Enzo (Jinx Tattoos 1)

‘I’m sorry,’ Enzo mouthed.

She fixed her face with a stern expression and gave a quick shake of her head. That wouldn’t work this time.

“Now that we’re all here, let’s unveil the paintings,” her mother said cheerily.

Aibhlinn knew the sparkle in her green eyes well. She had something up her sleeve.

She pulled back the black cloth, and Aibhlinn couldn’t stop the gasp that escaped her lips. Not only was it gorgeous, the style and story could have been added seamlessly to her own. She looked at him and saw her shock mirrored in his expression.

“You,” they said at the same time.

“How about you two step out back and discuss things before we get started. I’m sure people will want to know if you correlated your work on purpose. You’ll want to know what to say,” Colleen suggested with a knowing gleam in her eyes.

Aibhlinn nodded, and they walked outside to the back.

Enzo softly closed the door behind them.

She spun around, instantly on the attack. “That’s how you see us? That’s our end game? You walking away? I’m so easy to leave behind?”

“No.” He held out his hands, palms up. “That’s not what the painting says.”

“Then please explain.”

“It’s what has to happen to keep me from hurting you.”

“Am I not hurting now, Enzo?” she seethed.

“Not like you could be,” he whispered.

“You fucking coward,” she said, stalking forward to stand inches from his face. “If you don’t want me, can’t love me, tell me that.”

“It’s never been a question of love. God, Aibhlinn, you must know I’m in love with you.”

His words stole the breath from her lungs. She blinked and swayed.

“Whoa.” He wrapped his arms around her, and she leaned against his chest.

“What did you just say?” she croaked.

“I love you. I’m in love with you. I have been for years. I tried so hard to keep it to myself, so I didn’t ruin what we have.”

She couldn’t stop the tears that fell from her eyes. “Why didn’t you say something before now?”

“Because it doesn’t matter, Aibhlinn,” he whispered.

“What?” She pulled away. “It’s everything.”

“No.” He ran his fingers through her hair, bringing his fingers to her scalp where he began a massage.

She shivered.

“I wish it did. You’re beautiful. I always wanted to touch you like this.”

“Then touch me,” she whispered.

“Just this once, Ave,” he whispered, moving in to brush her lips with his.

Tendrils of pleasure burst through her body like fireworks. They both moaned as their mouths were fused. They’d given in to hunger long denied. Teeth knocked, tongues clashed. She savored every moment. He cupped her ass, and she moaned, pressing closer against him.