Page 49 of Matteo

Enzo strolls in at that very moment, with his usual effortless elegance, dressed in what looks like a navy Brunello Cucinelli blazer and open-collared white shirt.

“Does no one bother to knock anymore?” I groan.

“Sorry. Wasn’t thinking.” Enzo gives me an apologetic look.

“Just had the old man come by,” I explain, folding my arms, trying to piece together my credibility. I was just on the verge of asking Elizabeth if she wanted to join Enzo and I.

Why the hell would she?

“Here?” Enzo asks, hands in the pockets of his tailored trousers, looking as if he’s stepped straight out of a luxury menswear campaign. “What for?”

“He was checking up on Elizabeth.”

Enzo looks at her, blinks a few times, then walks forward and extends his hand.

“You’re Elizabeth?” he asks.

She nods, shaking his hand.

A smile spreads across his lips. “The super smart one.”

I suppress a groan. I’d told my brothers that she was smart. That’s all I said, when they asked how the new hire was doing. Then I’d changed the subject.

Elizabeth holds her notebook to her chest, and shifts her weight, looking suddenly self-conscious. “I don't know about that.”

“Matteo said you're—”

“What are you doing here again?” I snap.

“Making sure you don't bail.”

“I apologize for my brother,” Enzo says. “And I’m sorry that you have to work for such an uptight ogre. It should be a crime.”

“Ha ha.” I growl.

“Matteo's not so bad,” Elizabeth replies, glancing at me. I notice that her cheeks are flushed.

“No?” There's a lift in Enzo's voice. His gaze bounces between her and me, then settles on me again, a mischievous glint in his eye.

She doesn't answer, refusing to get drawn in. Smart girl.

“Enjoy your steaks.” She winks at me. “Have a good evening,” she says to Enzo, before leaving.

“You were going to ask her to come along,” he states, sinking into the seat she just vacated.

“No.” I grind down on my teeth again.

“She knows we're having steaks. I'm not stupid, Matteo. You like her.”

I turn off my computer and grab my phone and keys.

“Stop it. You're starting to sound like Rio.”

Chapter 15

ELIZABETH

The sweet scent of cinnamon and sugar floats above the tray I'm carrying across the room.