SURVIVOR: Ghost – Bodyguard Series (S01 • E19)🩸🔞

[Adewole Olayiwola Kelvin]

SURVIVOR: Ghost – Bodyguard Series (S01 • E19)🩸🔞

By:- Adewole Kelvin

“HIGH-STAKE”

Omni-pov

{Presently…}

Lorenzo: “All thanks to me”? No, all credit goes to the agent, love.

Lorenzo said softly, gently tucking a strand of her hair behind her ear as he looked into her brown eyes, their faces still close. But Bao, not fully accepting that fact, spoke her mind softly before lowering her gaze. She returned the passport to the manila envelope while Lorenzo listened to her calmly and patiently.

Bao: I know. But what’s the agent without you? What’s safety without you? Most importantly, what’s life without you? Maybe I’d have met the same fate as my father did. (She chuckles wryly.) Or maybe I’d be lying in another man’s bed as a s*x toy, getting used by now—who knows? It leaves me caught in a web of imagination, wondering what could’ve happened without you, giving me a thousand reasons to thank you so much, even if it was the passport agent who handled everything. My words still remain the same: all thanks to you.

As she finished her statement, she looked at Lorenzo and embraced him tightly. Moved by her words, he wrapped his arms around her, cradling her gently and dropping a kiss on her head, as if they had been apart for years. With their eyes closed, Lorenzo spoke in a soft, sharp, and serious voice, full of caution.

Lorenzo: Yeah, you’re welcome. I know it’s just an assumption, but I don’t like it when you say things like being used as a s*x toy. The thought of you being used like that is something I don’t ever wanna imagine in my life. It freaks me out and honestly disgusts me. Be careful with words like that.
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Bao: (Still embracing him) Okay, you have my words.
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Lorenzo: On top of that, I’m just glad we were able to pull it off in a short time.
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Bao: Yeah, also thanks to the help of Ms. Ying. I must admit, she did a very good job.
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Lorenzo: (smile faintly) Indeed, she’s given me even more reasons to trust her. I was hoping you’d leave on the third day once you got your new passport, but since everything happened so fast and has already been taken care of, there’s no need for you to stay here any longer.

Hearing that, Bao slowly separates from him as she listens. But with space still between them, Lorenzo continues.

Lorenzo: Change of plan: You’re leaving tonight, but…
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Bao: Wait, I’m leaving tonight?
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Lorenzo: Precisely, love. You’re leaving tonight—12 a.m. sharp. I don’t want to draw any attention while you’re leaving the country. Besides, I have my reasons. Once your visa and passport are stamped, you move. No delays.

Lorenzo responded with a serious look, now standing beside Bao, who didn’t utter a word afterward. She had hoped to spend a bit more time with him before leaving the country, but now things had twisted. She knew there was nothing she could do to change it in that moment. Besides, everything they were doing was for her safety—between life and death, even. She exhaled, then looked up at him as he focused on his phone, his back turned towards her.

Bao: I was even hoping I could spend at least a day with you before finally leaving the country, you know. (Snorts) I guess I was wrong to believe that could happen. But if I’m leaving tonight, then so be it. You’re the only one here who truly understands that dangerous organization, and you alone know the real reason behind this sudden change of plan—even if it’s for my safety. And I accept that. However, I’m curious and I want to clarify something. Speaking of the visa, if I’m not mistaken, doesn’t it usually take 3 to 6 months to acquire one?

Asked with a question, Lorenzo sat back on the chair beside her and palms her left cheek and caresses it with his thumb then responded, looking deep into her brown eyes without a bat, while she held and slowly rub the same hand he had used to hold her affectionately

Lorenzo: Absolutely right. But neither you nor I are ready to take that risk, are we?
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Bao: No, I agree. But you and I both know that entering a country without a visa is illegal and comes with the risk of getting flagged, don’t we?
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Lorenzo: (in a soothing voice) Yes, I know. And I understand you need clarity. Every problem has a solution, right? Look how far we’ve come. You trusted me when we started this—and even after we got your documents done. I believe that trust is still there. So don’t lose faith now—not when we’re this close. Let that same trust carry us through. Regardless, I’d say the same thing if our roles were reversed, but it’s not something we can risk now, considering the situation on ground. So here’s the thing—I had it done even before now…

Lorenzo stood after ending his statement and walked around the table, facing her with his arms deep in his pocket while Bao looked in his direction curiously.

