CHAPTER THREE: WINTER
Ican’trememberthe last time I got into a fight.
Even a week later, the shock of punching Sienna in the face is still weighing on me.
Because I liked it.
Feeling my bones crack over the smoothness of her flesh, listening to the yelps and screams that left her mouth. It’d woken a side of me I’d never felt before. After the adrenaline and shakiness had worn out, I’d wanted to do it again.
There’s a sharp rap on my door before Enzo’s grumbling meets my ears, pulling me out of my thoughts. “Are you ready?” he asks.
“Almost,” I call back out, managing to keep my tone even. I don’t know where in the hell I’m about to go or what’s on today’s agenda, and the last thing I want to do is make it worse by pissing Enzo off. He’s been grumpier than usual lately, and frankly I’d rather he go back to being Maximo’s emotionless minion.
I stare at the floral dress laid out on my bed. It’s different from the outfits that are typically picked out for me. It looks comfy… casual. A word that isn’t typically used when describing clothes worn by the family or their property.
Even when I work, the dresses I wear cost more than the nicest clothes I had in my wardrobe before I got here. And the gowns that are always picked out for me for the parties I’m dragged to… I once overheard the lady at the shop give Vito the total of our order and my head started spinning.
But this dress, it’s cute and it looks like something I would have picked out for myself… after I’d saved a paycheck or two.
I run my fingers over the red and green flowers. The cloth is silky soft and I know it’s going to feel like heaven on my skin.
I slide my bath robe off, folding it up and leaving it on my bed. I know that by the time I get back, it’ll be gone, housekeeping taking care of it. I slide on the matching black bra and panty set, before sliding the dress over my head. Just like I suspected, it's silky soft and I can’t help but to run a hand over the fabric, molding it to my body.
It falls just right above my knees and when I move, I can feel the skirt of the dress rise up a little, but not to the point of it not being modest anymore. I slide my feet into the simple black sandals that were left beside my bed.
Once I’m done, I move to the door, pulling it open. Enzo is leaning against the wall off to the side, his leg kicked up behind him and his arms folded over his chest. Unbidden, I can’t help but to think that he looks hot and the thought is enough to make my stomach stir.
It was bad enough to find the Costas attractive when I was just a willing captive, but now that I know the depth of the destruction they’ve caused in my life… it's sick to have such thoughts.
But I can’t deny it, personality aside, Enzo is attractive. His broad shoulders, the hard cut of his jaw, and those intense eyes that seem to hold the darkest of secrets.
There’s no wonder Maximo is so stuck on him.
I suck in a breath as visions of what happened in the stock room pop into mind yet again.
Don’t go there.
A muscle twitches in Enzo’s jaw and he stands up straight, pulling at the lapels of his suit jacket. I can’t help but wonder how he’s able to stand walking around in all those sleeves now that summer has made its appearance, the heat outside blistering.
“Let's go,” he says, turning around and leaving me with no choice but to follow him.
I remain silent as I follow him through the house, which is unexpectedly silent. Typically, in the last few weeks, the house has been a whirlwind of people coming in and out, usually in a loud ruckus. I always do my best to stay in the background anytime too many people start coming around. You never want to cross paths with the wrong person in this fucking house. I already have four devils to deal with, I don’t want to add another to the equation.
Enzo pulls the front door open, stepping to the side so I can move out before him. I glance up, placing a hand in front of my face as the glare from the sun hits my gaze. The door closes with a click behind me and then there’s the gentle pressure of Enzo’s hand on the small of my back.
The touch is so unexpected and… different from how I’m used to him touching me, that it throws me off and when I go to take a step, I stumble slightly. I let out a swear, putting my arms out to brace myself, but Enzo’s arm slides around my waist before I can hit the ground.
He tugs me back roughly and we’re so close I can feel the press of his heart beating against my back. I press my lips together, exhaling through my nose. When I inhale, Enzo’s cologne floods my nose, something thick and sharp that sends a shiver down my spine.
Enzo’s grip around my waist tightens and I suddenly become aware of the way his crotch is digging into the spot right above my ass.
He’s hard.
I suck in a sharp breath, my heart hammering so fast and hard that I think it’s going to burst right out of my chest.
Neither one of us says anything, nor do we move. My mind races with thoughts.
Shit, I didn’t even realize he could get hard without Maximo being around.