I grab my coffee mug, swirling the cold remains. "I heard enough."
"Bullshit." Enzo leans forward, elbows on his knees. "What happened in Chicago? And don't tell me it's about the Sartori deal."
"Nothing happened," I grumble, but the lie feels obvious even to me.
Enzo's mouth curves into a knowing smirk. "It's her, isn't it? Zoe."
The sound of her name sends heat through my chest. "What about her?"
"Merda." Enzo's eyes widen. "You've fallen for her. Actually fallen for her."
"Don't be ridiculous," I snap, but the denial sounds weak even to my ears.
"Fuck, Damiano." Enzo laughs, but there's no humor in it. "I never thought I'd see the day. Not after Bianca."
I stand up, pacing to the window. Outside, rain streaks down the glass.
"It wasn't supposed to happen," I say finally, the admission tearing from somewhere deep inside me. "This marriage was business. Strategy."
"Was?" Enzo raises an eyebrow.
I turn to face him, feeling exposed in a way I rarely allow myself to be. "I can't explain it. She gets under my skin. Makes me want things I shouldn't."
"You're in love with her."
It's not a question. The words hang in the air between us, heavy with implication.
I don't deny it this time.
I rub a hand over my face, feeling the weight of my brother's stare.
"Fuck," I mutter, hating how he can see through me.
Enzo leans forward, his face hardening. "Damiano, remember we have people digging deeper into her past. You need to hold on until we're sure she's not playing us."
His words hit me like ice water. "What have you found?"
"Nothing concrete yet. That's the problem." Enzo stands, joining me by the window.
"Maybe she is what she appears to be," I say, but doubt creeps in like smoke.
"Maybe." Enzo doesn't sound convinced. "But we've been in this business too long to believe in coincidences."
I turn away, memories of Zoe's body against mine still burning through my veins.
"And now you're telling me you're in love with her?"
"I didn't say that," I snap, but we both know I didn't have to.
Enzo puts his hand on my shoulder. "Just wait until our people finish their investigation. That's all I'm asking. Don't give her your heart until we know for sure who she really is."
My fingers clench at my sides, a sudden surge of heat rushing through me. "Your job is to find whatever the fuck needs to be found, Enzo. I'm not a goddamn child who needs protection."
Enzo's eyes narrow. "I'm just looking out for you?—"
"Save that tone for Noah or Matteo," I snap, closing the distance between us. "But watch how you speak to me before I smack that pretty face of yours."
Something dangerous flashes in my brother's eyes. He doesn't back down—he never has. Instead, he steps closer until we're almost nose to nose.
