She’s still in her dress and makeup, but she’s already been violated too many times, having someone touch her without her knowledge or consent.
I can’t do that to her.
13
I Want Her To Trust Me
I wish you would come home. I don't really have any other friends. I feel so lonely without you. —Love, Izzy
Izzy
I'mjoltedawake,gaspingfor breath.
Arms tighten around me, and I struggle until I inhale, taking in the scent of rosemary.
Enzo.
I’m safe.
Lucas can’t hurt me again.
I relax, the arms around me loosening as Ido. The safety and comfort of Enzo’s embrace surround me. Closing my eyes, I picture what it would be like to wake up to him every morning.
As soon as the thought crosses my mind, I shut it down. That will never happen. As soon as Lucas is dealt with, I’ll be on my way.
Enzo’s lips find my temple, brushing softly against my skin before he sits up, taking his warmth with him.
I blink groggily, trying to make sense of what happened.
We went to the club.
He had his meeting with someone in the Santorini family while I waited in his office.
I think I fell asleep.
I bolt upright, eyes wide.
“Guessing you’re remembering last night?” Enzo’s deep voice rumbles from beside me.
He climbs out the bed and I get an eyeful of his very impressive erection covered in nothing but a pair of black boxer briefs. Scanning my eyes higher I come to rest on a tattoo placed right over his heart.
Moving closer, I gasp.
How did I miss this before?
I reach out a trembling hand to brush over the delicate ink.
There’s just one word, in calligraphy.
Isolde.
“Why do you have my name tattooed on your chest?”
My gaze travels up to his face while my palm rests against his chest. I study his expression, which is closed off, unreadable, as he places his hand over mine.
“I was keeping you close to me.” He doesn’t offer me any further explanation.
My heart stutters in my chest trying, and failing, to work out the meaning.
