Flipping my hair over my shoulder and blowing out a breath, I step in his direction. “Yeah, let’s go.”
Noemi stands in the hall waiting with a brilliant smile. She wolf whistles at me which makes me laugh, removing some of the tension in my shoulders. “Damn, if you swung my way I’d totally be hitting on you right now.”
Enzo growls playfully which has me laughing harder.
His expression is warm as he looks down at me—even with my heels, he towers over me—and I relish in the lightness that’s back in his eyes.
The three of us head downstairs. Noemi gets off at the ground floor while Enzo and I continue down to the basement level. Before she steps off, Noemi hands me a clutch bag with a strap so I can place it over my shoulders, then gives me a hug and a kiss on the cheek.
I hope I can see more of her while I’m here.
When we get to the lower level we step out into an underground garage. Enzo leads me to one of the expensive-looking cars and opens the door, motioning with his head for me to get in.
As soon as the door closes, he jogs around to the driver's side and jumps in.
The drive to our destination is silent. It’s only when Enzo slows the car down that he speaks. “You promise me you’ll stay by my side and listen to me?”
I roll my eyes. “Yes, I promise.”
“There’s a possibility I’ll need to leave you alone, but if I do, I’ll take you to my office where you’ll be safe.”
“Okay.”
I put my hand on the handle, but his fingers around my wrist give me pause. I twist my neck to look over at him. “We’ll head straight to the VIP area.”
Satisfied he gets out then comes round to open my door, offering me a hand to help me.
We’re outside a nightclub, with big glowing letters that spell out Piccola.
My footsteps pause, faltering.
“Piccola?”
Enzo turns so abruptly I almost crash into his back. He turns around to look at me, something unreadable in his expression. “Little one.”
“I know what it means,” I whisper, heart hammering in my chest.
“It’s for you.”
My breath catches as I look up at him, my mouth parted in shock.
He takes my hand and continues walking, keeping me tucked into his side. His shoulders are bunched tight, his eyes scanning around as we walk as though he's checking for threats—he probably is.
“Mr. Russo,” one bouncer says, nodding to him then standing out the way so we can pass.
Enzo leans in to murmur to him, both of them glancing at me before the same bouncer ducks his head. I swear to God I heard him whisper,"Chiunque la guardi, gli spari6,"but he places his hand on my back and pushes me forward before I can fully process the interaction.
Then we’re inside.
12
Love Of My Life
Promise me you’re being careful walking home from school. Sorry I’m not there to walk with you anymore. —Love you, Enzo
Enzo
Igaveeveryoneonefucking order. Do not bother me until I give the green light.