Bao: Alright… What have you done? Fill me in.
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Lorenzo: I pulled some strings. Considering how many months it usually takes to get a visa, I reached out to a solid plug of mine in the immigration office— a high-ranking officer who owes me personally. I saved his life and his family a few months ago after he killed one of our men. I even kept his sorry a*s and his family covered. So yeah, he owed me. I told him about you, explained how badly you need that visa today, and made it clear how important you are..
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Bao: I understand everything being done is for my safety, and you’ve already risked so much. But this high-ranking immigration officer—the one who killed a member of that dangerous organization and whom you’ve been hiding from their wrath, which the organization might see as betrayal—he’s not going to get killed because of me, is he?

Bao asked, her voiced laced with curiosity, as she fixed her eyes at Lorenzo, who fold his arms with a forced smile and examine her for awhile before eventually replying.

Lorenzo: Do you take pity on the man?
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Bao: As much as I hate to say this, the answer is no. Your life is at stake because of him. I might not know much about the organization, but from what I do know, once someone joins a dangerous group like that, the consequences of betraying a fellow member are severe. You’re considered brothers the moment you’re initiated—so betraying one is like betraying blood. (chuckles wryly) And speaking of that, what about me? I’m your superior’s debtor’s daughter—the one you didn’t turn in. My case isn’t so different from the immigration officer’s. But, I just don’t…
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Lorenzo: Wrong. While I fully understood your words about the organization and its members, you’re wrong. As far as I’m concerned, you’re absolutely wrong. I disagreed the moment you said your case isn’t different from the immigration officer’s—and that’s where you’re mistaken. There’s a huge difference between you and the fat pig I saved from the organization I belong to. You had no idea about your father’s debts. But he—he knew the danger and consequences of killing a member of the Red Wolves. He knew exactly what he was doing, and he still thought he could get away with it. What he didn’t know was that I was there that night. I saw him when he killed one of us. But do you know why I spared his life? Why I covered for him and protected his family from the organization’s wrath?

Bao slowly shook her head and listened carefully as he continued.

Lorenzo: It’s because I knew a day like this would eventually come. He’s a man of influence—a high-ranking immigration officer. But his influence means nothing in the eyes of the organization, and you know exactly what that means—he has to be cautious whenever he tries to pull a fast one. Even with that, there are still consequences for killing a brother of the organization.
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Bao: And… what exactly are the consequences for killing a brother that belongs to the most dangerous organization in the country?
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Lorenzo: (assertive tone) He owes me for life. But he’s lucky he’s not getting killed today — only because of you. No exposure, no loose ends. Regardless, he already passed the info to one of his most trusted staff, who will get the visa handled and stamped without you ever stepping foot in the embassy. It’s just a temporary visa — valid for 72 hours — but enough to get you out safely, for now. You’ll finalize the long-stay visa as soon as you land. Don’t worry — contact in Rome is already in position. And even better, a Citadel X private jet is fueled and ready, arranged personally by the high-ranking officer himself. Also, he pulled strings and pre-alerted a senior Italian immigration officer he’s close with. So if anything dares to go wrong, you’re cleared on both ends. Lucia, my sister, will take over once you land. And you won’t be alone — elite private security is already deployed, ready to guard you both the moment you touch down.
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Bao: So now, we are waiting for that high-ranking officer’s staff to show up
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Lorenzo: Precisely — it’s 6 p.m. now. He should be here by 6:30. His staff is already on the way, and our location has been sent to him with strict instructions to keep it confidential. He wouldn’t dare cross that line… unless he has a death wish.
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Bao: (snorts) I was with you the whole time. How come I didn’t know about this?
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Lorenzo: Hm… well, you were with me the whole time—except when you went into the embassy for your biometric appointment with Ms. Ying. While you were gone, I had a chat with the high-ranking officer right there in the car. I told him about your urgent need for a visa. So, what does it matter to you now, beauty? Huh?

