Hope im not late” with a grin on his face “ actually your early” i say, he hasn’t missed a single date he’s set for us since the first one. “ Well im glad I was worried i might run a little behind, your father stopped me before i got out the door and had some business to discuss with me”, “ that’s okay, I understand no need to rush for me I would have waited for you” knowing I would do anything for this man, we take a slow stroll through the garden and into the path in the woods to our spot but something seems off with him, I don’t want to question him. We make it to our place and begin to sit but just as we go to lean down loud gun fire is heard to the left of us, Im pushed to the ground and something heavy is laying on top of me. Trying to figure out what’s going on everything is happening so fast i realize that we’ve been shot at, I start to panic and try to see if Lorenzo is okay, moving slightly after the gun fire has seazed I roll him over and notice he’s bleeding from his right shoulder, his face scrunched up in pain. I begin to really panic not knowing what to do, i’ve never been in this type of situation before. “Ellie we need to get you inside quickly, whoever just made that attempt on your life is still out there” not waiting for another moment i help him up and we make our way to the back door as quickly as possible. “ Ellie, Lorenzo!” I hear my father screaming for us, we make it into the garden when the sight of my father comes into view he makes his way towards us seeing Lorenzo is hurt, taking my hand and helping both of us into the house he starts barking orders at his men. “ Get the dr. for Lorenzo and get my daughter to safety, do a perimeter check I want that son of a b***h found that dare make an attempt on my daughter” he’s shouting demands Im to shocked at all the events to realize im moving to the safe room my father was talking about. As i sit in the safe room for however long i’ve been in here, all i can think about is Lorenzo and if he’s okay, after some time the door opens and my father lets me know its okay to come out now. “ Ellie, why don’t you go up to your room and clean up, meet me in my office once you have done so.” Knowing not to question my father I obey his orders and go get cleaned up in my chambers and change my clothes that are ruined from dirt and blood from Lorenzos wound. After calming myself down and changing I make my way to my fathers office, knocking on the door “come in” father says as I walk inside I see father sitting behind his desk looking like he’s aged 10 years in the past hour, my gaze moves across the room and I notice Lorenzo is sitting on the couch near fathers desk I hurry and make my ways to him “ are you alright? I was so worried about you” “ Im okay Ellie, nothing major was hit and it was a clean through and through. Although it will take time to heal to get full movement back but I will be just fine, I was so worried about you I tried my best to save you.” I couldn’t help myself with all the emotions that were flowing from me right now, I leaned down and gave him a gentle kiss on the cheek showing my gratitude, throat clearing behind me, I forgot we were in my father's presence quickly standing up and moving away and sitting on the opposite side of the couch as Lorenzo father begins “ none of that in front of me Ellie, I would like to say that the threat has been handled but that isn’t the case, Lorenzo and I have discussed precautions to keep you safe since the attempt was made on your life Ellie, and you will be joining him to his home until the wedding three months from now” shocked as he speaking with such care in his voice to me “ I will get to the bottom of this here while you are gone, but knowing you will be safe and out of harms way will give me the peace of mind so I can get the threat handled here.” Not knowing what to say to my father I just nod my head up and down, looking towards Lorenzo he seems to be satisfied with the outcome “but you will remain as you were here, doing your studies and on your best behavior I don’t need to remind you that you are expected to be wed untouched young lady” imbarissed by his words since I openly shocked affection in front of him I nod my head at him again. Father seems pleased with my response he dismisses me to pack for my stay with Lorenzo at the estate on Don Vitos territory, opening my room door Emma is already packing my belongings for me to leave, seems im to be rushed out as soon as possible with the threat still out there. Everything seems to be moving fast paced since father told me of my new living arrangements, before long im sitting in the back seat of Lorenzos car next to him while we make our way to his estate. I must have fallen asleep in the car along the way because im shooken awake, “ were here beautiful, lets get you inside and settled in” I follow Lorenzo out of the car and into the estate. Exhausted from the journey and the days events I just want to curl up and sleep for three days straight not even caring about the strange environment im in or the fact that Im outside the gate of my fathers estate for the first time. Lorenzo leads me to the room I will be staying in for the next three months, opening the door to the room “ this is the room you’ll stay in I had the maids get it ready for you while we were on the way here so there are fresh sheets on the bed and clean towels in the bathroom suite through the door over by the balcony doors, if you need me my room is right across the hall so im not far away sweetheart” “thank you Lorenzo, Im going to sleep soundly knowing I will have you watching out for me”. “ I need to go meet with my father to discuss business but I will return to check on you when im finished, sleep well beautiful”. He turned and left closing the door behind him, I climb in bed and quickly fall into a coma like sleep. Over the next few weeks Lorenzo is very busy with the upcoming wedding and unexpected guest he now has staying in his home, our exchanges are short but Im still happy that im here and feel protected. My father has phoned me on several counts to update me on the situation at the estate but he’s no closer on finding out who made the attempt on my life. Im not so worried because I know Lorenzo will protect me with his life, so i push it to the back of my head, the only down fall to being some place new and strange is that I get bored with nothing to do. I make my way out of my room to find something to do to occupy my time, there are multiple doors on this floor so I open each one and look inside only to find mostly empty rooms. Releasing