Chapter 6: 6. Lorenzo
I could not contain a small triumphant smile when I saw Mia Madison go through the door of the Bridge .
I knew she had refused my pass and that only the intervention of one of her friends had saved her. Nobody was crazy enough to insult an Orlando by declining one of her gifts, even though Mia didn't seem to care much about my last name and the weight it carried in this city.
I smiled even wider when I saw her take off her light white linen jacket to show a light blue dress with a high neck but with a deep neckline on her back, and with her skirt up to her knees.
Her chaste look, made even simpler by the light make-up with soft hues, was a clear sign of how she cared not to be mistaken again for an escort.
For a moment, her gaze met mine.
We both greeted each other, but her eyes remained glued to mine for a fraction of a second too much, making me guess that perhaps she too had thought of me all week, just as it had happened to me.
It had been difficult not to think of a woman who had told me that I looked like a jailbird and who had challenged me openly, despite the fact I intimidated her.
I let my gaze run slowly over her in search of that transgressive and uninhibited girl, but there seemed to be no trace of it.
She was simple and stunning.
Her blue eyes with slight purple shades stood out thanks to her lilac eyeshadow and on her full lips she wore a barely colored by a pink lipstick.
Unlike last time, she now looked much younger. I did not think she was any older than twenty-five and the graceful and refined way she moved and sat down, lifting the Bellini she had ordered to her mouth, ... was sensual and fascinating.
I had immediately understood that she was educated and was not a simple companion when I had spoken to her and now, seeing her in all her simplicity, I realized that it was more than what met the eye. However, the shyness and confidentiality that showed when the boy she spoke with touched her, made me realize there was something odd about her. It was as if she feared physical contact, almost as if it bothered her ...
She had also been shy with me, but I had read fear in her gaze, while now I read irritation and aversion, albeit hidden behind contrived smiles and measured but not very sharp gestures to keep that boy's hands in place.
I enjoyed her effort to contain her nervousness and always portray herself as a decent girl, even if it was evident that what she really wanted was to do was to slap her companion.
From my somewhat raised seat, I enjoyed the whole show, asking myself how long it would take her to lose her temper.
In addition, her friend Chelsea did not seem to notice anything, she was so taken by the emotions shared with the boy she was with since last week.
At one point, Mia's companion started playing with her long blonde hair.
Apparently, that gesture bothered her, and she jumped up and headed for the ladies' room with an apology.
I was about to turn my attention back to my glass when I saw the boy follow her to the bathroom.
I knew that arrogant smile and knew what would happen shortly.
Normally I would have called a waiter to tell him to intervene, but this time I felt my hands itch and, if what I feared came true, I would not hesitate to punch the ill-fated man.
Nonchalantly I headed for the ladies' room.
I found it closed.
I knocked and in response I heard an immediately muffled scream and something falling on the ground.
I didn't want to cause a scandal or frighten my customers as the restaurant's reputation was based on discretion, so I avoided banging on the door or shouting for someone to open it.
I immediately called Jacob, my second-in command, and had the bathroom keys brought.
In a moment, my friend opened the door.
I shot into the bathroom as Jacob closed the door behind us.
Mia was lying on the ground and had a red cheek, while the boy had the zipper of his pants open and was on top of her, holding her still by the wrists.
I pushed the bastard away and leaned over her.
I brushed her hair away from her face but, as soon as my fingers touched her cheek, she winced and walked away, terrified by my touch.
To my surprise, I saw a dark lock coming out of her temple and realized that she was wearing a blonde wig.
"Mia, it's me, Lorenzo Orlando," I said slowly, grabbing her shoulders shaken by sobs. "Come on, I'll help you get up."
She looked at my outstretched hand for a long time, as if it were something forbidden and dangerous, but eventually accepted my help.
I gently pushed her to her feet, but I realized that she must have twisted her ankle, because she was limping, and the strap of her right shoe was torn.
Before she could fall again, I grabbed her and picked her up.
She was so disoriented and frightened by what must have happened to her that she offered no resistance and crouched trembling against my chest.
Meanwhile Jacob took care of the boy.
"If I see you in my club, I'll tear you to pieces," I threatened him before Jacob kicked him out of the club.
I left the bathroom and noticed some customers looking at us in curiosity. Only Mia's friend looked upset and ran towards us.
"Oh my God ... What happened to you?" She screamed desperately, noticing the girl's red face.
"It's all right," she tried to reassure her.
"That's no good. It's not good at all ... Fuck, I'm dead if something happens to you! "
That phrase alarmed me because Chelsea really seemed to believe it.
I wanted to explore the matter further, but Sebastian, my manager, came over.
'Give me the keys to a room. The young lady got hurt and needs to rest, "I asked.
"The rooms are all busy," he warned me worriedly.
"Then I'll take her to my apartment," I concluded resolutely.
"No!" Cried Mia and Chelsea in unison.
"Do not worry. It is not my habit to save a woman from an attempted rape and then take a turn harassing her. Sebastian, meanwhile, call a doctor and the police so the client can file a complaint. "
"No!" Mia and Chelsea almost shouted again.