Lorenzo answered in a confident and gentle voice, sitting back in the chair with his right arm resting on the top of it. His posture was relaxed and comfortable. Bao tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, then curled up beside him and rested her head on his thigh. She held and cradled his arm against her upper body, slowly caressing it with affection as she exhaled softly, her back turned toward him.

Bao: And what’s the matter with being curious? …I just wish we had more time to spend together before I finally leave.
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Lorenzo: It’s a thought that never strays far from my mind. But I gave you my word, didn’t I? I promised to visit, and that promise still stands—nothing has changed. (Smiles) Besides, we’re here now, still together, so let’s make the most of this moment while it lasts.

Lorenzo said quietly, lowering himself as he gave her a quick tickle on her side, making her twitch and chuckle. A smile formed on Lorenzo’s face at her reaction. Then, she wrapped her arms tenderly around his head and slowly pulled it down, his cheek resting against hers, just after he had planted a kiss on her smooth, tanned neck. Together, they exhaled heavily and continued to talk heart to heart, while Bao gently caressed the other side of his face with her hand.

Lorenzo, on the other hand, gently pressed his palms against her stomach with care, rubbing it slowly with his thumb. Outside on the house veranda, Alessia and Jack stood having a quiet discussion about their next mission, their eyes fixed on a tactical tablet she held. The rest of their crew were in position, sharp and watchful, with one of them puffing on a cigarette as they clung to their rifles.

Thirty minutes later, a dark Toyota RAV4 pulled up in front of the house, slowly parking beside Alessia’s black Hummer SUV. The arrival of the vehicle made Alessia’s crew rack the bolts of their rifles, instantly on high alert. A moment later, a young man stepped out — dressed in a dark coat over a grey top and jeans, with a face cap pulled low and sunglasses masking his eyes.

As soon as he got out of the car, he walked to the back seat and carefully pulled out a portable biometric kit, then closed the door. Before he could take another step, Alessia’s crew, already in position, again racked the bolts of their rifles and aimed at him. One of them warned him sharply — if he moved again, he’d have a bullet in his head.

But the young man scoffed, unfazed by the intimidation, and dropped the biometric kit on the ground. Moments later, Lorenzo ordered that he be let in, after Alessandra informed him of the man’s arrival and description. Lorenzo had already been aware of the visitor, having caught a quick glimpse of him through the window from inside.

Once ordered to be let in, Alessia gave a signal to her crew to grant him entry. The young man confidently adjusted his coat and picked up the biometric kit, the weight of it pulling down his right arm — a clear testament to how heavy it was. Despite being granted access, Alessia’s crew still didn’t stand down, especially Alessia herself. She stopped him at the steps leading to the veranda where she and Jack stood, forcing him to drop the biometric kit a second time.

Frustrated by the situation, the young man rudely muttered the reason for his arrival. Besides, since Lorenzo had already ordered them to let him in, why was he being stopped again? But a deadly look from Alessia and the sharp click of Jack racking his rifle’s bolt shut him up instantly, leaving him no choice but to let them do their job. Alessia scanned his body with a handheld metal detector, then checked his biometric kit using an X-ray scanner. No harmful items were found on him or in the kit. Satisfied, Alessia stepped aside and allowed him to enter the house freely.

Lorenzo had already pulled out his gun, stand and waiting for him to get in, while Bao sat on the chair, looking in the direction of the door when the door opened. Lorenzo immediately slide the rack of his gun smoothly, sending a cold chill down the spine of the young man, especially even awared he was dealing with the Red wolves, as he closed the door behind him. As he turned around, he stuttered, his face hung low a bit, as he holds the biometric kit.

Immigrant officer: G-Good evening, sir. I’m Officer Stevenson… Immigration and Border Affairs. I, uh, I was told to come directly for the… visa. No questions asked. I’ve got the kit… and the clearance file…
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Lorenzo: Steven, Stevenson—whatever the hell your name is… The moment you walked in, I had the urge to put a bullet through your skull. And believe me, I’m the kind of man who listens to his instincts. So if you want me to ignore that feeling, show me your ID. Your badge. Now. Let’s see if you’re really who you claim to be or just another dead man in disguise.

