"Anna, I just want a short walk." My voice stayed level, but I felt my patience draining. "Around the block. Ten minutes. Can I do that?"
"I'm very sorry, Miss Bennett." Anna shook her head, tone genuinely apologetic—or fake, I couldn't tell. "These are Mr. Falcone's orders. If you need air, the yard is spacious. There's a lawn behind the garden."
Enzo's orders. My jaw dropped. Was he imprisoning me? Why would he do this?
I stood at the door, staring at the motionless men in black. Rigid posture, eyes forward, like statues. I tried smiling at them. One glanced at me, then away. No expression.
Anxiety twisted my stomach. Even an idiot would realize—this wasn't right. This went way past reasonable security.
Five minutes ago, this was the most perfect place in the world. Sunlight, garden, breakfast made for me, a man who said he loved me giving me all of it.
Now everything had changed.
A house you can't freely leave, no matter how beautiful, is a prison.
I started thinking why Enzo wouldn't let me out. Then I remembered something I'd been deliberately ignoring since yesterday.
Enzo had a fiancée. He said he'd break it off, but my existence was still awkward—anyone cheating right before their wedding would be awkward. So I figured I was still a secret that needed hiding. Of course he didn't want me parading around outside.
That thought circled my brain all afternoon.
By evening, the light faded. Motion-sensor lights in the yard clicked on, casting warm circles on the glass door. Anna made an elaborate dinner—steak, pasta, salad, dessert. But I had no appetite. Picked at the salad, put my fork down.
The front door unlocked.
Enzo walked in. Different clothes, dark coat collar up, face showing the wear of a long day. He saw me at the table, mouth quirking slightly.
"You eat?"
"Yeah."
He shed his coat, hung it in the entryway, and sat across from me. Anna silently brought him wine and a plate. He picked up his knife and fork, ate quickly and efficiently. Hungry.
I watched him take a few bites, waited until he swallowed.
"Enzo, why can't I leave?"
His knife paused mid-cut. He looked up. "Something wrong here? Is Anna not—"
"She's great, but I've been told I can't go anywhere but here." I kept my voice flat, didn't want him to hear my unease. "Anna said you ordered it. I want to know why."
Enzo set down his utensils and lifted his wine glass.
"It's not safe. Julian's people have been active. Until you have proper protection, staying here is the best option."
We stared at each other. I was at a disadvantage. He could probably read every bit of my tension and concern, but his dark eyes under the dining room light gave nothing away.
"What about the engagement?" I paused. "Will you break it off? Will you... Marry me?"
I gathered all my courage and asked the final question.
Chapter Fourteen
Chloe&Enzo
Chloe
Enzo didn't answer right away. He picked up his wine glass, took a slow sip, and set it down with a soft clink against the table.
