It doesn't matter that I'm only helping him out with light duties.
I can't trust Enzo.
I'm sure of it.
Chapter Sixteen
ENZO
"You knowhe's using me as bait to get you here." Lyndall is sitting on the porch when I get out of my car on Sunday.
"Hello to you, too."
"It's the only reason I'm allowed home from boarding school. And he's agreed to let me stay for the semester break." She sounds so bitter for someone so young.
I gaze up at the white-painted house with the beachfront views. Then I go up to her and hug her tight, kissing the top of her head.
Lyndall hugs me back like I will disappear if she fucking lets me go.
"That's Dad for you. Always playing an angle."
She wiggles free. "I'm sick of it. God, imagine if we all lived in the same vicinity at the same time, all year round. He would be unbearable. You know you don't have to come."
"'Course I do, kiddo. How else would I get to see you a little more?"
She crosses her arms, all lanky teen, as she stares at me like she can somehow read my inner thoughts.
The reason I'm still willing to do things for Dad is her,and seeing her, even as she looks into my soul, makes that sacrifice worth every moment.
Even the Sundays when she is not around, and Dad is in town, so I come to spend time with him, are worth it.
I know him. Letting him think he has the upper hand keeps the peace.
And Dad will also mention her, give me updates on whatever plans he might have down the road—plans I'm willing to do what I can to stop.
I really don't think he will marry her off when she reaches the right age. We are not that kind of family. And Gino would have words.
But I listen and then agree or haggle down whatever thing he wants me to do for him into something I will do, keeping him somewhat happy.
My biggest fear is him somehow cutting Lyndall off from me. I just don't ever want to risk it.
The rest is blowhard talk.
"He makes you come to see him to show he's the one in control." She kicks at the grass.
"No. I let him think that."
She snorts as we start toward the house where the lights glow warmly. "He wants to check in on you, see how he can control you, Enzo."
I ruffle her hair. "I'm too big and mean for that."
"I want to be too big and mean, too," she says.
"No. You're going to practice your violin and get into Juilliard." It has been her dream for years.
So, I'm a little shocked when she says, "We will see."
"Fuck, Lyndall." She turns her back and stalks to the house.