Lorenzo said in a cold calm voice, his expression earnest as he looked at the young man, who swallowed hard upon hearing those words, beads of sweat already forming on his forehead. Even Bao turned her eyes to him instantly, shocked, unable to believe what she had just heard. A part of her doubted he was serious—Lorenzo wouldn’t harm a defenseless man without reason, let alone act on a sudden urge to kill. Yet, another part of her believed he was doing it to uncover something, and whatever that was, it had to be for her safety.

Unbeknownst to the young man, Lorenzo only said that to manipulate him as a test of authenticity – to gauge reactions and verify identity, but that only scare the confident the poor man earlier fleeing from him for so many reasons. He knows Lorenzo is a Red wolves he dealing with and he knows what the members of the red wolves are really capable of, especially considering he’s the right hand of the dangerous gang, the young man believe anything can happen, which has already came with a threat, despite he’s not been harmed yet. In that moment, he already his life is now between life and death with what happening.

But for as long as he had his badge and ID since that was the only thing keeping him alive—his life might be spared. Even then, there was no guarantee of survival. The young man had no idea he was being played, his fear of the Red Wolves clouding his instincts. With trembling courage, he dropped the biometric kit, reached into his coat pocket, and pulled out his badge and ID. His hands shook as he stretched them toward Lorenzo, who walked over and examined both intently. Then he looked at the young man with a cold stare that made his heart race wildly in his chest. Head bowed, the young man remained silent. Even Bao couldn’t help but to wonder what’s going to happen next, a heavy suspense between them.

Suddenly, Lorenzo pushed and clutch the ID and Badge to the young young man’s chest, causing trepidation within the man, as he shakes in his boot with his face still hung low.

Lorenzo: Get down to business–now.

Lorenzo demanded, turning around and tucking back his gun behind his back while the young man quickly picked up the biometric kit and placed it carefully on the table before Bao and Lorenzo who had just sat on the chair beside her, typing on his phone swiftly for a brief moment before looking at him.

Immigrant officer: I need a few seconds… the kit’s locked. Clearance code required to access biometric functions — just a moment…

The young man uttered under his breath and dropped to one knee, eyes locked on the biometric kit. A sharp beep sounded as he opened it—its small screen flickering to life. Inside were tools of precision: a fingerprint scanner, a compact passport camera, a verification module, a touchscreen interface, a secure passport slot, and a mini printer for temporary visa stickers or chip-based digital updates. Then came the calm, automated voice from the kit, breaking the silence.

Kit (Automated voice): Clearance code required. Please authenticate to proceed.

Then, the young man typed it, speaking quietly and in a low voice—barely audible.

Immigrant officer: IMM-CX****-BRAVO

After he inputs the code, the kit spoke out again in confirmation.

Kit (Automated voice): Code accepted. Biometric functions active.

Accessing the kit successfully gave Lorenzo one more reason to believe the young man was authorized and truly sent to help with the visa. If not, he was ready to make his life a living hell for trespassing. Apart from that, he had already confirmed the young man’s identity with the high-ranking officer via phone. Regardless, the young man kept his eyes fixed on the system and spoke politely when the kit requested input.

Kit (Automation voice): Passport scan required. Please insert valid documents.
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Immigrant officer: Please, I’ll need your passport now for quick verification. After that, I’ll scan your fingerprints and take a photo.

As soon as he said that, Bao didn’t hesitate to pull the passport and other important documents from the manila envelope and hand them over to him. She moved closer, ready to provide her fingerprints, while Lorenzo watched closely.

Once all the valid documents were confirmed, the biometric kit unlocked with a soft chime. Bao stepped forward and held out her hand. The scanner gave a quiet hum as it captured her fingerprints. Then came the photo, a flash, a soft click as the camera snapped her image. Her passport lay open on the table while the immigration agent checked her information on a secure handheld device. Every detail matched.

Minutes later, a secure alert tone came from the immigrant officer phone, the visa application had gone through high-priority diplomatic channels and was already approved, much faster than normal procedures would ever allow. With a few taps, the digital visa was stamped — either as a visible seal in her passport or saved securely in the system. All the data was encrypted and backed up, ensuring she would be cleared on arrival.

Immigrant officer: Now, everything’s set—visa confirmed and approved: valid for 72hours. Your documents are complete and valid, Ms Bao.

