Just Enzo.
My protector.
My only comfort in a world that would never let us be.
And that made me want him more.
There were so many things I wanted to say; that I wanted him to say. Even though I hadn’t known him long, I knew he was a man of duty. He took his role seriously, and I didn’t think he would act out on the feelings I knew he had for me. And I wasn’t ready to put myself out there and make the first move.
Because I knew once I did, there was no turning back.
When I woke up, the silence was the first thing I noticed. Not the kind that meant danger; not that tense, listening kind I’d grown used to, the real kind. The peaceful kind. The kind that comes after days of roaring wind and snow hammering the roof, when the world finally decides to exhale.
The light spilling through the cabin window was soft, golden in places where it hit the frost.
Enzo was already up making breakfast. I wasn’t sure he ever slept. “Do you think the storm is over?” I questioned.
“For now.” He glanced over his shoulder from the stove, the faintest hint of a grin ghosting his mouth. “We’ve got twenty-four hours before Mother Nature remembers she hates us.”
“Twenty-four hours, huh?” I slipped my sweatshirt over my head. “What are we supposed to do with that miracle?”
He smirked as he brought a plate of biscuits and gravy over. “I had something in mind.”
I arched a brow, intrigued. “What?”
He shrugged. “It’s a surprise.”
My stomach flip-flopped as giddiness bubbled inside me. “Tell me.”
Enzo shook his head, fighting a smile. “Not a chance.”
I smacked my teeth then groaned. “Please,” I said, giving him my best puppy dog eyes and pout.
He chuckled. “That’s not going to work on me.”
If it worked on my dad, it would work on anyone. “Please,” I repeated, holding his gaze.
“Finish eating, then we’ll go.” My jaw dropped slightly as he walked away. Scoffing, I couldn’t believe his audacity. I was used to getting my way, and it felt weird to be denied.
I kind of liked it.
Even though I wanted to be a brat and not comply, I was too intrigued and excited about what Enzo had planned to be stubborn and not go.
“Dress warm; heavy coat, gloves, scarf, beanie. And put on those thick socks and boots we bought at the store.”
I finished eating and got dressed, wondering the whole time where we were going. I couldn’t believe Enzo was actually taking me away from the cabin, and I couldn’t deny the slight fear nagging me at the back of my mind.
Enzo will keep you safe.
I barely knew the man, but I trusted him with my life. I knew he’d protect me, even if it was just because his life was tied to mine.
I wanted to believe it was because he was starting to care for me like I was him, but that would be naive. We’d just met, and I was a job. Once it was over, he’d take me back to my father and we’d go our separate ways.
And I hated how much that bothered me.
I pushed the thoughts aside and tried to focus on the joy of the surprise at hand. I wasn’t sure how much happiness I’d have in the coming weeks so I wanted to enjoy it.
When we both were dressed, Enzo grabbed his gun and tucked it into the back of his jeans. He also grabbed his shotgun.A knot formed in my throat, but I didn’t say anything as I followed him out the door.
