Page 83 of Enzo

Rio laughs. “Yeah, your news cycle was premature, dude.”

Dex narrows his eyes at him. “Nothing premature about me.”

“Let’s not go there.” Matteo raises his voice and everyone quiets. He never raises his voice. “Your friend is in your office and you’re here. Outside are the paps. What’s the plan?”

Rio taps his fingers on the table and turns serious. “We need to keep you both safe. The press will eat your friend alive.”

I press the space between my brows, trying to ease out the ball of tension.

“I’m still thinking about it. What about Father?” I ask, wondering what he makes of all this.

Jett checks his cell phone before sliding it back into his jacket. “He's got calls with the board and then he's prepping for an interview. We've been dismissed.”

“An interview for what?” This is news to me.

Dex yawns loudly. “To show the world how healthy and fit he is, that he's going to live forever like a vampire.”

“I'm going to book you a penthouse, in Manhattan.” Rio taps away on his cell phone. “And your security detail won’t leave your side.”

“No. No way.”

I don’t want that. None of us do. We all have bodyguards when we’re outside, but they’re at a distance, and they never intrude, unless we’re in trouble.

“You don’t get to decide. Your security detail stays close.”

I press my lips together knowing that I can’t get out of it.

Also, Molly said Penelope had booked a hotel room for her. She obviously can’t stay there now, especially if the booking is under her name. She’s identifiable which means she’s in danger. Maybe staying in a penthouse is not such a bad plan.

“It’s done.” Rio slides his phone onto the table again. “No one will know you're there. I suggest you wear some disguises if you have to go out, but I’d lay low for a few days.”

“For a few days?” I sit up, because this wasn’t what I had in mind. I was thinking it would be just one night. “I’m not sure I can make a decision like that for Molly. I can’t hold her prisoner.”

“No one’s asking you to do that. Talk to her. You saw the paps out there. Is it safe to let her head back to Chicago?” Rio asks.

“A few days, in a penthouse, with the teacher?” Dex smiles. “Shouldn’t be too hard, bro. Can you manage it?”

“I don't have a choice, do I?”

Molly can’t stay at her hotel.

She can’t go outside.

And apparently I’m taking her to a penthouse.

Me and Molly, alone in a penthouse for a few days.

Impossible.

Chapter 23

MOLLY

We travelled here in a black SUV with windows so dark I couldn't see much of Manhattan on the way. And now we're in an elevator, going slowly up to a penthouse.

I try not to glance at Enzo. He’s staring at the floor, hands in his pockets, looking effortlessly cool and sophisticated, as always.

It’s nothing like how I feel.