He announced, nicely handing Bao her passport, the fresh visa sticker now pressed firmly across one of its pages, sealed and ready. As Bao collected it, she said with a faint smile, as she examine the visa which has already been sealed to her passport.

Bao: Thank you!

Lorenzo gave her passport a glance before looking back at the young man, who was carefully placing the equipment back in their specific spots and closing the portable biometric kit. Then, the young man stood up, looked at Lorenzo with a bit of courage, cleared his throat, and said:

Immigrant officer: Ahem, she’s all set now, sir. Five hours from now, she’ll be heading straight to the private jet terminal—no stops, no delays. Everything has already been taken care of. So, if you’ll excuse me, I should, uh, be going now.

Lorenzo didn’t utter a word but nodded in agreement, then picked up the biometric kit from the table and turned toward the door. Just as he reached it, Lorenzo spoke abruptly, causing the young man to stop in his tracks.

Lorenzo: Thanks. But next time I see you, I’ll gift you a sweet, free one-way ticket. So stay alive until then, Stevenson!

With his back turned toward Lorenzo and Bao, the young man swallowed hard, glanced sideways, adjusted his cap, then headed out and closed the door behind him. Lorenzo’s statement had clearly shaken him. Lorenzo snorted and sat back in the chair. Bao turned her gaze toward him, still holding her visa and passport, and asked him curiously.

Bao: You’re not going to give him a sweet, free one-way ticket, are you?
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Lorenzo: It’s just an empty threat…
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Bao: Well, now, you’ve given the man a lifetime of regret and fear, enough to keep him out of sight. I doubt he even has peace of mind, afraid he might be seen and handed a one-way ticket by you one day. That was one hell of a threat—even I feared you the moment you said it.
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Lorenzo: Hm, I must have sounded pretty dangerous when I said that. What about now? (in a deep, cold voice) “How dare you speak to me like that?”
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Bao: Oh, now, you sound even more dangerous.
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Lorenzo: Ah!

Lorenzo suddenly and playfully snarled in her ear, his right arm gently slipping around her neck as he pulled her close, patting her ear softly with his lips. Bao was startled by his reaction and burst into a quiet laugh, her visa, passport, and other documents resting on her thighs.

Bao: Oh God, you’re gonna give me an heart attack. Stop it.
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Lorenzo: Is that so?

Lorenzo kissed her on the ear, his hand still cradling her neck. Then, he picked up her visa and passport, scanning them with his eyes. His smile slowly faded from his lips as Bao, who was also watching the documents, glanced at him before he eventually spoke softly.

Lorenzo: Five hours from now, you’ll be leaving Canada. Do you know what that really means?

Bao didn’t utter a word as she stared at him and listened.

Lorenzo: It means no more running—at least for now—the moment you land in Italy. it’s better than staying here in this country and it’s not forever, until it’s over. But I want you to promise me that you’re going to be fine over there—with or without me.

Upon hearing that, Bao hesitated to make such a vow. She looked deep into his eyes, then lowered her gaze and bit her lip before meeting his eyes again and responding.

Bao: I promise, but only if you promise you’ll be okay as well.
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Lorenzo: I promise, too.

Lorenzo vowed softly with a warm smile, even though he didn’t know if he would survive the battle he had planned with his boss. He knew that fighting his boss was a death wish—something she didn’t know about, something he kept to himself. But promising her was the only way to give her peace of mind. Then, they hugged each other tightly.

Hugging her in that moment, he felt consumed by guilt for not telling her what was going on between him and the organization—a matter of life and death. But he couldn’t bring himself to break it to her, not now, especially after the vow he had just made, which had already given her peace of mind. He fought against the guilt tearing at him from within and chose to let the moment remain as it was. After all, it was his fight, and he didn’t want anyone else involved.

As they hugged, he planted a soft, warm kiss on her neck, his eyes closed. Bao hugged him even tighter, as if she were trying to squeeze the life out of him. For a moment, they stayed like that before finally pulling apart. Just then, Lorenzo’s phone beeped in his pocket. He pulled it out, glanced at the screen, then slipped it back in. Carefully, he placed her passports and other documents into the manila envelope. As he did, he spoke, while she tucked a strand of her dark hair, one that had fallen across her face, behind her ear.

