“That’s actually a brilliant plan,” Eliseo admonishes.
“Caspien Drakos was always a forward thinker,” an older gentlemen’s voice calls. Maurice Venatti enters the room, a little slower than the others, but he doesn’t look the slightest bit frail.
“Maybe hold on to that job. I’m sure we can get Doc to write her some kind of illness excuse,” Eliseo teases.
Maurice eyes me cautiously and takes my hand, congratulating me on our soon to be wedding. “You’re doing the right thing,” he whispers not so quietly.
“I’m so glad everyone else is convinced of that.” I can feel Enzo’s glare burning into my skin. Anger rolls off him in waves, and my thighs clench. I’m certain I’ll be punished for my insolence before the night is through. If I’m honest with myself, I want that. No, Ineed it. My emotions have been so high, and my thoughts a jumbled mess. What I wouldn’t give to let it all go and float even if only for a little while. The part that both annoys and excites me is the fact that I know Enzo can provide that for me.
But will he?
Maurice laughs, a hearty chuckle, and warns teasingly, “You have your work cut out for you, son.”
“I’m up for the task.” Enzo’s response is low and menacing, and I think I’ve gotten my answer. When I turn, my eyes meet his, and they’re full of wicked intentions, and my body lights up at the prospect of each and every one.
“Come on. Let’s all have a seat,” Eliseo says. “Vella, dear, will you ask Maria to get us some drinks and bring them into the living room for us?”
“And some breakfast, if you would, Aunt Vella. Althea hasn’t eaten since yesterday, and I’m sure she’ll need her strength for what’s coming.”
“No. That won’t be necessary. I’m fine.”
Vella ignores me and looks at Enzo, smiling wide. “Of course, dear. I’ll get right on it.”
Enzo smirks, placing his hand on the small of my back, ushering me to follow his uncle and grandfather. He leans in close to my ear and whispers, “Keep up the attitude, baby. I just hope your ass can handle the punishment you’re going to get for every snarky remark you have to make.”
My panties are instantly wet, and my pulse picks up.
Damn him.
We take our seats. I choose to sit on the opposite end of the couch from Enzo’s family, wanting to put some space between us, but Enzo isn’t having it. He picks me up and settles me on his lap, not giving two shits about the two men sitting across the room watching us. I wiggle my body, trying to break free of his hold, but he grips my thigh firmly and gives a tight shake of his head.
“Stay.” He growls.
“Woof.” I huff.
He drops his forehead to my shoulder, and I feel his body shake with laughter. Apparently, we’re both delirious. After our conversation on the plane, neither of us slept the rest of the flight. He was on his computer, apparently planning our wedding while I watched movies on an iPad.
“All right. Let’s get this sorted, shall we?” Maurice starts. “You have questions about your brother, and I believe we have the answers. Though I’m not sure you want to know the whole story.” He looks past me to Enzo. When I turn to see his face, Enzo gives me a nervous half-smile. He drops his forehead to mine and takes a deep breath.
“Whatever you learn today, remember it doesn’t change the fact that you’remine. I’m not giving you up.” He’s firm in his decision. I’m not sure what to think about it. Is it a promise? A threat? At this point, it’s hard to tell.
I love the sound of being his. Of knowing he wants me. How possessive he’s become of me, but that’s not love. He’s doing this out of duty and responsibility.
He looks up, his hand gently cupping my face as he kisses my forehead. I’m not sure how to take this gentle side of Enzo Venatti. It’s such a contradiction of the man I know him to be. I’ve never been able to handle gentleness from a man.
Not that Papa has ever raised his hand in anger or been cruel to me, I’ve just never felt like I deserved gentleness or kindness. Not in such an intimate way. The guilt I’ve carried for so long has trained me to harden myself to softness or tenderness. It’s a comfort I don’t feel I’ve earned. I’ve always believed I deserved to be punished because I survived. I wasn’t stolen away and left for dead like Annanias.
But he’s not dead.
Which leaves me feeling even more uncertain of how I’m supposed to feel or what I truly deserve. It almost seems worseknowing he’s been living alone in this world while his family forgot him and moved on.
You never forgot him. You never believed he was dead.
Tears sting my eyes. I fight to hold myself together, determined not to let myself cry in front of these men.
Enzo’s brow creases as he searches my face, confused and concerned. I give him a faint smile and nod.
“I’m ready.”