"No need ... I'm fine and nothing happened. I think it is better to turn the page and stop thinking about this issue. Besides, I don't intend to raise a scandal that could harm the reputation of the Orlandos, "clarified Mia anxiously.
I could sense trouble in the eyes of the two women.
"Okay, whatever you like," I settled, heading for the second floor where my apartment was.
I took Mia to the guest bedroom and laid her on the bed.
"Thanks," she thanked me shyly.
"Now can you tell me what happened and what did that boy do to you?"
"I was freshening up when he entered the bathroom. He closed the door. I got angry and he started pushing me. I lost my balance because of my high heels and I fell and sprained my right ankle. I thought he would help me and apologize ... Instead he grabbed me and started ... touching me ... telling me to stop doing the precious ... I tried to hit him, but he defended himself and slapped me ... I ... I ... "
"Then?" I hissed trying to curb the fury that was flooding my mind.
"He lifted my skirt and opened the flap of his trousers ... just at that moment you knocked saying to open the door. I tried to scream but he shut my mouth. I tried to free myself to no avail and finally you came in ... Thanks for intervening, "stammered Mia, still shaken up.
"It was my duty. Nobody can afford to do certain things in my house or harass my customers, "I replied, trying to remain detached, even though in reality I was so furious that I just wanted to smash the face of that son of a bitch.
"Lorenzo," Sebastian called me.
"I'll leave you alone. I'll be right there," I said goodbye to the two girls, leaving the room with my manager.
"This was in the bathroom," Sebastian said, handing me Mia's purse. "Be careful, Lorenzo. I don't trust those two. "
"Me neither. There's something suspicious. "
"Maybe you can find some answers in here," she suggested, opening her purse.
I turned my back not to let the girls see me, since I had left the door open.
I rummaged in the clutch bag and was stunned.
Inside there were only two hundred dollars spread out and Mia Madison's ID.
I looked better at the document.
False!
I exchanged a glance with Sebastian who nodded to make me understand that he had noticed it too.
"Which woman leaves the house without a cell phone?" He said in his usual inquisitive tone.
"One who doesn't want to be tracked down or who is too poor to afford it."
"I'd opt for the first theory since the dress she wears didn't come out of the department stores."
"I'd say no," I hissed nervously.
"What are we going to do?"
"I'll handle that. Meanwhile, call that new dishwasher we hired last month. He said he was graduating in physiotherapy. Have him come over here to find out if dear Mia Madison got really hurt or if it's all a show. And then look for information about her. The ID is from Los Angeles. Let's find out if this is true at least. "
"I have contacts there."
"Use them and then come tell me what you found out."
"And what do we do with the molester?"
"Find out who he is and demolish him. Make him want to disappear from the face of the Earth, especially from Rockart City, "I decided still furious. I would have done anything to ruin his career or life. Only exile from the city could have saved him.
"Yes, sir!"
Like lightning, Sebastian got busy.
I was about to go back to the room when I heard Chelsea argue with Mia.
"Please get up. I'll carry you home if necessary. "
"No. I've already explained it to you. "
"You cannot do this to me! I ... I ... Fuck, something like this wasn't supposed to happen. It's all my fault!"
"Don't speak nonsense."
"I should never have convinced you to come with me."
"Chelsea, it's all right," her friend tried to calm her down.
"Stop saying it's all right!" The girl cried hysterically.
Before it could degenerate, I went into the bedroom.
In an instant the two women fell silent.
"How are you, Mia?"
"I have a little ankle pain but I'm fine. I'm just still shaken by what happened, "she replied, showing me her swollen ankle.
Luckily, my dishwasher, Randy, arrived right away.
I introduced him and Mia allowed to be touched, while her friend went to the bathroom to get a wet towel to put it on her cheek and make the redness go away.
"I'm not a doctor and I'm only a junior in physiotherapy, but my ankle doesn't seem broken. Ice should reduce the swelling and, keeping it at rest for a couple of days, should bring it back to normal. Of course, it would be better to take an X-ray ... "Randy explained.
"I'm sure some ice will solve everything," Mia assured him.
In a short while, Randy medicated Mia and I took advantage of Chelsea's absence, occupied with Sebastian, who was interested in knowing the name of the molester, to be alone with Mia.
"Is it better now?" I asked cautiously, sitting on the edge of the bed next to her.
"Yes thanks. I am mortified by the inconvenience I am causing you, "the girl replied, returning to being formal. Obviously, the shock had been overcome and she was regaining control of herself.
"No need to be formal with each other."
"Okay," whispered Mia, unenthusiastic.
"I brought the bag back to you," I said, putting the clutch bag on the bed.
"Thanks."
"Do you want me to tell your family?"
"No."
"Do you want me to take you home?" If you give me the address, I can ... "
"It isn't necessary," Mia became impatient. "But if my presence is a big nuisance for you, then I will leave immediately."
"You are my guest and you can stay as long as you want."
"I just need to rest for a few minutes," Mia murmured aching and exhausted, closing her eyes.
"Take all the time you need."
She didn't answer me.
She had fallen asleep.
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
Victory_Storm
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