Page 69 of Tailored for You

He turned, looking down at me. “I’m a patient man when I want something. Six months, a few years,” he shrugged, “means nothing when I know the end goal will be worth it.”

It felt like he was trying to tell me something, but I was too afraid to ask a deeper question to find out what it was.

“Why the devil?” I said, tracing the lines that went from his throat to his chest.

“Because I am the devil to those who cross me. I want them to remember that.”

I nodded, moving on. “And this?” I moved to his chest and shoulders, where the warrior armor was.

“We all have our places in our families. Mine is the protector.” His hands settled on my hips as I continued on my path. My fingers traced the thick lines, the expert shading.

“This is impressive work,” I said as I examined. The artistic part of my brain turned on, admiring the intricate way the lines wove into each other. The way the artist made the armor lifelike.

“Don’t worry, tesoro mio, I’ll let you draw me whenever you want,” he said, jolting me back from my examination.

My face went hot. “Sorry, I was just,” I stepped back, “admiring the work.”

“Admire away. But maybe let’s lie down and relax. We’ve had a taxing few weeks.” He held out a pair sunglasses that were too expensive.

He was right. I had been in survival mode for so long I forgot what it was like to simply be. I glanced at Enzo walking around the open area. The protector. It fit him well.

He made me feel safe. I hadn’t known how unsafe I’d felt until I woke up in his home, with a promise that no one would harm Harper or me.

I was going to hold on to that feeling for as long as I could.

I lay down, warmed my skin, and did my best to turn my brain off as the sea lulled me into sleep.

CHAPTER 22

Serena

“You can do this,” I said to myself in the mirror. I smoothed the dress down with my hands.

The dress was a perfect deep blue that offset the sun-kissed warmth of my skin. Floor-length with a thigh-high slit on each side, it billowed and showed off my legs with every step. The back dipped low, nearly to my waist, the fabric soft against my skin.

It was sexy yet understated. The silk fit my every curve like it was made for me. Adjusting myself again, I felt my nerves flutter in my stomach. The dress didn’t allow for a bra, and because I was feeling particularly daring, I decided to forgo underwear as well.

It was out of character for me to be so forward, but Enzo brought it out in me. I was ready for this, for us, to take that next step, and I needed him to know.

“It’s just dinner.” I twirled my hair up into a messy low bun. “Dinner alone, with the guy you’ve been fantasizing about for the last year. Who organized an entire afternoon for me to relax, arranged childcare, and kissed me until I couldn’t breathe."

I analyzed myself in the mirror, barely recognizing the woman I saw. I didn’t have a hint of makeup on, yet I was glowing.

“Just be yourself,” I said to myself in the mirror one last time and turned. If I didn’t leave the bathroom now, there was a chance I might never do it.

My heels clicked against the hardwood as I walked through the bedroom and down the steps to the dining room.

Enzo stood with his back to me, staring out at the dark ocean water. In dark pants and a thin white shirt, his tattoos were just visible beneath the fabric.

Okay. Here we go.

I cleared my throat, resisting the urge to turn and run back to the bathroom.

He turned, eyes raking slowly from head to toe, then back again, lingering on my legs.

He walked to me, his eyes glittering with heat.

My legs wobbled at the power of his gaze, and I had to cross one over the other to stay upright.