Free Believe by Celia Juliano Page B

to marry her. He wanted to share her life, her dreams. Her throat tightened. This was unreal.
    But Lorenzo was real. He slid his arms around her waist, pulling her even closer. The soft wool of his suit rubbed against her cheek. His scent, his heat, made her dizzier.
    “I’m getting you a ring. I want to give you everything.” His voice was hoarse.
    Lita fingered his hand. The bandage she’d placed on it yesterday was rough on her skin. She moved back, looking up at him. “What you said, about the clubs…”
    “It’s done. I want a new life, with you.”
    “That’s all I want.”
    Lorenzo caressed the curve of her lower back. The warmth became hot, as if she’d turned the water the wrong way, scalding her skin. Lita wriggled. A low rumble sounded from Lorenzo’s throat. Lita parted her lips.
    The kitchen door swung open, banging. Lita squirmed, but Lorenzo held her tightly.
    “No, Vittorio.” Uncle Enzo waved his hands and strode in, Sophia and Carlo behind him. “Lorenzo, I told you—”
    “Lorenzo asked me to marry him and I said yes.” Lita smiled, despite the angry glare on Uncle Enzo’s face, and the shocked dismay on Sophia’s and Carlo’s faces. Only Paolo and Grandpop smiled with Lita. Lorenzo released her from his arms. Lita rubbed her arms, chilled.
    “Lorenzo…married?” Carlo shook his head.
    “Another wedding!” Paolo hugged Lita.
    Lita tried to respond, but her lips felt stuck together, her shoulders tensed. The disapproval and disappointment in the room clung to her like a tangled line of tape.
    “Marriage isn’t about the wedding.” Sophia’s voice was quiet, but firm.
    “Exactly.” Uncle Enzo stepped in front of Lita. “You are very dear to me, Lita. Lorenzo hasn’t proven—”
    “ Basta !” Grandpop gripped Uncle Enzo’s shoulder. “Enough, Enzo. The boy is proving himself. He’s free from the business, from his father. He’s made a commitment to Lita. He knows we’ll hold him accountable.”
    “He may think he’s free, but it’s never that simple. You of all people know that, Vittorio.” Uncle Enzo shrugged his older brother off.
    “Please.” Lita placed herself between the divided group. “Lorenzo and I love each other. We love all of you. Please try to be happy for us.”
    “Lita and I are getting married.” Lorenzo stepped behind her and slid his arm around her waist. “No one can keep us apart.” His tone stung, the quick slice of a knife blade. Lita pressed herself into him, to stop from shivering.
    “You see how he is?” Uncle Enzo glared at his brother.
    Grandpop shook his head. “He’s young.” Grandpop’s tone implied “and stupid.”
    Uncle Enzo looked at Lita. His eyes softened. “Lita, Lorenzo will hurt you. Maybe not now, but when the novelty of new love wears thin…I won’t see you hurt, my dear.”
    Lorenzo’s stomach tensed against Lita’s back. Lita fingered her throat, then her necklace. “He promised he’d never hurt me. I believe in him.”
    “Enzo, let them be.” Grandpop’s voice was strangely hushed. “They have to learn for themselves.”
    There was nothing to learn—except more about Lorenzo, about what it would be like to be his wife. But that was a dream realized. Not something sad or hurtful, as her family implied.
    “What’s the commotion?” Janetta pushed through between her parents, her tiny petite frame not matching the strength of her voice and presence. “What’s Lorenzo pulled now?” Janetta smiled.
    “Shut it.” Lorenzo’s tone teased, no longer steely.
    “Lemon blossom, this is no joke.” Uncle Enzo shook his head at Janetta.
    “Lorenzo and Lita are getting married.” Paolo made it sound like the best thing ever. And it would be.
    Janetta laughed. “Gramps, are you kidding? This is the best joke I’ve heard in a long time.”
    Lita frowned. Lorenzo stepped forward, forcing Lita closer to Janetta.
    “I said shut it.” This time, the playfulness leaked out of Lorenzo’s tone, like