Lorenzo: Do you remember when I said I couldn’t wait too long, even though I wanted us to spend more time together, because I had other pressing matters to take care of?
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Bao: Yeah, I remember you said that. It’s easy to remember. (gasp softly) How could I possibly forget?
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Lorenzo: That’s one of the pressing matters I needed to take care of that popped up on my phone. I would have loved to stay a little longer and watch the private jet take off with you inside, but unfortunately, I can’t because of it.

In that moment, Lorenzo closed the manila envelope with all her documents inside and turned his gaze to her face. They held hands as Bao answered softly, then pressed her lips together afterward.

Bao: I understand, as long as it’s nothing that could harm you, it’s alright.
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Lorenzo: (snorts) Yeah. By the way, Alessia and her team will take it from here—she already understands what this is all about, so it’s nothing new to her, except for the exact time you’re leaving the house, which has already been set. No delays. As for that, I’ll brief her outside before I head out. You’re safe with them, alright?
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Bao: (smile faintly) Alright! But… before you leave, I want you to have this.

Bao said, carefully pulling off a tiny silver ring from her left middle finger. She gently grasped his left hand as she continued speaking.

Bao: It’s a lucky ring that was given to me by my mother before she passed away, and now, I want you to have it too

Lorenzo agreed with a nod, and she slowly slid the ring onto his left middle finger, still holding his hand. Afterward, Lorenzo cupped her left cheek and caressed it with his thumb, looking into her eyes as if searching for something. Then, he tilted his head slightly, letting his hand glide down to gently hold her chin. Their lips met in a soft kiss as they felt each other’s warm breath. Bao raised her hand and cradled his neck with her slender arms, pulling him closer. Lorenzo’s hands slowly traced their way down to her back, holding her as they embraced the moment.

Feeling his hand move slowly toward her back made her arch slightly, allowing him to wrap his arms around her waist. Their locked lips moved in a slow frenzy as they made out, her chest pressing softly against his. After a minute of tender kisses, gentle body contact, and the shared warmth of their breath, they finally pulled away, resting their foreheads together as they lingered in the moment, teasing each other with closed eyes.

Lorenzo: You smell and taste so good… I could just eat you up right now
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Bao: (chuckles) What held you down? Is the beast sleeping this time?
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Lorenzo: Ohh, nice comeback. I’ll take that as a free pass not to unleash the beast in me… for now. But just so you know, there’s one thing I’m absolutely sure of.
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Bao: Which is?
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Lorenzo: I love you, Bao.
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Bao: (sigh smilingly) I love you more.

In that moment, they broke body contact and Lorenzo calmly stood. Knowing if he don’t do that, he’d still be clinging onto her body, which is so comforting and warming, enough to hold any person down. It might even cost him time of spending more time with her, which he felt he’s not ready to risk now, so he said while Bao looked up at him.

Lorenzo: I should get going now.
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Bao: Stay safe. For me. For you. For us.

Bao nodded and spoke in a loving tone, her expression both nervous and caring, as she gently held his right-hand fingers, looking straight at his face. Lorenzo nodded in agreement with a faint smile and walked energetically toward the door, leaving Bao’s hand hanging in the air for a moment, stretched out toward him with no desire for him to leave. She sat still, watching in his direction until he was out of the house.

In that moment, she began to hear Lorenzo having a brief assertive discussion with Alessia and her team. Then she heard footsteps receding and the sound of a car door opening, prompting her to get up from the chair and peer through the window as he entered his car.

Lorenzo, on the other hand, after finishing his discussion with Alessia and her team on the veranda, walked toward where his car was parked, his eyes fixed on his phone without looking back. He reached the car, opened the door, and got in.

Once inside, he dialed a number on his phone, and an automated voice spoke.

Phone (Automated Voice): Hey, this is Marco. Please leave a message.
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Lorenzo: Marco, listen up. I need six of your fiercest men—immediately. There’s a critical task waiting. I’m sending the location. Have them meet me there without delay.

After saying that, his eyes caught Bao watching him through the window, prompting him to send her a smile. Alessia and her crew remained in position, guarding the area around the house. He then started the engine, shifted the car into reverse, pressed the pedal, and backed out. With a final glance, he sped off, a cloud of dust rising behind him.

Tbc…

[Author]

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