Enzo (Jinx Tattoos 1)

“I love your name, it’s unique. And without you, we never would’ve found her.” He swallowed. She could’ve died out there exposed to the elements with no one to hear her. The thought made his stomach sour. He held her a little tighter.

“Well, all right. What do you want it to start with?”

“A,” he replied without hesitation.

Her eyebrows rose, but she remained silent for a few minutes. “How Irish are we talking about going? We could do something like Abigail, or Alonna.”

“No, all the way, like yours,” he stated.

“I always liked the name Aoife. It means beauty in Gaelic.”

“That’s beautiful. Aoife it is.” He glanced down at the sleeping infant on his shoulder. “What do you think, baby girl? You like Aoife?” he asked, kissing her forehead.

She snuffled in her sleep. “I’ll take that as a yes.”

“All right. I think we’re set. Time to get the princess home, I’d say,” Aibhlinn remarked.

“Agreed.” They made their way to the front of the store for a second time, and when they pulled into the vacant lane Aibhlinn began to unload.

“Oh, she’s a doll,” the cashier exclaimed.

“Thank you,” Enzo replied, unable to hide his grin.

“How old is she?” the woman asked.

“About two months.” Enzo let the guess roll off his tongue with confidence. He knew how to adapt swiftly; it was a required skill growing up on the streets.

“You two do good work, mom,” the cashier gushed to Aibhlinn.

Ave turned to look at him with wide eyes and he smiled. She was forming a bond, too. Good, then I won’t be doing this alone.

“Thank you,” Ave whispered.

“I don’t think there’s anything as beautiful as a man with his daughter. My husband and I had five girls. They’re all grown now and out of the house, but those younger years were precious. You get so little time with them before they’re off to school, making friends, and growing up at light speed.”

“We’re enjoying every moment we get,” Enz said, already dreading handing Aoife over. It didn’t feel like playing house to him. It felt like finding a dream in his grasp. Any man worth his salt would do what was necessary to have the thing he always wanted. He was no different.

HE ALL BUT INHALED the coffee as he slowly woke after very little sleep and too much alcohol the night before. Aoife had a set of lungs on her, and she wasn’t afraid to use then. Part of him imagined she wasn’t used to having her basic needs met. As the night wore on, and she realized there would always be a prompt answer to her beckoning, she’d calmed slightly. He sipped his coffee and peered down at his two favorite women dozing on the couch. How could someone discard such a precious gift so carelessly? He knew firsthand the things the foster care system could do to an innocent child. No way would Aoife suffer that fate. I can’t let her go.

He leaned against the counter. His mother had an in with the local social workers. She could take Aoife for a while at least. And then what? He took another sip and began to formulate a plan. He could get certified, and then take over. It’s not a sure thing. They could deny his mom, and she would be lost in the system. His mind went to Snake. They had a man who was good with papers and records.

The minute the idea popped into his brain, he latched on to it. He wanted

this tiny being more than words could explain. He could give her everything he never had—spare her the heartache and loneliness. She was a tiny angel resting on Aibhlinn’s chest; with her lips pursed and still moving in a sucking motion in her sleep, and a cap of dark hair covering her little head. He walked over and ran the tip of his index finger over her soft hair. They were beautiful as they slept peacefully, trusting him to keep them safe.

His chest swelled with pride, and something he’d never experienced before. Possessiveness. They were his to protect. Aoife stirred and nuzzled her face against Aibhlinn’s chest. I wonder what it would be like to see our own baby suckle at her breast? The thought blew his mind. This little being was a catalyst. He wasn’t sure if that was a good thing or not yet. Mind made up, he dialed Snake.

“Hello?”

“Hey, man, sorry to call you this early but I had something that couldn’t wait.”

“No worries, brother. I’m still going from last night,” Snake said. The satisfaction in his gravelly tone was unmistakable.

“You boys always partied hard,” Enzo said.

“Only way to do it,” Snake answered. He cleared his throat. “What can I help you with, brother?”

“It’s a sensitive subject.”