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He disappeared inside, and seconds that felt like years ticked by.
When he emerged, his expression was dark, menacing.
It promised retribution.
Before I could think, I took a step back. Enzo’s eyes flickered and his jaw ticked, but he didn’t say anything.
“It’s empty but the door’s busted and the lock is useless,” he said.
“Someone was inside my house,” I said stupidly.
Enzo’s expression softened. “Let’s go,” he said.
“No. I won’t be forced out of my home,” I said with bravado I didn’t feel. Sure, I may have sounded strong, but I sure as fuck didn’tfeelstrong.
To think that the excitement I’d felt just minutes ago had come to this. Maybe I should thank whoever had broken in. At least they’d kept me from doing something stupid like sleeping with Enzo.
I glanced at the door again and knew that was wrong. I couldn’t help but think about that time in fourth grade when someone had broken into me and Gram’s apartment. She’d beenspitting mad. It took me years to realize she’d been afraid, too, but that she’d put up a brave face for me.
The least I could do was live up to her example.
“Come on, doll,” Enzo said.
“I’m not leaving my home, Enzo.”
To emphasize my point, I walked inside, trying not to balk at the splintered door.
“Fine, hard ass. The guys will be over in a few minutes to fix the door,” he said.
“Tell them not to bother. It’s after midnight, and I don’t have money to replace the door. I’ll figure something out,” I said tightly.
“Molly,” Enzo said, his voice so soft, I couldn’t help but look at him. When I met his eyes, he smiled. “That wasn’t a question.”
“Enzo…” I started, but when I saw the set of his expression, I shook my head and muttered, “Fine.”
By the timeEnzo’s men had replaced the door, it was almost two in the morning. The apartment smelled like metal shavings and Enzo’s cologne—dark, citrusy, unnerving.
The essence of danger.
I dropped onto the couch, exhausted. He stood near the window, arms crossed, watching the street like a hawk.
“You don’t have to stay,” I said.
“I know.”
“Enzo…”
He didn’t even look at me. “I’m staying.”
I huffed. “Don’t you have made-man stuff to do? Or women to chase?”
His lips twitched, but he didn’t take the bait. “I already caught the only woman I was chasing.”
I rolled my eyes but didn’t argue.
Too tired.
Too affected by his words.