Enzo, however, did not agree with this coping mechanism. “I know you don’t, but you’re going to.” Gripping my jaw, he forced me to look at him. I pressed my lips together and stared up at him rebelliously until he sighed. “I’m not going to fuck her.”
“You don’t seem very happy about that.” I pulled my chin from his hand and his arm fell back down to his side. “Do what you want, Enzo. It doesn’t matter.”
He cocked his head to the side and narrowed his eyes. “How the hell could you even think such a thing after last night?”
I rolled my eyes. “Please. I know what kind of man you are.”
He rested his hands on his bare hips, his cock half hard. “Yeah? What kind is that?”
This time, I didn’t hesitate. “You’re a mobster. You’re a man who likes having power. You’ll fuck who you want, whenever you want. And as soon as you get tired of me, you’ll hide me away in a house somewhere while you flaunt your latest mistress in front of all of your buddies.”
His eyes traveled over my pink hair, down to my eyes and nose with the silver nose ring, and then down to my lips. “How could I ever get tired of you, Sera?”
I pushed down the thrill his words brought. It would be stupid of me to let a few pretty phrases make me forget who and what he was. “I don’t want you to go,” I whispered.
The tension fell from his broad shoulders. “I have to, baby.”
“Then take me.”
But he was already shaking his head. “I can’t. You know that.”
“Can’t? Or don’t want to?”
“Sera…”
I was suddenly angry again. “DON’T ‘Sera’ me.”
“I can’t take you,” he said. “You know I can’t. It’s too dangerous.”
“Fine.” Sarcasm dripped from my tone. I was done with this conversation. So I went back into the bedroom and started gathering up my clothes.
Enzo followed me out, and apparently, his patience was at an end. “I’m trying to keep you SAFE! Goddammit, Sera!” He stopped a few feet away from me, and there was pain in his voice when he said, “I can’t lose you again.”
I stopped trying to pick my clothes up off the floor. I couldn’t hide the tears that slid down my cheeks. “You didn’t lose me, Enzo. Yougave me away.”
I saw the truth in his eyes. He didn’t even try to deny it this time. “Sera…”
“No. Just…stop.”
Hands low on his naked hips, he stared at me. After a few tense moments, he said in a tone that would brook no argument, “I’m sorry. I can’t take you. A few trusted guards will be here at the house to protect you while we’re gone. If you’re smart, you’ll stay inside this time until everyone knows you’re not going to rat on anyone to the cops about Luigi’s murder.” He paused. “I can ask Lisa to stay and keep you company.”
“That’s not necessary.”
He looked like he wanted to say more, but then he just turned away and walked into the bathroom. A few seconds later, I heard the shower come back on.
The clothes I held fell out of my hand. Walking over to the bed, I sat down on the edge and stared at the floor as silent sobs wracked my body. I hated this. Hated feeling like this. I wanted to get away, start a new life far from him and this stupid life. And what I hated most was that I didn’t hate him at all.
By the time Enzo finished his shower, I was dressed and downstairs in the media room. I didn’t want to see him when he left. Didn’t want to know how good he smelled or how amazing he looked, knowing he’d done all of that for another woman. I told myself it didn’t matter. I didn’t really care what he did. It was only my ego that was bruised. Besides, I was only going to stay here until it was safe for me to leave. As soon as I was able, I would demand my savings from Enzo and I would get the hell out of here. I’d go to Luca if I had to. And then I would start a new life where no one knew I was a mafia princess. I would change my name. Change my look. And I would become a whole new person.
I would forget this dangerous man that made my heart flutter inside my chest and every nerve ending come alive just by walking into a room, who risked his life for me only to push me away. I was tired of his indecisiveness. I didn’t need him. I only needed myself.
I was curled up in one of the lounge chairs, paying absolutely no attention at all to the movie I’d thrown on the large screen when Enzo found me. Hands in the front pockets of his black dress slacks, he came to stand beside me. Without a word, he held out his hand.
Refusing to look at him, I took his watch off of my arm and dropped it into his open palm.
“Thank you,” he said. “I’ll be back as soon as I can.” He didn’t try to touch me or say anything else. He just…left…as I quietly cried.
CHAPTER14
