He pulls away, striding towards the door with purpose. “I’m going to shower; come find me when you’re ready to talk.” His tone is harsh, almost detached.
My back hits the bed as I fall onto the mattress. Staring up at the ceiling, I contemplate what I’m supposed to tell him. It feels like there’s more to his words than him just wanting to know why I ended up with a gun pressed to the head of one of hismen.
Knowing I won’t find anything out by staying in here, I get up, noticing for the first time that I’m still in my dress from last night.
By the time I drag myself to the bathroom, Enzo is already showered and dressed in a suit.
In the shower, I scrub my face of any lingering traces of makeup and let the warm water soothe my nerves.
I find women's clothes for me in the spare room. These must be the bags Noemi brought over last night. I like her.
Thankfully, she didn’t just bring party clothes—the soft sweatpants and cropped tee I find fit perfectly.
My steps are cautious as I enter the kitchen. Enzo slides a plate ofcornettitowards me. “Eat.”
I nibble on the pastryas I wait for him to speak.
The silence between us stretches painfully.
“I have a lot of questions, but first, are you okay?” Enzo finally says, his tone softening towards the end.
Not bothering to wait for his questions, I try to explain. “I don’t entirely know what happened. But I fell asleep in your office, and I remember dreaming about Lucas… I think I woke up panicked. I went to search for you, then your guy touched me and after the dream… I just… I don’t know.”
He nods at me, head bobbing up and down a few times. “And where did you learn moves like that?”
I shake my head. “I can’t tell you.”
“Can you tell me why you married Lucas?”
My heart hammers in my chest. “No,” I whisper.
“Then let me take a guess.” The room feels like it’s closing in. “I think you know that he’s involved in human trafficking, and you married him to get information.” He tilts his head at me. “Am I close?”
All I can do is give the tiniest dip of my head.
“What I can’t work out, though, is why you would need to do that.”
“Enzo,” I snap, frustration bubbling up inside me. “Stop digging.”
Enzo’s eyes narrow. “I can’t do that, Iz. If Lucas is involved in selling girls, then that’s my business. This ismycity. I willprotect it.”
“E—”
“Why did you marry him? Who are you working with? Who did you call when you woke up?”
“I can’t—”
“Goddamn it, Isolde!” He slams his fist down on the counter, his face hard and angry.
I flinch.
He immediately softens his face, but his fingers wrap around the countertop, his muscles bunching as he inhales slowly, blowing out a breath before speaking. “I’m sorry. But please, Iz.Cuore mio. I need to know.”
I deflate, frustrated that I know he won’t let this go, but also knowing I can’t tell him anything. Not yet. Maybe not ever.
My silence is answer enough.
Enzo huffs, then storms towards his office, the door slamming behind him.
