One word, and their entire operation goes crumbling down in flames. But perhaps it’s time for us to take a more hands-on approach.
“Has Tess told you that she’s having a boy?” I ask him once the conversation dies down.
He chokes on his drink, sputtering with wide eyes. “She’s pregnant?”
Oh.
Oops?
Shit.
I wince, wishing I could take the words back.
She messaged me yesterday to let me know the gender. I still haven’t called her since she texted the news about paternity. I vow to do that as soon as Papa leaves.
“Congratulations, Granddad?”
Papa looks like he’s about to pass out. He mouths the word“Granddad”as if he’s testing it out on his lips.
“I assume that boy Kai is the father.”
I swallow my wince. Thank God thatisthe case. “Of course, Papa.”
He stands, clearly ready to leave. I go to stand too, but he puts a hand up to stop me. “You stay, I have other business to attend to.” He opens the door, muttering,"Sono ancora giovane.4"Translated, he’s saying he’s too young to be a grandfather. He’s fifty-seven.
Pulling out my phone I check the time,calculating the difference between here and London. It’s already midnight, which means it’s only five in the morning for Tess. Crap. I can’t call her.
Enzo:Heads up. I accidentally let it slip that you were pregnant to Papa. Good luck. Also, congratulations! Give me a call tomorrow.
Izzy hasn’t texted, so I’m assuming she’s okay. Still, my stomach knots, needing to be back with her. I check on my accounts, making sure everything is still in order, then switch everything off.
I lock my office up, and head out through the club, taking in the new scenery once more, noticing how packed the place is. Clearly, the revamp has been a hit.
Not wasting anymore time I head outside, and slide into my car, letting the engine purr to life beneath me.
The drive home feels like it takes forever when in reality it’s more like twenty minutes.
I’m impatient as I wait for the elevator to arrive on my floor, tapping my foot.
I head straight to my room to check on Izzy, my mind solely focused on laying eyes on her.
She’s not there.
10
Nothing In This World Can Touch You As Long As I'm Here
I heard thunder last night. It reminds me of the nights I would sneak into your room so you wouldn’t be scared. —Enzo
Izzy
“StupidslutthoughtIwouldn’t find out that she was marrying me to get information,” Lucas laughs, as his friend's hips slam into me.
The pain is unbearable. But my limbs won’tcooperate. Ican’tmove.
“Dumb bitch,” the man above me says, spitting on my face. Tears pour from my eyes, but they do nothing except spur them on.
Someone’s hand grasps my throat and squeezes until my vision blurs, only releasing me when I’m on the verge of passing out.