a heavy sigh not any closer to finding something to keep me busy then where i started, I continue on my journey to explore the estate. Everyday I do the same thing, going around looking in doors to find the same thing, time passed and before i know it there is only a week until the wedding. My father and step mother are due to be here today to discuss upcoming nuptials and to stay here in the estate until after the wedding. Since they will be here strictly on business until the wedding I know I wont see much of them during their stay. Lorenzo finds me near the dining room that afternoon drinking a cup of tea and looking at the portraits on the wall coming up behind me and saying in my ear “ Hey beautiful, only a week away from being my wife, Im so ready to be able to sleep in the same bed and ravish this gorgeous temple of yours” feelings the heat spread between my thighs I turn to look at him with flamed cheeks he’s never been so forward before. “ I think that would be nice” Im so inexperienced in this department not sure of what to say. Lorenzo leaves me with yet another heated kiss claiming he was called to his fathers office to meet with him and my father but he wanted to check up on me first, I send him on his way and finish my tea. Retiring to my room for the evening I fall into a deep sleep thinking of my upcoming wedding night with Lorenzo. Waking up with the sun in my face like every other morning I do my morning routine and get ready for the day knowing my father will want to check in with me since i haven’t seem him yet though i’ve spoken to him over the phone since being here. I walk out of my room and turn towards the direction i hear hushed voices, it's probably my father adn step mother waiting me for me so we can discuss the upcoming wedding, slowing my steps as i get closer to the door that is slightly ajar so i can eavesdrop on them to see if there’s something going on that they havnt told me. Listening closely I hear my step mother whispering “ she will be out of the way soon enough and we can continue with our secret relationship in peace” not knowing what or who she is talking about I keep myself hidden to see if i can find out who it is she’s talking about. “She wont see it coming darling, I’ve got her under my spell she so blinded by my charms I throw at her, so oblivious to the danger that is right under her nose, I got her right where I went her, that fake attempt on her life i set up and then slowly worming my way into her heart she will never know what’s coming for her, I plan to sell her in the s*x trafficking we are in business with and she will never be a problem again and I'll settle for the nice payout I will get for her since she is untouched”. Not expecting what im hearing from him I thought he loved me, and he’s just been using me this whole time, Im so upset and make sure not to make a noise as I slip away and head the opposite direction back to my room. After shutting myself inside i release the tears and anguish im feeling I thought we were in love and he was true, but i guess i was wrong. My father must not know what his dear wife is up to behind his back, he would never approve of this would he? No, no way he would approve im his only daughter. After some time alone in my room trying to get myself calm and collected I can’t go out there and give them even a hint I know of what they are planning, I finally find my bearings and make my way to the dining room. My father is already there sitting beside Don VIto, I take a seat one down from my father “ hello father, hope you had safe travels and are well”, “ thank you Ellie, Im well we should start dinner as soon as your step mother arrives soon and Lorenzo, did you happen to see either of them on your way?” “No father, I haven seen them today”, the lie rolls off my tounge easily trying not to seem as im lieing. But as luck would have it in walked my step mother and Lorenzo, taking their seats Lorenzo sits beside me “ hey beautiful” looks to everyone at the table “ sorry were late Mrs. weiss spotted me on my way here and wished to speak to me about the upcoming wedding and was making sure I would treat her sweet Ellie with nothing but respect on our walk to dinner”. How can this bastard sit there and lie so easily about me like this to everyone like he’s not planning to get rid of me with her just so they can continue their secret affair, I’ve just about enough but i have to play the game so I can make it out of here alive so i force a smile and play along. “ It’s fine, Im sure you told my step mother you would be nothing but caring with me” “ absolutely beautiful” he says with a wink. Dinner ends without much more talk of anything important, but I really wasn’t paying attention I was to busy trying to figure out a way out of this place to get far away. Excused for the rest of the night I tell everyone goodnight and retire to my room to form a plan to escape, only I have an unexpected visitor opening my door its Anton, I allow him inside and shut the door, not sure what he would want at this hour. “ Ellie you need to get away from here and far away but quickly there are plans being set in motion as we speak to get rid of you, and i took an oath to the family to serve and protect you at all costs” looking at Anton shocked he figured out so soon as I have “ I know I over hear step mother and Lorenzo talking earlier before dinner and was just trying to form an escape plan”. “ I will help you get out of the estate and into the woods there are paths you can take to take you to the main road that will lead to a bus station, get on the bus and get as far away from here as you can, I will come find you once its safe and your father has handled this”. Anton shoved a bag in my hands, opening it slightly i look inside to find rolls of money and changes of clothes, black hoodie and jeans with tennis shoes. Im so great full for him, we make our way out the side door of the house and around the back making sure not to run into any guards or anyone else. When we get to the woods he stops “ run Ellie, take this path to the left remember what i said and you will be fine, I will stay behind to make sure your not found out, Ill see you soon”. I look at him he is helping me escape this and he I wont make him regret it by being captured before i can get away. “Thank you Anton, my father needs your help, please don’t let him get hurt I need him, Ill be fine until you come fo me” I take off to the path he told me, running as fast as my legs could carry me into the dark night without knowing what could happen or where I was going.