"You've lost your mind!"
"I've never been more clear-headed!" He came around the table, closing in. "That Russian bastard can't give you happiness! He'll only imprison you, torture you, treat you like his possession!"
"Lorenzo, listen to me—"
"No! This time, you listen to me!" He cut me off, advancing. "I've arranged everything! Car's waiting at the back exit, documents are ready! If you're willing, we can leave this instant! New York, Canada, anywhere!"
"I won't go with you!"
"That monster has brainwashed you!" He was nearly shouting. "Are you going to let him cage you forever?"
The whispers around us grew louder.
"What's this about a mark?"
"Isn't that Mrs. Morozov?"
Shame and fury churned in my chest.
"Lorenzo!" I hissed through gritted teeth. "Shut up!"
"I won't!" His voice rose higher. "I want everyone to know what kind of monster Kholod Morozov is! He abuses you, he—"
"Enough!"
I raised my hand and slapped him hard across the face.
The sharp sound rang through the restaurant.
Everyone froze.
Lorenzo clutched his cheek, staring at me in disbelief.
"You... you slapped me..."
"Yes!" Tears finally spilled over. "What happens between Kholod and me is none of your damn business!"
"But—"
"No buts!" I wiped my tears away. "What gives you the right to think I need saving?"
His voice was anguished. "Noelle, I know! I know everything! Aunt Sofia forced you! The Bellucci debts forced you! You don't love him—"
"So what? This is my choice!"
"That's martyrdom!"
"Call it whatever you like!" I took a shaky breath. "Lorenzo, now please leave."
"I'm not leaving!" He lunged forward, yanking me closer. "Noelle, come with me! I'll protect you! Give you freedom! I'll—"
"Let go of me!" I struggled fiercely. "Lorenzo, release me!"
"Never!" He gripped tighter. "Noelle, please, come with me..."
Customers around us rose from their seats, some snapping photos with their phones, others murmuring, and someone had summoned the restaurant manager.
I could feel the pain shooting through my wrist, feel the sweat from his palms.
