I gasp forbreath, but before I can truly feel any relief, a fist slams into my temple. My head rings, my brain foggy.
The ropes around my wrists and ankles spread me open, adding to my humiliation as another one takes his friend's place.
Lucas leans down, his face so close I can feel his putrid breath against my skin. “I’m going to destroy your little organization. I know who you work for. Ialwaysknew.
“I wouldn’t have stood for the deception so long, but I know how much money you have from your father.” He grins at me while I whimper. “That money will be mine now, whore.”
I gasp, clawing at my throat.
“Izzy!” a voice roars from somewhere behind me.
I cower, unsure of what’s real and what’s fake.
Enzo’s frame comes into view, and I sob with relief, flying from the couch and crashing into his arms. He catches me effortlessly, lifting me so he’s taking all of my weight as I cry into his shoulder.
He jostles me as he walks us to his room. Sitting on the edge of the bed he keeps me in his arms, stroking my hair until I can catch my breath.
“What happened?” he asks.
“I… I was back there,” I whimper, feeling stupid for having such a reaction to a dream. But it was so real.
“That night?”
I nod, grateful he doesn’t say his name.
“What time is it?” I croak, my throat dry and scratchy.
Enzo rearranges the covers with one hand, then lifts me off him, depositing me into the bed and tucking me under the comforter.
“It’s almost two in the morning,” he tells me, kissing my head then disappearing.
He reappears with a glass of water for me which I gulp greedily.
I watch as Enzo undresses—undoing his tie and sliding it off his neck, unbuttoning his shirt, lowering his zipper. I wouldn’t be able to take my eyes off him if I tried, which I’m not. He stands there gloriously gorgeous in his boxer briefs, sculpted muscles on display. My mouth waters, the nightmare forgotten.
Then he slips into bed next to me and pulls me close. "Sleep, Iz," he whispers, pressing a lingering kiss to my temple. "You're safe with me. Nothing in this world can touch you as long as I'm here."
Enzo
My phone ringing wakes me.
Izzy’s warmth is nestled against me, her ass fitting snuggly against my crotch—which is sporting a painfully hard erection.
Carefully, to not wake her, I scoot backwards and reach out for my phone on the nightstand.
Tess’s name lights up the screen.
My boner immediately deflates.
Izzy moans in her sleep, reaching out a hand towards me. Mygoddamnheart clenches.
Unable to move, as her palm rests over my heart, wanting to absorb every moment I can from her, I answer Tess’s call with a hushed whisper. “Hey,sorella5.”
“Hello brother, why are we whispering?” she teases keeping her own voice quiet.
“No reason,” I snap, harsher than I intended. “Sorry,” I wince, “that was uncalled for. I just don’t wantto wake Izzy.”
“Ewwww. You have a woman in your bed right now?”
